roadrunner4man wrote:I had a situation happen last winter that still shakes me up pretty good when I think about it or have discussed it with my shooting buddies. I left the house to go to the pharmacy to pick up a script for my wife. It is close enough to our house that I can take a shortcut through an alley and then through a carwash and drive through the parking lot from the back, staying off of the main busy street out in front of the pharmacy. It was dark when I picked up her medicine, so I was driving carefully/slowly leaving out of the back of the parking lot. I guess that I was driving too slow for the young man behind me that was using the same cut through route. I scooted over to let him by about the time I got to the car wash. Apparently that was not good enough for him. He drove by me screaming and yelling and shooting me the finger. I just stopped to let him on through, but when he got just past me he stopped. He was at just enough of an angle that when he was getting out of his car my headlights were shining on him as I saw him reaching under the seat for something. I didn't think that I had enough time to put my pick up in reverse and back up. I could see myself getting shot through my windsheild. My mind was going into another gear it seemed like. I put my truck in park and could only think to open the door and get out and get the engine block between him and me. As I was getting out I unholstered my pistol with the full intention of coming over the hood and unloading the magazine. I have laser activated grips on most of my pistols so when I came over the hood the red dot was right at center mass. I still don't know how I kept from shooting this guy, but the chrome object I saw him pulling out from under the seat was a flashlight. He saw the red beam of light coming at him and looked down at his chest. He dropped the flashlight and jumped in his car, driving off as fast as he could. I reholstered my gun and called 911. I told the dispatcher what had happened and she sent a patrol car over. The city policeman that showed up took a report from me. I didn't get a tag number off of the car but it was a very distinctive car, paint job/low rider. I never heard anything from the police. This totally freaked me out. I came so close to shooting a young man armed with a flashlight. I was thankful I was carrying my Glock that night. I had just gotten a new pistol, 1911 .45ACP, but didn"t feel familiar enough with it to be carrying it yet. Knowing the .45 intimatly now, this kid would have been dead if I was carrying it that night. I don't know if he had been in the pharmacy and saw me leave, planning on robbing me or if it was a road rage thing. Not really sure. Have any of you had a close call/situation like this. This deal freaked me out so bad that I though about not carrying my pistol after carrying for years.
This deal freaked me out so bad that I though about not carrying my pistol after carrying for years
IMHO everything worked out right. Your weapon stopped a probable-assault. The great part is that you didn't have to fire it.
Keep carrying!
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I'm sorry that it took so long to reply. My Dad passed away and I have been out of town for his funeral and took a week off to spend with my Mom.
Thanks for the valuable input. I appreciate all of the level headed experience on this board. I did and have continued to carry. A situation like mine reinforces the huge responsibility it is to carry. I shoot approximately 1500 rounds a month, if I'm going to carry, I'm going to be a good shot!
I was carrying a Glock Model 17-9mm that night. I carry a 1911 45ACP now. The reason I said that I might have shot the young man that night with the 45 is that the Glock's trigger might be a little more forgiving for an "itchy" trigger finger.
Thanks again for the input. I learn so much from all of you. I want to be a responsible citizen and always do it right. You don't often get a "do over" in our lifestyle.
It sounds like your CHL worked as well as we all hope it will. You stopped the attack. In this case you didn't have to fire which is perfect. Whether it was the laser or your stance, something warned the young man that continuing would not have his hoped-for outcome. All in all, It seems that your preparation and the fact that you DO carry got you home safely from a situation which could have ended YOUR life.
Good job!
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When I was reading your post, I immediately knew which car wash shortcut you were talking about. I have used that shortcut myself a few times and fortunately, I have never encountered any trouble there but I can certainly see how it could happen. I am glad that everything worked out ok for both you and the other guy and I think you are making the right decision to continue to carry.
roadrunner4man, I have nothing to add about your encounter. You have received good info.
However, 6 months ago I lost my 95 year old Dad. In the last half of our lives he had become a good friend as well as my Dad. I appreciate what you are currently experiencing. I pray that your love for him will carry you through this stressful and conflicted time. Keep the good memories in the forefront of your mind to help you through it all.
I have found that, from time to time, situations occur that will choke me up when I am talking or tears will form when I hear a song or think of a particular time involving him (like now as I write this). Know that this is a good thing. It lets the grief come out in moderate doses that you can manage.
Think how sad it would be if you hadn't had a relationship where there was enough of a bond and a love that would cause such emotions to expose themselves.
There are many of us here who will, or have, said a prayer for you and your family.
Be well.
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