A reminder to be aware of your surroundings
This morning I decided to go to a slot machine parlor (AKA casino) in PA. I go there every month or so to play the penny slot machines. I played my $100, won about $250. I cashed the winning slips in the machines provided in the casino, pocketing my “new found fortune”. I had previously noticed two males in their late twenties hanging around near the cash out machine. I walked through the casino to the entrance , I thought I saw them near the entrance as I left, but thought nothing of it because of the large crowds. As I walked through the parking lot , between cars I did notice the same two fellows about 4-5 cars behind and over 2 cars ( I usually park farther out in the parking lot to avoid crowds and to get an idea if I am being followed). As I approached the front of my truck, I walked past it on the passenger side, around the back and back to the drivers side (to allow me to be face to face with out being too obvious. As I approached my door the first male (#1)came over to the front of my truck and very impolitely demanded my vehicle keys. I opened the door and then palmed my keys and handed him an keyring with mis cut keys that I keep for just such a purpose(same time picking up my 3 cell maglite flipping it behind my forearm. His buddy(#2) came up behind him (from the front of my truck)being loud and boisterous. As #1 was intent on rummaging the front seat, #2 came towards me demanding my wallet. I thrust my maglite , butt first into his throat, which seemed to divert his attention (funny what a lack of oxygen does to a fellow).As #1 started to stand up,his back to me, I gave him a couple love taps to the kidneys with the maglite and a stomp to the back of his knee driving him to the ground. I heard whistles, the security staff had apparently heard the scuffle and came to make the apprehension. And as luck would have it, while I was helping poor #1 to his feet, my foot made contact again with the poor fellows kidney area ( I think he will remember me for the next few days as he goes to the bathroom). The security staff took them into custody, I made a short written statement to the local police and everyone (well almost everyone) went home happy.
I share this to share some unarmed urban survival skills.
Park away from the heavy traffic areas (some do not agree with this, but works for me)
Keep your head on a swivel and try to remember if you are seeing a “repeat” of people in different areas.
If you think you are being followed. When you get to your vehicle, make your approach so that you are always facing the “followers”.
If you have to confront more than one person, do it in a confined space (between cars). This will keep things one on one for at least the initial contact.
Think about having a key chain with blank (or mis cut )keys of the type of vehicle you have, to include your house key. This will cause confusion for a few seconds.
If you have to or choose to engage in a confrontation, do it without warning,do it to win, no monkeying around. I like the throat thrust for a first surprise strike, allows you to move on to the next assailant, and or come back to the “throated” person for more personal attention.
