What do you do, when after all, you still become an intended victim of predators? YOU ESSENTIALLY HAVE THREE CHOICES, WHICH ARE BACKED UP BY A LOT OF STATISTICS.
- You may respond by doing nothing to protect yourself. This is generally the wrong decision. You stand the greatest chance of not only losing your belongings in this case, but also your life.
- Distract, depart, Dodge, & Dart. Distract my yelling, throwing keys, groceries, keys, spray mace, hit or slap—and then run while dodging irregularly back and forth to the nearest safety. It is hard to hit a stationary target with a handgun, but much harder to hit a moving one. Your chance of survival goes way up. A former student of mine was approached in a public parking lot by a man with a gun. The man demanded all of Bill’s money. Bill hit the guy in the face with a right hook, which stunned the guy. Then Bill got in his car and left.
- Distract, dispatch depart. Distract in the same way and then use a make-shift weapon, or a knife, or a gun to dispatch the assailant. This presupposes that you are legally carrying weapons. However, even if you are not an old adage may apply. “ It is better to be judged by twelve than to be carried by six.” You depart and call the police, realizing that a partner to the dispatched criminal may be in the area. You try to observe the area to keep it secure from anyone meddling with the evidence. You must holster your weapon and when the authorities arrive, hold you hands up and say that you called them. Stay mum until your attorney can arrive. If you must say anything, say, “I acted in self-defense. I must speak to my attorney before I answer any more questions. Don’t be intimidated into making a statement.