My close call

[3boyzmom]

I have had my CCW since Dec 12. I carry every day, usually in my purse. I have only told this story to 1 person, but she thinks I'm crazy for even carrying a gun and said she thinks I was just looking for trouble...

I went to the gas station on Dec 30 at 6pm, so it was dark, but it wasn't late. It's right off the freeway. I pulled to an outside pump, got out & locked my truck, (a 4 door) put the nozzle in and went into the store. I noticed a man in a minivan on the other side of the parking lot (a big parking lot, not quite as big as a truck stop, but big). I didn't think much of it.

When I came out of the door of the store, the minivan was parked RIGHT next to my truck, and I saw the back door of the minivan close. I hesitated at the door of the store for a minute, but then the van drove off. I thought it was kinda' odd, but I walked out to my truck.

Well, as I got to the back of the truck to take the nozzle out, the van pulled back into the gas station from a different direction, and parked on the other side of the pump from me. And the only way I can explain it was it was like life through a zoom lens- I saw the van and nothing else around me at all. It was really strange. I noticed lots of things INSTANTLY- all at once- They parked between the pumps, so not in a place where they could get gas, the car was still running, the back door was opening and not the driver's door, and as the back door opened I could see there were 2 men in the back but no passenger in the front seat. It was just all kinda' odd...and when the guy gets out, he comes between the pumps and right towards me- not really fast, but again, just ODD. And I shoved my hand in my holster and gave him the dirtyest look I could and screamed "STOP!" It startled him and he put his hands up kinda' in front of his chest/shoulders and started backing up. Then he quickly got back in the van and screamed something in Spanish and they sped out of the parking lot and onto the freeway.

And when the left it was like zooming back out again, and I was REALLY freaked out to realize I was the only person at the gas station. I hadn't even realized I was alone out there with them. Now I'm not totally sure what the heck was going on, but I think that when I went into the store, one of them tried to get into the back seat of my truck but found out it was locked. And then they decided to come back and make another attempt to either kidnap or carjack me. Like I said, my friend thinks I'm nuts, but I'm totally convinced that if I hadn't been carrying a gun that night things would've ended up really bad for me.

[akulahawk]

I'd say... good situational awareness. It ended in a good way for you and them... and you didn't have to draw.

[Dan M.]

You went home to your 3 boys. You did good.

[sealbeach]

those men meant you no good, count on that. You handled it well, nice work.

[Rond4x4]

Good job. Glad it turned out well.

[Mad Geek]

Originally Posted by akulahawk

I'd say... good situational awareness. It ended in a good way for you and them... and you didn't have to draw.

Amen to that.

[EM2]

Wow that's kinda messed up.
Good job on being aware & making it back to your boys.
Sounds like your training & awareness came to good use.

[brightside]

Those guys were probably only going to ask you for directions. I'm only kidding. It could have turned out really bad if you weren't aware of your surroundings. I'm always watching my back at the gas stations, especially at night.

[3boyzmom]

Thanks all.

[glock4life]

Unlike your freind you are aware and prepared. Great Job!

[Rob P.]

I think you did OK. You weren't hurt, and you got to experience what it's like to be in a potentially dangerous situation and still go home afterwards.

A few things to take away from this...

Park at the pumps next to the station if you can. Shorter to walk and closer to a place of "safety" and witnesses. Plus, you can put a barrier between you and the BG's even if it's not much of a barrier.

Secondly, you should remember to keep space between you and the BG. Get off the "X" and move behind your vehicle. Again, it's a barrier between you and them. Plus, any security cameras will show that you tried to retreat and they kept advancing even after being warned to stop. If another BG comes around the other side of the truck, move away but keep retreating until you are again in a "safe" place or have no place of safety. if you run out of places to retreat to and are in the open, at that point you are probably justified in defending yourself.

Third, security cameras are your friend. Look for them when you drive into the station. You want to be as near them as possible so that BG's get a good photo-op and if something bad happens, there will be a video of the whole incident (hopefully).

Again, you done good. Non illegitimus carborundum est.

[3boyzmom]

Originally Posted by Rob P.

I think you did OK. You weren't hurt, and you got to experience what it's like to be in a potentially dangerous situation and still go home afterwards.

A few things to take away from this...

Park at the pumps next to the station if you can. Shorter to walk and closer to a place of "safety" and witnesses. Plus, you can put a barrier between you and the BG's even if it's not much of a barrier.

Secondly, you should remember to keep space between you and the BG. Get off the "X" and move behind your vehicle. Again, it's a barrier between you and them. Plus, any security cameras will show that you tried to retreat and they kept advancing even after being warned to stop. If another BG comes around the other side of the truck, move away but keep retreating until you are again in a "safe" place or have no place of safety. if you run out of places to retreat to and are in the open, at that point you are probably justified in defending yourself.

Third, security cameras are your friend. Look for them when you drive into the station. You want to be as near them as possible so that BG's get a good photo-op and if something bad happens, there will be a video of the whole incident (hopefully).

Again, you done good. Non illegitimus carborundum est.

Kinda' hard to describe where I was, but I was at the closest pump to the store- but on the outside of the island of pumps if that makes any sense- that's why there was room for the van to be right next to my truck... I always go to that one because I can see my truck from inside the store.

I hadn't thought about the security cameras- good point. I'll pay attention to that! Good tip!!

[swdr]

Good job. Excellent situational awareness. Great that you locked your cab while you were away. Nice aggressive verbal command with your hand on the gun in your purse. (Remember, when you draw, to avoid flagging your weak hand/arm.)

There's always safety in numbers, and safety (a little less) in the bright lights.
Also, shops and gas stations right next to the freeway are nice crime targets, not so good for a solo stop.
Things to consider for next time.
All's well that ends well.

[Keith92555]

I think you did great! I can tell you about bad things happening in gas stations from personal experience. Being new to the forum, you would not be aware that I was attacked last April in a gas station by 5 gang bangers here in town. It was the reason I joined this forum, bought my first gun, and got my CCW. I lost 4 months work after the attack and another month in November for another surgery to my knee. I am STILL on crutches.

Your saving grace in this situation was your awareness. It may have saved your life and for sure saved the lives of the dirtbags in the van. Keep your head up at all times, you just never know when the game is going to kick-off. It usually happens when you least expect it, so expect it all the time.

BTW-I may be a little slow to get off the ball but once I do I hit the ground running. Since the attack I have acquired a shotgun, 3 long guns, 4 pistols (picking up the 4th tomorrow at 5 PM), and a DRAWER FULL OF HOLSTERS. (Still waiting for the TT Gunleather holsters, though).

I can speak for all here when I say we are glad you made it home to the boyz. Good job with your situational awareness.

Keith

[maybejim]

Gas stations seem to be a problem area. A friends granddaughter was attacked by 3 gang bangers at a little before 9 AM a couple of months ago. They ripped her blouse nearly off and she scratched and kicked and managed to get in her car and drive off. There was no video coverage at the pump where she was and the cops took the report but were no help.

Stay aware, and stay safe!