Suppose She Had Been Armed and Aware

[GreenStormCloud]

A few days ago a video was posted in which a woman was mugged and robbed of a ring in a parking lot.

http://www.wfaa.com/news/crime/Surveillance-video-shows-theft-of-90000-ring-82998462.html This video has close ups that show more detail.

Some posters claimed that a gun would not have helped her. Let's ignore the extraneous factors and focus on the mugging itself. There are lessons to be learned here in using a gun for self-defense versus being unarmed.

The mugger goes through the classics stages of that type of crime. Victim selection, stalk, attack, escape. She was identified as "next victim" off camera, probably while in the store. Then the mugger had to get within range. He did that by being dropped off from a car and then hiding behind the last vehicle in the row. When she came withing range, he pounced, then escaped. Notice that he seems to engage her in some conversation for a couple of seconds just before she attempts to run away. That is a common tactic of muggers - to attempt to put the victim off guard by asking some question and getting them to talking while the mugger gets very close.

Now suppose that she has a concealed weapon and is aware of what is happening around her.

1. Parking lot appears clear and she goes to her car. OK so far. She has one of those remote door lock/unlock devices that enables her to unlock her doors before she gets to the car. You can see her parking lights flash as she keys the device. The vehicles are: black pickup, silver car, small black vehicle (hers), white pickup.

2. Car drives through parking lot and drops a man off. Normal so far, but worthy of being monitored while she is loading groceries in her car. Do not let appearances fool you. This mugger was smart enough to dress so that he appeared to fit in. He looked "preppy".

3. Man goes to other side of white pickup and appears to crouch down to be hidden by the body of the pick-up. ALERT!! EXTREMELY SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR. Action required: Stop everything else, do not draw gun yet, but put hand under clothing and grasp gun, ready if needed. Face the man while backing away from him. Don't allow tunnel vision, keep glancing around for a possible partner who may strike from your rear. DO NOT TALK TO HIM!! (He will attempt to engage you in conversation as a distraction technique. Don't fall for it.) If he comes toward you, say, "STAY AWAY".

4A. Usually, at this point the mugger realizes that he may get killed trying for the crime, and he retreats. Get as good a description as you can an notify police. No crime has been committed so he can be charged with anything, but the police would like to know about it anyway.
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4B. The mugger is a hyperpunk that attacks anyway. The gun is already in your hand. Draw and shoot, keep shooting until the threat is neutralized. Reload and call 9-11.

Notice that everything revolves around step three. Spot the threat and prepare to meet the attack. Guns are not a magic talisman. They are a powerful martial arts tool that is fairly easy to become skilled in their use.

Or you can simply be another crime victim/statistic.