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I was recently on my normal commute home from work. All was well, but things certainly changed in a hurry...

I was in the right lane on a 3 lane highway (bumper to bumper traffic). I had just passed an area where a fourth lane ended, so traffic had to merge left, into the lane I was now in. There was still shoulder on my right, but very close ahead a concrete barrier blocked the shoulder. As I approached the area where the shoulder was blocked, I heard (via my open sunroof) a vehicle approaching and then someone slam on the brakes. As I later put together, it seems the driver of a large pick-up was speeding down the shoulder to pass traffic and evidently realized he could go no further so he slammed on the brakes and merged into traffic in the right lane - I assume he was about to try to squeeze in front of my car but failed to get there in time? I didn't see any of this so it's just what I assume based on what happened next.

Oblivious to any problem, I continued in the right lane and then merged into the middle lane - as the right lane was about to end as an exit only. Again, traffic is very slow. I am suddenly aware of the pick-up next to me, with the driver yelling, etc. I didn't have a clue what his problem was, but he steered his truck at me and came very close to making contact, I waved as if to wave him off. I slowed further to let him go on and exit, that's when the real trouble began.

The driver of the pick up passed me on my right, but then turned his truck hard left, blocking my lane and blocking me in. He then proceded to get out, to reveal an enormous man made of basically all muscle. Things happened quickly - I believe all traffic stopped - so there was no where to escape. I am a CHL holder and quickly grabbed my pistol, keeping it low and out of site. As the man approached I probably made a mistake but lowered my driver window. The man didn't speak of driving - he only yelled about how big he was and how he was going to snap my neck and kill me with one punch. As he continued to stand in the middle of the highway (having stopped all traffic) I found myself with this man just about a foot from my window. I didn't say a word. Actually I don't think I could have spoken if I had to. I kept my pisol in hand, out of site and decided that my 'no cross line' was if he made a move to reach into my window. Keeping my eyes on him I never said a word. I let him yell, and make an exhibition with his movements. I glanced down once at where my pistol was, just to make sure my movement would be clear if I had to draw. When I looked back at the man I caught him looking, as if to see what was in my hand. I think at this point the man may have begun to re-think his actions (I didn't do what he wanted by yelling back or getting out - but rather watched him closely with a hand low and out of sight). He finished yelling whatever, got back into his truck, and proceeded to get back in the far right lane to exit the highway. I waited for a few moments before proceeding to drive on. All muscle, but do you think in what little brain he had he knows what was about to happen?

As I continue to reflect on this incident, I feel it is worth sharing and welcome feedback. A few things in advance. Those that would say 'should have called 911', this all happened so fast I grabbed the only thing that could provide immediate protection. I had not provoked him, but I am smart enough to know that anyone that blocks traffic on a highway and gets out of their vehicle like this is not coming to sell me cookies. With the incident having gone as far as it did, I fell into tunnel vision. I knew I was blocked from escape so my only focus became where he was, what he was doing, and if/when I was about to make a life changing decision. This man could very well have inflicted the harm he described, no doubt. When I continued my drive, all I had on my mind was that I was safe. I didn't even think to get a license plate, call the police, or anything further. While the incident completely stopped traffic, no bystanders did anything to my knowledge either.

This is a very clear example of how quickly things can change. The next day I could only think about how different today could be - talk big all you want, but to be actually be in a situation where you make a 'committment' inside that the use of deadly force is only moments away - not a place you want to be. Of course I still carry. Be safe out there.