I have a question guys...
Is it just me, or is a key element of this discussion is being overlooked here? To me, the discussion isn't whether or not you would help a stranger in trouble, but whether or not you would involve your firearm when rendering aide to a person in trouble if no other weapon of any kind were present.
I thought Ernest had a legitimate question earlier:
Why do people think that since they have a CCW that they're above the law and can play judge, jury, and executioner?
Drastic perhaps, but still...with a point. Having a permit to carry and a sidearm at your side is not a license to whip out your piece on every oppertunity. With this situation in particular:
No other weapon was visible during the abduction.
Didn't anyone else notice how scrawny those kids were? OK I can understand drawing your weapon when faced with numerous 6'7 300lb strongarm types who appear to be hell bent to cause somebody harm, but those kids?!?
It all gets back to what I was saying about assessing the situation and acting upon it accordingly.
Calling in the incident IS helping.
Getting the cars licence number IS being a responsible citizen.
Shouting at the perps to make them aware that they are being noticed can make a difference.
Hanging around till the authorities come to make a statement can be a great help.
I want to know, at what point in this scenerio is it appropriate to draw your sidearm?
And doesn't any one else feel that drawing your weapon in the parking lot of K-Mart could potentially escalate the situation by setting off a chain reaction? You draw and start yelling, someone else with no idea what's going on see's you with gun in hand and draws their weapon, while just then the first patrol car responding to the 911 call is just pulling into the parking lot....
I just think there is a lot you can do and should do responsibly before resorting to drawing your own weapon in a heavily populated area like that.