Situational Awareness Sure Helps!

[Bulldog Custom Gun Leathe]

First off a little about my background, I’m a 34 year law enforcement veteran. I’m still on the job, and live and work in a rather high crime rate area. Throughout the years while away from my home I maintain a keen awareness of my surrounding both on and off the job. I’m pretty much in condition yellow most of the time. I’m also armed whenever I leave my home.

A situation this past weekend has caused me a evaluate the need to be armed at home even if it’s just to take the garbage to the street, or grab a breath of fresh air.
I had walked a lady friend out through my garage to her vehicle parked in the street.
As I started to walk back towards my open garage, my peripheral vision caught the headlights of an approaching car. I live on a major thoroughfare, so a passing car is something that usually goes unnoticed. What did grab my attention was the driver cut the headlights while still traveling down the street.
The car quickly pulled over partially blocking my driveway.
I quickly moved into my garage, quickly pressing the button to close the garage door.
As the door was coming down, I observed subjects exiting both the drivers and passenger’s doors heading towards my driveway.
After I was sure the door was closed, I ran up and grabbed a pistol. I heard the slamming of car doors and the vehicle sped away.
I’m convinced that I would have been a victim of a crime of opportunity, most likely, armed robbery, home invasion or worse.
The opportunity presented itself to a couple of scumbags just driving by.
As much as the incident shook me up, I’m glad it was I and not some other unsuspecting citizen. Living in condition yellow, helped me quickly realize that danger had presented itself and allowing me to safely retreat, grab a pistol to take further action if necessary.
I investigate violent crime for a living. I never gave a second thought to the possibility of being a crime victim myself. I sure consider it now.

[500KV]

That situation could have had a bad outcome for sure Bulldog. Glad everything worked out well.
I'm becoming more code yellow oriented myself since home invasions, drive-bys, parking lot muggings, et al. have become an every day occurrence here.

I've even started carrying, or have one within easy access when I'm cutting grass or raking leaves.(outside and not within easy reach of the house or garage).
Some would call this kind of thinking paranoia but when it's happening everywhere, even churches, I call it preparedness.

Makes you wonder what, if anything, is going to stop it.
LE can catch them but courts, sometimes for obvious reasons, turn 'em loose.
Really can't see it getting any better that's for sure. :33:

[Bawanna]

You are absolutely correct on the situational awareness and preparedness plan. I carry without thought mowing the lawn etc etc etc. I use to put my gun in a ziplock bag in the shower. Now thats border line paranoid but I'm nearly deaf without a hearing aid so in the shower I'm vulnerable. Probably to late if I'm attacked in the shower but at least I had a plan feeble as it might have been.
Glad Bulldog was paying attention and avoided bad things happening.

[medezyner]

Your heighten sense of awareness cut short what sounded like some SHTF. Through years of martial arts training and defensive pistol training the code yellow can become second nature. It takes effort, time and practice but this awareness of environment will someday save your life. Over the years I’ve sounded like a broken record trying to instill this in my kids. Now I have a son ready to start his LE career and his Dad still bending his ear about situational awareness. It’s getting more difficult to sneak up on him like Kato does on to Clouseau, so maybe it’s paid-off! Glad to hear all turned out well.

[wyntrout]

You are absolutely correct on the situational awareness and preparedness plan. I carry without thought mowing the lawn etc etc etc. I use to put my gun in a ziplock bag in the shower. Now thats border line paranoid but I'm nearly deaf without a hearing aid so in the shower I'm vulnerable. Probably to late if I'm attacked in the shower but at least I had a plan feeble as it might have been.
Glad Bulldog was paying attention and avoided bad things happening.

Hey! I'm glad that I'm not the only one to think about vulnerability in the shower... or the bathroom. Did you ever notice that bad stuff always happens when someone's in the shower... going back to Psycho. It almost never fails that one of the central figures in the movie is being stalked or something and just after a close call she/he gets in the shower... next thing you know the the bad guy... or thing is attacking her/him.
I was short a gun for the bathroom until I got my PM9. I retired my TPH to the bathroom and like you did, I certainly have thought about doing putting it in a ziplock bag in the shower... many times.
When I take the trash out at night, or move the water hoses while watering the yard at all hours of the night, I will put on a gun IWB and if needed carry a light. I finally got something that gives me a little protection as well as a light... or rather a little light (LEDs) and a lot of protection -- a 1,000,000-volt stun gun/flashlight. I need the light to set the hose timers. I've tried my 50k stun gun on myself and once on my agreeable daughter -- just a quick tap of the button. There's no way I'm trying this thing. Everyone I've shown it to has nearly jumped out of their skin when it discharged -- impressive -- especially when they think it's just a flashlight. It's a great deterrent just firing it for less than a second -- longer is harmful to the device. Longer than a split second will bring anyone to their knees and helpless. I feel better with the gun, but I still need the light.
Situational awareness is something you have to practice all of the time. That one time you weren't paying attention is when the SHTF. Like the Boy Scouts -- "Be prepared". I don't know what the Girl Scouts motto is... "Would you like to buy some cookies..."?:D
It ain't paranoia if they are really out to get you! And if you're not ready, you may not have the luxury of 2020 hindsight later.:eek:
Wynn:)

[mx5fan]

Bulldog,

Thank you, your post as it is a reminder to all of us to be more vigilant and mindful of our surroundings and any unusual activity as a potential cause for concern.

