I recently read a self defense article that made two bold statements: 1) You can't identify criminals just by looking at them and 2) You can only re-act in self defense.
While the first may be slightly true, I believe can be smarter than this. Let's look at three scenarios:
1) Standing in line at the convenience store. The elderly couple in the pharmaceuticals looking at hemorrhoid medication. The cashier behind the counter wearing a corporate uniform and three young adults that came in together. the first got into line without grabbing anything to buy. The seconds seems nervous as he stands at the front door watching the parking lot while the third goes directly to the rear of the store.
2) Getting Gas. there's the lady with a SUV full of kids washing her car windows. The gangbanger pumping gas into the low rider and the nice looking couple parked on the side of the store watching as everyone leaves the store and only then does he get out and go inside.
3) Standing in line at the bank. everything looks normal when a guy in a clown costume (mask, hair, makeup and all) enters.
I'm pretty sure just by looks, you can see the potential criminal. 1) the three young adults (notice I didn't say age, race or how they dress). 2) the couple. if you were thinking the gangbanger, he has already paid for gas and is doing the same thing you are. 3) THE CLOWN. I'm not saying you can dismiss anyone as a threat or just because they look like a criminal they are guilty; but.....you should be adjusting you threat assessment to be watching the potential criminals more closely.
The second statement: we can only re-act. How wrong and potentially FATAL. We must act. Of course we can't pull our weapon and just shoot them, but there are things we can and SHOULD do.....Let's look at the scenarios again.
#1 We can make space, get out of line, go look for another item in the store. Gain cover/concealment, get behind a shelf, display or better yet an appliance. If the situation looks bad enough, make adjustment to get better access to your weapon (DON'T PULL YET). And if it looks that bad, set down your items and leave. There is nothing in the store worth dying for.
#2 Stay at your car. Leave it running if needed. Pay at the pump, don't go in to pre-pay. If you have to pre-pay, go somewhere else. Choose a pump that is close to an exit. and leave as soon as possible. a splash of gas will get you to a friendlier station.
#3 Leaving is obviously the best answer, but I'm not sure I want to be the first person that tries to get past him. If others are leaving, LEAVE. If there is another exit, LEAVE. If you're not leaving get easy access to your weapon (DON'T PULL YET). Make your desision what you are going to do if this is a robbery. Your choices are run, hide or fight. As before gain space, cover/concealment and prep for what is about to happen. If nothing happens, GREAT! you get back in line and have a good day. But, if he makes his intentions known, and it is a robbery...ACT
What ever your choice remember...RUN (Run as fast as you can for an exit. don't stop for anything. GET OUT), Hide (perferably someplace secure that locks. Barricade the door. Remain silent until you KNOW it is safe to come out) or FIGHT (if you choose to fight, FIGHT with all your might. Use every weapon you can, and cheat if you can. AT ALL COST, WIN)
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