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I was out in the middle of nowhere this morning, checking oil wells in the rain, when I got a little surprise. It had rained here all last night, so the roads were very bad and I was having trouble getting up this road to one of my wells, but I noticed a set of very fresh tracks of someone that had gone in ahead of me. It being Deer season here, I just figured it was a hunter who had decided not to let the weather keep him home today.

As I got almost to the location, I saw a guy run from where my gas compressor is located and jump into a mini van; it was still dark, but he had ran in front of his head lights. By this time, I had two thoughts going through my head; one was, how did he get that mini van in here and the other was, I hope he's not dumping a body.

The guy was blocked in by my truck as there is only one way in and out of the location and the road is very narrow; not to mention slick with deep mud. I had come to a stop to consider my options at this point, as there was no way to back down the road as muddy as it was and I was doubtful that there was enough room for us to pass each other. I knew one thing for sure, I really didn't like the idea of getting near his van for fear of getting shot.

About then, guy decided to make the decision for me and was going to get by me at all costs. I had to make the decision as the weather I was going to drive and try to minimize my exposure to this guy or draw my weapon and deal with a possible confrontation with him; the road was too bad to even consider doing both. I chose to drive and try to avoid a shoot out with this guy, if at all possible. So I hammered down my work truck and slid by him in the ditch, missing his side mirror by inches and staring him directly in the eyeballs as we passed window to window.

The guy was no doubt your typical crack head and was up to no good, so after we passed each other, I got his tag number off his rear plates. As I pulled onto the location, I called the County Sheriffs department and gave them a good description of the vehicle as well as the driver. I then checked the location and found no body laying around or anything missing, but I figured I had pulled up on him before he had a chance to steal anything.

At this point, I considered the very real possibility that the guy had slid off the road and had me blocked in; so I was real careful coming back out in case the guy was stuck, but he had managed to get it back out to the main road.

I went ahead and pulled into my next well location and found that he had been there and stolen $400 worth of batteries, from the compressor on that location. So I contacted the sheriffs department again, to let them know that the guy had in fact stolen equipment from me. They informed me that they had not found the guy yet, but were still watching for him.

Later, when I finally got back to civilization, a deputy met with me to fill out an incident report. When we shook hands, I gave him my drivers license along with my Concealed Handgun License as I introduced myself. The deputy glanced at my CHL and handed it back to me; never asked where the weapon was or or even mention it during the whole encounter. I was very pleased with the professionalism of the deputy and I'm confident they will get the guy, as when they ran the plate number I gave them, it came back as valid, on a mini van that fit the description of the one I saw.

This is one of those situations I fear the most while working out in the boonies by my self; at least it didn't turn into a situation that I felt my life was threatened. I sure would of hated shooting somebody over $400 worth of batteries; but had the guy threatened my life, this story would of had a much worse ending.

Thanks for sharing john l ! I applaud you for your situational awareness and quick thinking. Thank God you were armed had you been put in a dangerous encounter. You handled it perfectly, IMO.

Do you carry one of those hi powered tactical flashlights? I'd imagine that you and where you go, needs something like that.

BTW, what county were you in when this came down, if you don't mind sharing?

I carry a cheapo Coleman LED Tactical style light, that is bright enough to be effective and is actually what I used to get his plates with. This took place in Harrison County........

I was very pleased with the professionalism of the deputy and I'm confident they will get the guy, as when they ran the plate number I gave them, it came back as valid, on a mini van that fit the description of the one I saw.

That's about as good as it gets! Thanks to your alertness, you probably assisted the Harrison county sheriff solve a lot of crimes. Well done!

It sounds like there was some distance between you and the guy. Obviously this encounter went about as well as could be expected, but a rifle may be a something to consider having with you in the future too.

KFP wrote:It sounds like there was some distance between you and the guy. Obviously this encounter went about as well as could be expected, but a rifle may be a something to consider having with you in the future too.

and a "Q" beam. Glad it turned out good John L.

Not much I can say but what's already been said. Great job!

The police officer may have been profesional but you sir also acted in a very profesional manner. Great job. Take the 50,000 cash savings from lawyer fees (if ya killed him) and go buy a boat!

That's the textbook example of what a CHL holder SHOULD do...Great work!!!!!

john L wrote:I carry a cheapo Coleman LED Tactical style light, that is bright enough to be effective and is actually what I used to get his plates with. This took place in Harrison County........

Howdy neighbor. I thought you were probably somewhere around Marshall with some of the stories you've related recently. I'm glad that everything worked out for you, and hopefully your equipment will be recovered.

I'm glad to hear you're safe and sound. I hope the police catch the thief. In your line of work I would definitely have a spotlight on my truck in addition to a good flashlight in my pocket.

And a carbine in 5.56mm/.223. You need one of those in your truck too. On your own and out in the open like that, a pistol might not be enough, and the superior range, accuracy, and firepower of a carbine could give you a larger buffer zone and a little more personal safety.

Great job, and great situational awareness. Great that it didn't escalate. Hope the LEO's catch the guy. Soon.

Glad you are OK and able to tell the story!

john L wrote:I carry a cheapo Coleman LED Tactical style light, that is bright enough to be effective and is actually what I used to get his plates with.

Go one better: you've got a heavy duty power source available, why not put some serious off-road lights on that truck? There's a good chance you would've had him too blind to play chicken with you, and way too blind and distracted to see you get out and move away from the truck. If he'd decided to shoot or ram his way out, he'd have been aiming for the lights while you could get safely away and plan your actions with less pressure.

Besides, roof-mounted floodlights are handy on those little roads; they'll show mudholes and critters more effectively. An extra set facing backwards, with their own switch and/or relay control off the backup lights can help out even more when you have to turn around.

I hope you get your equipment back. It is hard enough to make a living without being robbed on top of it. Good way to handle the situation. Sounds like you did everything perfect. Doing the kind of work you do, having a partner would sure help. Too many ways to get hurt or stranded, and that is not even taking into account the crackheads! Be safe.