[chops]

tonight after work, i begin my walk home. as i walk past the 7-11 i notice an obviously homeless person. he see's me and begins to walk toward me. i am okay with the homeless, normally ill just give them a dollar or two if they are good people, or tell them to get lost (if stink of cheap beer).

here is the thing. as he walks toward me i notice him digging in his back pocket or waistband (i couldn't tell which) so at this point i place my hand infront of me and annoynce a loud, stern "STOP!" he keeps walking toward me!

red flag!

i place my hand on my weapon (under my shirt) and begin to walk backward. he then produces a small note pad and reaches out as if to hand it to me and says in a broken, hard to understand voice "can you spare anything for food" . HE WAS A DEAF HOMELESS GUY! he scared the ever living : censored out of me! i felt bad for the poor guy and noticed an old first calvalry patch on his jacket. i handed him a 5 and and brushed it off. now that im home i cant stop thinking about it.

so my question is: am i too paranoid, or am i just staying sharp? what would you have done different?

 

[Soverign]

You did the right thing, your SA was on the ball and you used not only a voice command but a stop with your hand.
I see nothing wrong with what you did.

So to recap, I call a perfect play from this armchair quarter back.

 

[chops]

thanks sov, i dont want to become the paranoid "get off my lawn!" kinda guy.

 

[huck_1988]

Being aware and paranoid often is a fine line. I think given what you posted you did what most of us would have. You did not pull a weapon so your response in my opinion was spot on.

 

[M0u5ec]

u did da rite thing ... u jus being on ur toes ...NICE thing u did for da guy big ups!!!

 

[SGB]

NEVER doubt your instincts, many homeless are excellent at the con.

 

[chops]

thanks guys. these are the habits i shall retain. seems in favor of self preservation.

 

[Eiji81]

A bit of both, but its better safe than sorry as they say. It will all depend on the scenario and place/time of day. If its daylight in a public area, then its common for homeless people to beg. At night in a questionable part of town, then your SA and vigilance is required.

 

[bladenbullet]

i'll never hand a beggar money because i dont want it stuck in their arm or invested in a bottle...i would have walked him into the 7-11 and bought him a dog and drink before i handed him a 5...in san francisco i had a guy sit at the table with me and i bought him a loaded burger..the manager was ready to thorow him out and i told him he was with me today and placed the order...i'd give someone the shirt off my back before i'd drop money in their hand...

i think your instincts were good...and he should have obeyed the outstretched hand...thats universal and you dont have to hear to understand it...

you have no way of knowing whether he was a vet or not...but it isnt required to offer goodwill...nice of you to do something for him....

 

[MiklColt45]

You did fine.

I agree with bladenbullet, I never give cash.
I will feed you, but I am goimg to make sure it is food you purchase, not drugs or alcohol.

 

[Paladin]

I understand the SA aspects and you did well.

But my Christianity still compels me to think that we often overlook chances to help out the less fortunate because we are too into SA. Our humanity seems to be disappearing. its a fine line we walk and sometimes we walk the wrong side of the line.

 

[daytona]

Sounds like you did just right -- you were aware and everyone goes home safe.

 

[Hammer27]

Having some paranoia is good, If you are a person that uses dangerous equipment day in and day out, they all will tell you the same thing. The day you take it for granted and not be aware of what could happen will be the day you get hurt.

I was told this little quote a while ago and this reminded me of it.

"Just because you are not paranoid, Doesn't mean people are not out to get you"

 

[Striker40]

I understand the SA aspects and you did well.

But my Christianity still compels me to think that we often overlook chances to help out the less fortunate because we are too into SA. Our humanity seems to be disappearing. its a fine line we walk and sometimes we walk the wrong side of the line.

Well said! :thumsup

 

[FLACPA]

You did fine.

I agree with bladenbullet, I never give cash.
I will feed you, but I am goimg to make sure it is food you purchase, not drugs or alcohol.

We also will give food, and have, but will not give cash.

Earlier this year my wife had an older & obviously homeless lady approach her on the beach asking for money to buy food. Conveniently, my wife had brought a picnic lunch for her and the kids, and offered the lady a sandwich. The lady's reply - "No thanks. Homeless people need cash." :rofl It's kind of an inside joke for us now whenever someone is hungry. The lady left without food or cash.

 

[GunByte]

If you shot you will certainly be facing a lengthy jail sentance for shooting a handicapped deaf person reaching for a pad and pen. On the other hand, if he was reaching for a knife you would have been justified. It is a fine line we concealed carriers walk on and the wrong decission can take you from law abiding citizen to despised felon. I think this situation bothers you because it shows just have grave a responsibility we have. If you shoot too soon your life is ruined. Shoot too late and your life is no more. Just like Goldilocks you have to shoot when it is just right. When I am upright for long periods of time I pocket carry because that allows me to keep my hand on my gun and shoot through my pocket if need be. This is why the Remora holster is becoming one of my favorites. From IWB to pocket and back to IWB as needed. Once in a blue moon I have an IWB gun and a small LCP in my pocket as it allows me to hold it when "feeling" threatened.

 

[sam03]

You did the right thing. I on the other hand would have bought him food and not just handed him cash but that's just me!

 

[dwkfym]

I'm not Christian but I still help homeless whenever I can... although when there isn't even a "thank you" I feel like taking that money back.
I was talking to these girls and apparently you get a lot more than a thank you when you're a young girl and you help out certain homeless dudes..

 

[bladenbullet]

I'm not Christian but I still help homeless whenever I can... although when there isn't even a "thank you" I feel like taking that money back.
I was talking to these girls and apparently you get a lot more than a thank you when you're a young girl and you help out certain homeless dudes..

????????????

 

[guns and more]

As someone once told me,
"Just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean people AREN'T out to get you."