Coming out of a local store near my house when two men came out of the darkness asking for a ride to a road I know is a dead end and very dark and secluded. I said "Sorry I can't" at which time the taller of the two circles around behind me and the smaller of the two keeps me engaged by talking and advancing. I did a quick step back with a glance to see how close the big guy was (about 5 paces from me) as the little one kept coming. I eased back my jacket and set my grip on my weapon. It was dark and I really don't know if he saw my weapon or that my hand was set to go into action but he backed off said he was sorry to bother me. I didn't unholster my weapon because in this state if I had he could have pressed charges as an assault upon him (screwed up state). Plus I have been trained never to unholster weapon unless you are going to use it on the threat. I post this almost as a PSA to be on your guard no matter where you are even if you feel safe you could still be a target. Had the one advanced any further the Sheriff's Department would have some reports to write and lots of videos to watch as where I was there are about six cameras in the general area. I'm glad it didn't go any further as the BS one would have to deal with is a pain. Keep your head on swivel 24/7 it's close to Christmas and the creeps come out to feed. Chris

Sounds like you were prepared and did well to prevent being a victim. I would hate to have to shoot someone but wouldn't hesitate if the need arose. I'm glad things worked out well for you Chris and thank you for the reminder to always be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to defend yourself if need be.

You did well. But how did you get a permit in MD???

Did you report the incident?
Local LEOs need to be looking for those 2 fellas to discuss what they were up to.

For my business, I have had a Wear Carry permit for a few years and yes you do have to jump thru hoops to get it. Little or no 2A in this state. As far reporting, I guess I should have but I was glad the encounter was done without harm to anyone, I was in the truck and gone. Chris

You did fine. Same thing I would have done.

quote:

Originally posted by Chris Anchor:
I was in the truck and gone. Chris

And they probably went to look for another victim. You did good, but even now I would suggest contacting the police and letting them know the whole thing was on camera. If they want to follow up with it, or are actively trying to ID and find these guys because there are other victims, you can go from having protected yourself to helping protect others. If they don’t want to follow up on it, hey, you still did the right thing.

I'll ask the store owner what he has got. I know he has a nice system and keeps 10 days on the DVR. I think I can get him to thumb drive the encounter. Most likely local crack/smack heads as we have a few in that part of the county. Chris

+1 on the reporting.

I’m in my 15th year carrying and to get different perspectives always choose a different instructor for each renewal class.

My most recent instructor was a retired cop and he was adamant about calling the police and reporting if you have to pull, or even suggest that you have a firearm. (Like the OP did).

He said by doing that it prevented the bad-guys from getting the upper hand and reporting YOU first; suddenly the cops are watching the videos looking for you and asking why you were the aggressor.

Says it happens more often than you might think.

quote:

Originally posted by Sigmund:
You did well. But how did you get a permit in MD???

don't ask don't tell

Thanks for sharing your story. I find myself carrying more and more these days.

quote:

Originally posted by Chris Anchor:
I didn't unholster my weapon because in this state if I had he could have pressed charges as an assault upon him (screwed up state).

In Colorado even making it clear one has a gun and is prepared to use it could result in a “menacing” charge. No relevance to your situation, of course, but it’s important for everyone to know their local laws.

Flashlight! Light 'em up and go defensive. I carry a Zebralight SC62 1000 lumen, small and powerful. OP did well. With the newer, lightweight, compact lights... I say... 'Light 'em up'.

Glad you didn't have to shoot.

...and throwing a cigarette into the ditch could result in an arson charge. I wouldn't worry.

Just don't get it stuck in your mind that if you pull a gun, you must shoot it. I see that nonsense all over the internet, and it's exactly nonsense. Anyone that trains people with that "advice" is a shit trainer.