Sheepdog–not a predator, but not a sheep either. Well done, sir. My wife and I had a similar Encounter With The Harmless Homeless in downtown Redlands about 19 months ago. A probable mugger/carjacker got dissuaded by my Glock 23 pointed at his sternum-top 8 yards off the muzzle. Not sure about his under-influence status, but he had been seen hanging around an ATM by my wife as she was walking up to withdraw cash at 7 P.M. (dark, it was February). He followed after her, I stepped into his path as she got in the car and started the engine. He continued toward us with both hands in coat pockets and at 15 yards away I pointed the Glock at him and said HALT! He took a few more steps, appeared to see the pistol, and stopped. He kept his hands in his pockets, so I just kept the pistol pointed at his neck/shoulder junction for 15-20 seconds until he sidled off to my left and left the area, turning away from me once he was 25 yards away across a street.
As a retired sheriff’s detective, it distresses me to hear stories of uncaring cops. Policing society should not be a job where someone just “mails it in” every day, but some agencies and their personnel have taken this tack in response to political hacks throwing them under the bus when activists flip the script on agencies whose personnel defend themselves from lethality. A LOT of cities and counties–esp. Democratic enclaves–have a mindset of “No bad outcomes, no matter what”. We as CCW citizens step into that food chain, and not at its apex in such places. USCCA is there for a reason. Keep your coverage current and valid.
Wow. Thank you for sharing. Glad it played out the way it did, with, perhaps, the exception of law enforcement. Being fairly new to all this, you have given me a number of things to think about and do, thank you. Glad to hear you and your fiancé both were able to resume your evening without further incident.
You made many wise decisions during your encounter with this individual, as a former LEO I applaud your prior thoughtful planning for such an occasion and your ability to remain calm and methodically review the situation and your response. Job well done, as it turns out you did everything right but were prepared for the worst. Thanks for sharing your encounter with all of us.
So glad your both ok and you didn’t have to use your weapon. Just to let everyone know the Supreme Court ruled that police have no duty to protect you or any person. I have seen a video where a person was getting assaulted and the cop saw it and got in his cruiser and left even after the person said they wanted to press charges.
Thanks for sharing. You mentioned that there were tables in that area where you were waiting. Could you have gotten up, and kept the table between you and the crazy guy? That would make it more obvious if he was going to make a deliberate move at you.
Yes, I kinda was already positioned that way. I was standing near the tables and my fiance was seated at the one nearest to me. There was also a very low retaining wall (maybe 2-3 feet high) that separates the outdoor dining area from the sidewalk (not that it would have taken him much effort to cross it). When the guy began making his death threats, I told my fiance to stand up as I wanted to be in the best position for movement if needed. So with the low retaining wall and at least one table between me and the suspect, I was probably in the best position I could have been at that moment.
Wow I had a similar experience last week. Without getting into details on exactly what was said but he told me I had to die and he was going to kill me all because I have a job and I’m white. One of the most uncomfortable experiences I have ever had.
Unfortunately I was not carrying since I was working but it really makes me want to break policy and start carrying.
Hi glad to hear you and your Fiance are fine and you didn’t have to shoot the guy and you were ready if you had too. I’m Barney and I don’t leave my place without my ruger SR45 my holster I bought has an e extra clip holder on it because you just never know these days I’m lucky for where I love I can open or carry and I have my concealed weapons permit. I’m going to be buying a 40 caliber just for concealing it in Florida because its easier to conceal and I don’t have to worry if someone sees. Thank you for your story stay safe
No, City of SD. The sad thing is those types seem to be everywhere now. A result of California’s experiment in decriminalization and decreased prosecutions.
This was one of the things that convinced me to recert some of my certs, as a former Flight medic and an Enhanced HC. Knowing I may be on my own for hours.
I would bet you aren’t the only one this guy threatened that night. He is one of those people that should be in a mental hospital. Then when he is there and the police respond and they interact with him, he’ll be the one refusing to comply, threatening the police and reaching for a gun that may or may not be there and getting shot. He’ll be the next black martyr, and the reason for a riot.
You make a great point. I believe folks should train as much on first aid as they do with their wespon, if not more. After all you’re much more like to need your med kit than you are your firearm. We need more people taking “stop the bleed” classe
The ambivalence of law enforcement to respond to your complaint of a direct death threat is the best argument for concealed carry and personal defense training.
