[roy d. mercer]

I took my teenage daughter Christmas shopping today. On our way to the Florida Mall via the OBT I mentioned the crime and violence associated with this particular road.

Our shopping went trip went well and I followed the same route home. My only stop on the OBT was for gas.

While I was pumping the gas, I noticed a lone, mid twenties male come from behind the store in my direction. I shifted my position to get a better view. He immediately moved laterally (to stay behind me) and put his right hand inside his sweatshirt pocket. These two actions got my full attention. I scanned around for any others and didn't see anyone. I turned toward him, placed my hand under my shirt on the butt of my XD and stared him in the eyes. He stopped, looked at me, my hand placement and stepped back.

He looked at my truck and moved behind the bumper and toward my daughter's window. I told her in a loud voice to roll up the window and lock her door. I moved toward him to get a better look (or shot). He looked at me again and decided to move away. He never once took his right hand out of his sweatshirt pocket.

I got in my vehicle and my daughter was ghost white. She asked what just happened. I told her there are people in this world who prey on others and she can NEVER let her guard down.

On the ride home, she asked me the question. "Dad, if he had opened my door would you have shot him?"

I didn't hesitate with my reply.

 

[flccnp]

Good job.

I hate the 10 character minimum.

 

[mrengles]

What was your reply?

 

[SuperTrkrE2812]

I would assume his reply would have been "before he hit the ground...dead":rolf

 

[jbagwell3408]

I took my teenage daughter Christmas shopping today. On our way to the Florida Mall via the OBT I mentioned the crime and violence associated with this particular road.

Our shopping went trip went well and I followed the same route home. My only stop on the OBT was for gas.

While I was pumping the gas, I noticed a lone, mid twenties male come from behind the store in my direction. I shifted my position to get a better view. He immediately moved laterally (to stay behind me) and put his right hand inside his sweatshirt pocket. These two actions got my full attention. I scanned around for any others and didn't see anyone. I turned toward him, placed my hand under my shirt on the butt of my XD and stared him in the eyes. He stopped, looked at me, my hand placement and stepped back.

He looked at my truck and moved behind the bumper and toward my daughter's window. I told her in a loud voice to roll up the window and lock her door. I moved toward him to get a better look (or shot). He looked at me again and decided to move away. He never once took his right hand out of his sweatshirt pocket.

I got in my vehicle and my daughter was ghost white. She asked what just happened. I told her there are people in this world who prey on others and she can NEVER let her guard down.

On the ride home, she asked me the question. "Dad, if he had opened my door would you have shot him?"

I didn't hesitate with my reply.

Good Job. I'm still guilty of slipping into conditon white when I'm going about my daily business.

My car has an Army license plate, I wonder how that would have affected your particular situation.

 

[Jkwas]

Appropriate response. Just enough, not too much. You have to be at the ready. I can't tell you how many times I've come out of store or been at a gas station where I've had my hand on my CCW I carry in my pocket because I didn't like what I saw.

 

[roy d. mercer]

This whole situation played out in about 90 seconds. It was a real eye opener for my daughter. I explained how vulnerable she would be alone or with a group of girls talking, texting etc. She sees my CC in a whole different light now.

And yes, I told her he would have been shot for opening that door.

 

[FL2011]

Good job! I'm originally from Orlando (still have family there) so I know the area.

Had to reiterate to the wife the other day how important it is to stay alert after we had stopped to fill our tires with air at a gas station. We both were outside the car and as I was down on the ground filling a tire I heard a voice behind ask for some change. Startled me and luckily he was only looking for some change and then walked off, but neither of us was paying attention and let him get within 10 feet of us..... :thumbsdwn

 

[Obiwan]

That's why I carry - even when going to Charlie's for a T-bone.

 

[NkmG19]

Great response Roy D. Mercer,

This is why I pull up close to the pump in such a way that my door and truck acts as a barrier. I then face the other direction and defend it if I have to. A gas station is one of those places where your "spider sences" must be on high alert.

 

[benzuncle]

Bravo, Roy! I have been locking my doors on my vehicle whenever I buy gas the last few months, after seeing a spot on the news about guys stealing from unlocked cars while the person is pumping gas. This is especially important when family members are inside.

 

[MamaBear]

My heightened sense of awareness has caused me to lock doors the second we get inside the vehicle. While the kids were in punkin' seats and then car seats I'd always have someone take my groceries out and while they loaded them in the back I'd put the kids in the car. If I did not have anyone help me I'd put everything in the car at the same time then lock the doors and then turn around and strap the kids in their seats.

Even now I always tell the kids we don't mess around in parking lots and they know to get right in the car and lock their doors.

While pumping gas I lock all door and keep windows up. Even in the summer it does not take that long to pump gas so the kids won't die while I pump the gas. I also make it a point to go to my familiar gas pumps on my side of town to keep things familiar.

Good job, Roy. I'm glad your daughter had instant obedience to do what you said without questioning you. I've always taught my kids that when I give an unusual order that they are to obey instantly knowing I will explain later why I said what I said. I'm also glad she saw how quickly things can escalate. You were on your toes to prevent something from happening. Words alone cannot teach that to your daughter. It took her seeing with her own eyes what lurks around her. Good job, daddy.

MamaBear

 

[RWBShooter]

Good situational awareness, Roy. You escalated right up through the point the threat backed down. It's good that your daughter understood and followed your directions.

- Str8Shooter

 

[SwampRat]

Way to go Roy!! I know that area like the back of my hand. Worked down there for a few years, right off OBT and very close to the mall...Nobody is safe on 'The Trail'...everyone is fair game...Great situational awareness. No harm, No foul and the daughter learned a valuable lesson. Good job..

 

[OrlandoDriver]

Way to go roy glad to see you were alert of your surroundings but then again over there you need a pocket radar lol you never know what could happen .Glad to see you and your daughter are home safe.

 

[brownie]

Excellent situational awareness Roy. Probably circumvented a potential problem, the predators are quite aware of their potential victims awareness and ability to potentially defend themselves prior to making their "move".

Have a safe holiday sir.

Brownie

 

[roy d. mercer]

Thanks for all the kind words everyone.

I fully believe he approached with malice. I'm a big guy (6'7" 235lbs) and this individual went out of his way to stay behind me and conceal something. My body language and posturing sent a loud message.

Don't let your guard down and be aware of your environment.

 

[Maharaja]

Good job Roy! I JUST walked in the door from a quick trip to Orlando. I had a business lunch on the OBT and Sand Lake Olive Garden and filled up at the OBT and Turnpike 7-11 gas station on the way back home to Ft Lauderdale. I know that area VERY well as I have family that live off of OBT. You are 100%....that is one very shady area. I never go there unarmed.

I just thought....if I was there and witnessed this and pretty much acted like u....faced the BG with my hand on my G26...I wonder if you (or me in ure shoes...) would know my intention is to help you with your threat.... something for me to thing about...

 

[biker09]

Good eye Roy. I live near the "Trail" and you can't let your guard down at anytime. By the way, what XD wasa you packing?:ak

 

[Cthulhu]

Good job!

I took special note of this bit:

I scanned around for any others and didn't see anyone.

Many times, the obvious threat is merely a distraction.

Glad you and your daughter are safe.

-JT