Redneck_Riot
New member
Hey all I just wanted to share my personal story that happened to me a few years back and maybe learn a thing or two on whether my actions were justifiable and tacticaly sound.
I was fueling my truck late at night around 2:00 AM in downtown Tacoma Washington as I turned my back to swipe my card, I noticed a small group of folks gathered on the corner which was approximately 75 -100 feet accross the street from me. It made me nervous the way they were looking toward me and just as I was about to dismiss my suspicions that this was just an over-reaction on my part, two of the guys started walking toward me they were loud and one of them hollared "hey let me get a dollar man" I was immediately alarmed and placed my hand to my side directly above my holster and stated in a clear calm voice that I did not have any cash on me.
This did not detur them, and as they closed the distance to my location within 25 feet I made the choice to place my hand on my pistol and tell them that I did not have any money and to please allow me to finish pumping my gas. I immediately afterward realized with a strong gut feeling that they were indeed a threat and at that moment I drew my 45 and stated that if they came any closer that I would not hesitate to defend myself. As I was preparing to raise my pistol the 2 men stopped and of them shouted a few obsenities at me and told his buddy to just leave it be, "lets go man forget this fool" but instead the man resisted and started walking toward me, at that point he was within 10 feet I took aim and told him that I would fire. He called me a few names and turned around and departed .
This incident took place in a matter of approximately 30 seconds and I was nervous but confident in my choice to make presentation and escelate my actions. I believe that had I not been armed I would have become a victim.
neither of the men had a weapon that was visible and both were near 6 foot tall , average 200 lbs.
immediately after I drove off I called 911 and made a report of the incident
the follow up officer told me that there had been a rash of assault robberies in the surrounding area in question. I gave him a description of the 2 men but it was frustrating to me that I could not produce identifying features of the two would be asailants besides the obvious.
I told the officer that I did make presentation with my weapon and it luckily de-esculated the situation, I am to this day bothered by the thought that if I had been forced to fire my pistol in my percieved defense, would I have been justified by law in doing so? the fact that neither of the men had a weapon in my mind places serious doubt in my case of self defense, not to mention the anti-gun liberal tone in my area known as Seattle.
The officer would not advise me as to what I should have done, just told me to contact an attorney and ask for advice from them. Why is it that it is perfectly legal to obtain a concealed weapon permit, but the legal use of deadly force is not clearly outlined the same day it is issued?
in WA use of force is defined as reasonable, but my government will not clearly define the word "reasonable" it seems to me that I am in a catch 22 senario heres a permit to carry a gun, but you are on your own if you ever have to use it, but be assured that we will be there to arrest you when you do.
any helpful insights would be appreciated. I have made the choice to continue concealed carry but would be more comfortable if someone would inform me of the proper use.
I have since carried everywhere I go and feel more aware of my surroundings.
I also practice drawing and firing from a distance of 10-15 feet alot more routinely
my one concern that keeps playing in my head is what I would have done if either or both would have rushed me before I was able to produce my weapon.
what can I practice that will simulate this stress I was under to prepare me in the future ?
Thanks
I was fueling my truck late at night around 2:00 AM in downtown Tacoma Washington as I turned my back to swipe my card, I noticed a small group of folks gathered on the corner which was approximately 75 -100 feet accross the street from me. It made me nervous the way they were looking toward me and just as I was about to dismiss my suspicions that this was just an over-reaction on my part, two of the guys started walking toward me they were loud and one of them hollared "hey let me get a dollar man" I was immediately alarmed and placed my hand to my side directly above my holster and stated in a clear calm voice that I did not have any cash on me.
This did not detur them, and as they closed the distance to my location within 25 feet I made the choice to place my hand on my pistol and tell them that I did not have any money and to please allow me to finish pumping my gas. I immediately afterward realized with a strong gut feeling that they were indeed a threat and at that moment I drew my 45 and stated that if they came any closer that I would not hesitate to defend myself. As I was preparing to raise my pistol the 2 men stopped and of them shouted a few obsenities at me and told his buddy to just leave it be, "lets go man forget this fool" but instead the man resisted and started walking toward me, at that point he was within 10 feet I took aim and told him that I would fire. He called me a few names and turned around and departed .
This incident took place in a matter of approximately 30 seconds and I was nervous but confident in my choice to make presentation and escelate my actions. I believe that had I not been armed I would have become a victim.
neither of the men had a weapon that was visible and both were near 6 foot tall , average 200 lbs.
immediately after I drove off I called 911 and made a report of the incident
the follow up officer told me that there had been a rash of assault robberies in the surrounding area in question. I gave him a description of the 2 men but it was frustrating to me that I could not produce identifying features of the two would be asailants besides the obvious.
I told the officer that I did make presentation with my weapon and it luckily de-esculated the situation, I am to this day bothered by the thought that if I had been forced to fire my pistol in my percieved defense, would I have been justified by law in doing so? the fact that neither of the men had a weapon in my mind places serious doubt in my case of self defense, not to mention the anti-gun liberal tone in my area known as Seattle.
The officer would not advise me as to what I should have done, just told me to contact an attorney and ask for advice from them. Why is it that it is perfectly legal to obtain a concealed weapon permit, but the legal use of deadly force is not clearly outlined the same day it is issued?
in WA use of force is defined as reasonable, but my government will not clearly define the word "reasonable" it seems to me that I am in a catch 22 senario heres a permit to carry a gun, but you are on your own if you ever have to use it, but be assured that we will be there to arrest you when you do.
any helpful insights would be appreciated. I have made the choice to continue concealed carry but would be more comfortable if someone would inform me of the proper use.
I have since carried everywhere I go and feel more aware of my surroundings.
I also practice drawing and firing from a distance of 10-15 feet alot more routinely
my one concern that keeps playing in my head is what I would have done if either or both would have rushed me before I was able to produce my weapon.
what can I practice that will simulate this stress I was under to prepare me in the future ?
Thanks