So, today I was on a field trip with the daycare/summer program. The director and I are walking up the ramp/sidewalk with 60 kids/staff behind us. I was talking to her kinda looking to my left when I caught motion out of my right eye. I looked that direction and what I saw was a crazed lunatic running straight at us with a large stick in his Hand!

I stopped dead in my tracks, there I was, walls on both sides and 60 kids/staff behind me! I started to reach for my pistol, and nothing. Oh yeah, I'm at fucking work.

I'm ready to go hands-on as an old dude against a 20something crazy man. When the police that was chasing him on foot catches up, and another in patrol car come flying up! The patrol car kinda blocks his path and the Officer on foot gets him to stop and comply.

We turn the kids around and take a different way back to the bases. By then three more cars show up and now we are blocked in. Now, we have to keep the kids Diverted from what was going on outside of the bus.

The kids are K through 5th grade. Two busses and my bus was lead with the small ones on.

Needless to say I was a little shaken and pissed that I could have been in a fight for my life and 60 other people that are in my care and because of stupid fucking laws, I, and everyone else was left vulnerable.

ARman

There are lots of them, but what stupid laws are we talking about here?

I work for a school district, and I can't be armed.

So, there was no way that I could have protected myself and the kids from a crazy person with a large stick if he didn't stop for the police.

ARman

You say that you're an "Old Dude." Do the school district rules prohibit you from carrying a cane? Could be very useful in a situation like the one you described.

I don't go anywhere without mine, whether or not I'm carrying a firearm.

The "cane-fu master" who gave us some introductory instruction mentioned that he carries a pistol, but the cane is always in his hand and is much quicker to use.

Can't be armed with what?

The most important weapon is the mind. Anything beyond that is just a tool. I'd guess you might have had some 'tools' handy, or perhaps could carry something a little less scary than a 1911 that could be effectively employed.

I've heard that a big nut on a piece of para cord makes a very handy but innocent looking striking device.

When traveling to a place where I can’t take a firearm (or by airplane) I carry a padlock with a 3” or 4” shackle. I can close it within my fist and the shackle protrudes creating a very wicked striking point. Or, I could swing it like a bar of soap in a sock with a lanyard attached to it. If asked, it’s for my gym locker. (Which is absolutely plausible.) A roll of dimes shrink-wrapped in the plastic sleeves (vice the paper ones) will add some weight and support to your clenched fists, and you can explain them by saying you’re taking them to the bank later or you just picked them up from the bank.

Of course, the cane as mentioned earlier provides some standoff, which is better than getting within contact range.

The school bus should have a fire extinguisher on board, and possibly a tire iron or a large wrench (you could supply those).

I know how you feel (except for the stick-wielding maniac); I can’t be armed at work either.

The most important (and admirable) thing was your immediate instinct to protect the children; that’s a sheepdog move —- good on you!

Well a cane isn't necessary against policy, but being a bus driver at least around here would raise eyebrows. In Kentucky, state rules, for bus drivers are the strictest in the nation, and federal statutes for bus driver is more strict than any CDL.

No tire tool on school bus, or other large wrench. Fire extinguisher, yes. But the bus was 300 yards away on the otherside of crazy guy.

I had a knife on me, but crazy guy had a 4 ft. long 2+" diameter stick in his hand. I would hate to think that I would have to take on a guy half my age, that had a standoff advantage over me.

I, as all bus drivers have a "tire thumper" with me, but that is 18" long, and 300 yards away.

I really did not like the idea of having to deal with a crazy person, and not having any effective tools at my disposal. All because some liberals pussy hurts.

Thinking of what could have happened to those little kids made me sick!

ARman

maybe an expandable baton. Pretty easy to conceal. I am not saying a crazy guy with a stick in not dangerous. For sure he is. But if you can avoid a direct first hit you have a pretty good chance against a prolonged attack if you have something to fight back with imho.

Well, you can be armed if you chose to be, but of course there are consequences if discovered. I can't be armed at my work either - officially.

It might be worthwhile to check with your school district security. Some districts allow the carrying of OC spray or gel.

Silent

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
maybe an expandable baton. Pretty easy to conceal. I am not saying a crazy guy with a stick in not dangerous. For sure he is. But if you can avoid a direct first hit you have a pretty good chance against a prolonged attack if you have something to fight back with imho.

Those expandables are illegal in many places. But if you used it successfully to defend the people, then what. Would you get a pass in a conservative court, or would a progressive court fry your ass anyway. A case a few years ago iirc, guns were legal inside the home but not outside the home, and a homeowner ran out of his house and saved the life of a boy being mauled by a dog by shooting the dog. The court smoked his ass anyway for using his gun outside his home.

Years ago I picked up a Fast Strike whip, before the model that connects the tip to the handle. Mostly as a novelty but I could see where it might be handy. Even Harry Potter should be able to defend himself