[deadhead1971]

If they did not drop somebody off but got out of the car and then back in, then they were up to no good.

I am in code yellow too most of the time. I was not in any danger in this recent situation, but I maneuvered to the best position to deal with what unfolded.

I was in a grocery store checking out. I noticed a guy sitting on a bench near the front door inside the store. As I was handed my receipt and turned to head out the front door, I noticed out of the corner of my eye that the guy stood up as I passed and followed me. Inside the store about 10 feet from the door, I stopped and turned to the right side to make him pass me which he did, and I went out behind him. Immediately as we existed the store, he turned completely around and asked for money which I declined. I think I was armed with a Ruger 380 LCP. Being behind him, I was in a better position.

[Longitude Zero]

Always pay attention...Never drop your guard...Always have a plan.

[jstringer]

I was at the grocery checkout a while back. Noticed the guy in front of me had nothing to check out. Had the "look" too. Hate to say that but, whatever.

Anyway he just got cigs but I was glad I was "aware" if you know what I mean.

I try to keep aware, to look around especially when exiting a mall etc.

I get after my wife about it. She just doesn't look around or notice stuff. I pulled right up by her in my truck as she was loading stuff in her car one day at her work and she didn't even see me.....
I don't know how to get her to be more aware of her surroundings.
Anyone else have the same problem with your spouse? Fix it somehow?

[johnatw]

J**
I have the same problem with my wife, she never looks where she is walking, constantly stepping in pot holes, dog dukey, running into those trailer hitches that stick out from the bumpers, etc. I have no solutions, but wonder how come she noticed my new shotgun the very day I bought it and put it up??????

[jstringer]

HA! Selective awareness maybe?

[a.squibload]

Thanks guys, for reminding me to take the trash out!
My wife has her CCW but never carries, go figure.
She is slow in gait (bad knees) but steps out in front of moving vehicles at the
grocery store, trying to break her of that habit.
On the good side, she brings guns home when she finds a deal.
Still berates me for buying them though.
In Popeye's immortal words: "Wimmings. Fooey!"

[Tack]

Bulldog

I'm an LEO as well and Firearms Instructor. Glad your training and 6th sense paid off. Now if we could just get more officers to pay attention during training and to the rest of us who've been around awhile. I've got 34 years under my belt as well. Must be a reason we're still on the job. Stay Safe Brother.

[kahrseye]

I too seem to always be on "yellow" awareness. Funny thing I think it comes naturally. My gf is a Pharmacist. When she owned her own store she was robbed on several occasions. She could just look at someone and know there was going to be trouble. Recently I walked into the store she's working for and the first question was "Do you have your gun on you?" That's not what you want to hear when you walk in. Long story short, I hung around until the police handled the situation and didn't need to pull my weapon. But anything can happen at anytime. We must always remain vigilant.

[Tack]

I too seem to always be on "yellow" awareness. Funny thing I think it comes naturally. My gf is a Pharmacist. When she owned her own store she was robbed on several occasions. She could just look at someone and know there was going to be trouble. Recently I walked into the store she's working for and the first question was "Do you have your gun on you?" That's not what you want to hear when you walk in. Long story short, I hung around until the police handled the situation and didn't need to pull my weapon. But anything can happen at anytime. We must always remain vigilant.

I took a class from John Farnam several years ago.

He has a saying " When it's least expected, You're elected"

Sums it up pretty well.

[noslolo]

This last spring, I got home from being out of state at around 1:30am and I normally strap on my CW40 as soon as I get home, but I didn't that night. I went to take out the trash which I usually take my Boxer with me, but I didn't that night. I left the house and made it to the trash cans on the other side of my carport, when I heard someone yelling a girls name. I live across from a garage and there was a man in shorts and a tank top (it was very cold out) yelling at the garage. He heard me walking, dam gravel driveway and started calling the girls name in my direction. He then crossed the street and started to come up my driveway. I yelled stop! He started to tell me that he needed a ride to his appartment because it was freezing outside and he was looking for his old girlfriend to give him a ride. I could tell that he was very drunk. He explained where he lived and asked if I could give him a ride. I informed him that his appartment was only three blocks down the hill, so he should hurry up down there if he was cold. I was about 15 yards from him when he started up my driveway towards me. I was about 20 yards from my front door. He was about my height but I was an easy hundred pounds heavier. I knew that I would never make it to the door. I put my weak arm up in a stopping motion and swung my strong arm back like I was grabbing a gun and yelled for him to get off of my property right now! He threw both of his hands in the air while walking backwards out of my driveway. He then ran down the hill and out of sight. I never go out of the house with out it now. It was a huge wake up call for me. I went against better judgement leaving the dog and the gun inside. It won't happen again. I carried 95% of the time while at home before this happened, I now carry 100% of the time. You just never know when something is going to happen. My wife thinks I'm crazy for carrying around the house. She is a true sheep, I have to be a sheepdog.

