Here is an alternate strategy that I use and would suggest.Goatruckman wrote:... my immediate profile of the vehical told me "transient". ... I see a man get out of truck and start heading to me. I make contact with the shady looking individual when he is 15 feet away. In a stern voice I said, "can I help you". He asked if I knew where the hospital was, as he stopped where he was when I opened my mouth. I said, "No, I sure dont". He seemed agitated that I stopped him before he could approach me, as he was also looking inside my truck. He walked back to his truck and went to the bed of his truck and grabbed something.
At that point I decided I had enough fuel in my truck. I got back in my truck and the individual started to approach my truck again with his left hand holding something behind his back. At this point in time I didn't know what was in his hand. I had grabbed my weapon and had it still hidden but was ready for whatever may have to be done. He was at the front of my truck, and said he had to ask me another question. I told him loudly through closed and locked doors "I have no answers for you."
He started to walk to the passenger side of my truck where my girlfriend was. So I layed on the horn. He then Started to my side holding up a package of chicken saying "I need to cook this".
At that point I was able to start my truck and pull away from the station as He nearly came in contact with my side mirror
- You had already identified him as questionable.
- Thus 15 feet is too close. Well within Tueller distance and you don't even have your gun at your side.
- I am putting my left hand up in a "STOP" gesture at about 30-35 feet away and commanding in a loud voice, "Stop right there. Do not come closer."
- If he keeps coming, I move my right hand towards my holster while telling him, "I have nothing you want, I said STOP."
- If he is still coming, I am going to draw.
- I do not get into discussion. I don't care if they want to ask for directions, ask to borrow my phone, ask for gas money, need to cook their chicken, ask for anything. I will not listen to the story and I will not engage in discussion.
- Too many times the conversation is merely a ploy to get close enough to do harm.
Far preferable to have it readily accessible in a belt holster. Often, the mere act of moving an arm towards the holster is enough for a predator to decide there is easier prey elsewhere.Goatruckman wrote:I leave my door open to have quick access to what I have between my seat and console,
Edited to add: I do not care if the other person thinks I am a jerk. I am simply going to assert control of the encounter as quickly and firmly as possible.