I'm glad everything worked out for you. I cringed when I read your story and you stated that you saw the car turn off it's lights, and the situation just got worse from there.

[skychief12]

I think I've at the yellow lever since 1970 when I got home from Vietnam. I always position myself with my back to the wall at restaurants. The funny thing is when I meet up with some of my combat vet buddies at a restaurant you should see the scramble to get that seat. Fortunately they all still have my back.

[jlottmc]

I think I've at the yellow lever since 1970 when I got home from Vietnam. I always position myself with my back to the wall at restaurants. The funny thing is when I meet up with some of my combat vet buddies at a restaurant you should see the scramble to get that seat. Fortunately they all still have my back.


I know exactly what you mean. Vietnam was a might before my time, however Bosnia was my time in Hell. The lessons I had grown up with were reinforced and expanded when I got there.

[garyb]

Ditto on what the in country experiences and martial arts training do to put you in auto ready mind set. Antennas are always on alert. My brother tells me that it made me paranoid for civilian life and my wife won't listen to my advice....but I am ready to GO at all times. Probably a bit more than yellow, but I can't put it down and at times and I wish I could. Especially the nightmares. I wish I could get the wife to consider handgun lessons. She is such a tremendous muzzleloading champion and with an excellent form and concentration. She is a tough, stubborn Italian with a spirit (and mouth) to match. When it's good, it's really good. When it's bad, it's hell. Happy wife, happy life and viseversa. I just want to see her safe at all times because I love her so much.

Now I am getting at the age where the body is not be the same as it was in the day, but my trigger finger is still ready to go. I still train 1-3 hrs a day and dry fire practice every day. In the day, I did not feel any need to carry in civilian life. It does not cross the mind when you feel invincible. Now I carry 24/7. It's just that kind of world and I guess I realize my limitations now, so I recently took on the martial art of the handgun. I am enjoying the new sport and making it an art. I appreciate you folks giving out such good advice too...Thanks. It is a good forum with good people. I am always searching for new lessons, input, things to learn and train. Good fun stuff that has extended my martial arts background into old manhood...haha.

To mention one of our forum characters I appreciate in particular.... I love Bawanna45's recent comment that I still chuckle about after reading it from another tread and I will apply it to my trigger finger which is ready to "shoot until they change shape or catch on fire."...ha ha. You are a card Bawanna45...gotta love that guy!

Anyway, be careful out there. Train. Know your Sword. Live by the Sword.
Thanks and Happy Holidays!

[Bawanna]

Well I can't take credit for the shoot till they change shape or catch on fire, that credit goes to my new buddy Kyletex, the Tommy Gun totin truck driver down in Texas. I think it was part of his signature.
Like you I glean information from here that can be applied to my daily needs and modify it to work for me.
If I ever get a Harley 3 wheeler (unlikely) you can bet I'll learn from here and avoid icecream in the road at all cost.

Thanks for the kind words.

[garyb]

You gotta admit it's a good saying. I chuckle everytime I think of it.

[Bawanna]

Yup its a good one.

[Bawanna]

OK, lets log in our thoughts regarding the recent Florida School Board incident. Perhaps we could entitle this thread "Hide under your desk or grow a pair."
Just to keep things interesting lets assume your not carrying a gun and your one of the guys behind the desk in the big leather chairs being mighty impotent.

Dude whips out his spray paint can and graffitis the wall.

What do you do after that and before the brave purse wielding grandma takes on the BG with her purse?

I'll withhold further thought for now but know for certain I would not remain sitting in my overstuffed leather chair waiting for the arrival of Superman or Wonder Woman, although I'd opt for hero # 2 given the choice. Angel material and all.

[dusty10]

You know, that was kinda wierd they just sat there while an adult vandalized government property. You would think someone should have called security right then. The bigger question is how did he get through the metal detectors to even get in the meeting? Or where was security when he's walking around in a school carrying a can of spray paint right out in the open?

Note to self...add throwing knives...tomahawk..to Christmas list.

[Bawanna]

We dont have metal detectors or security around here at schools or the district office. Would be easy for him to get in with the paint and the gun. I routinely went to schools when my kids were there, still have one at the High School.

Good idea on the throwing knives and tomahawk. Always wanted a tomahawk anyhow.

Gotta give grandma credit she at least made an attempt to do something when the boys just sat and hoped for the best.

If I'm gonna get shot at least it will be while I'm pummeling the guy and taking his gun away so maybe somebody else don't have to get shot too.

[dusty10]

Did anyone notice how few people were at the school board meeting before the shooter emptied the room? I still say that head honcho in the middle should have called the on premises security guard when Mr. V started leaving his mark.
That shooter fully intended to leave his family that night and die by his own hand or police officer suicide. He was a coward and now his family is alone without his support.
OK, gotta go chill now..rant over. Dusty