What could I have done if this situation went south?

[proheath]

Fair enough. Your initial responses came off with a tone that is very indicative of a new CHLer with limited life experience. It is a viewpoint I run into alarmingly often with younger CHLers (mind you at 30 I am still a baby compared to some of the folks here). Your last post was more clear and I can understand that thought process although my family and myself are the only ones I would consider stepping over a potential line for. Everyone else I will do my darnedest to ensure I am well within the law.

I've done a lot of research on CCW philosophy over the past few months to try and develop my own "code" to sort of form a plan of action for any given situation. What I've come up with is this: I will not even think of engage anyone that is not an immediate threat to myself, my loved ones, or any fellow man in my immediate presence. There are 2 exceptions to this "rule of thumb" that come to mind: I will engage an active shooter if I feel that I can get within acceptable range (be it covertly or through the use of cover) to effectively take him down (if LE is on scene, I'll leave it to them), and I will also do everything in my power to stop the harming or kidnapping of a child.

[Rrash]

I think a note under the windshield wiper explaining the situation and contact information would be adequate. In addition, a call to the police might be in order, as there was damage to the vehicle and it might help regarding an insurance claim. That being said, "Farmer Bob" probably should have stayed in his home and called the police himself.

[killerfly128]

That being said, "Farmer Bob" probably should have stayed in his home and called the police himself.

[devil's advocate] If ''Farmer Bob'' is far enough out in the sticks the response time might be so great that being proactive is more effictive than waiting on PD. [\devil's advocate]

[Rrash]

That being said, "Farmer Bob" probably should have stayed in his home and called the police himself.

[devil's advocate] If ''Farmer Bob'' is far enough out in the sticks the response time might be so great that being proactive is more effictive than waiting on PD. [\devil's advocate]

True. I guess I am coming from this angle: he is not in immediate danger, doesn't know who is outside (assuming its a bad guy - how many, are they armed, etc.), has the tactical advantage, and it would help him in any legal case were he to have to shoot. If it were to turn into a situation where he drew a weapon, he would still have to call the police anyways.

That being said, if I were "Farmer Bob", and I sensed someone had car trouble, I would consider offering some assistance (to make sure nobody is hurt, my property isn't damaged, etc.). Who knows what Bob was thinking.

[killerfly128]

Who knows what Bob was thinking.

Who knows what kind of trouble Bob has had to deal with in the past.

[Cedar Park Dad]

Who knows what Bob was thinking.

Who knows what kind of trouble Bob has had to deal with in the past.

Not seeing how walking out into the dark is a smart move for Farmer Bob (aka "the Bobster").

[killerfly128]

Who knows what Bob was thinking.

Who knows what kind of trouble Bob has had to deal with in the past.

Not seeing how walking out into the dark is a smart move for Farmer Bob (aka "the Bobster").

If there was a threat and he know he was looking at a hour plus of response time the police might not be a viable option in his mind. I never said it was the right thing to do, just that it might be more effective than waiting on PD to save the day.

[Mel]

I wasn't very clear as to if you were on his property or on a sidewalk/public road during your interaction. If I am reading it right you had pulled onto his property.

This is debatable. The gravel driveway went all the way out to the county road. Where county property ends and his property began is unclear. It was near the edge of both. The grassy shoulder off of the actual road was moreso a ditch than a shoulder. Where the shoulder met this man's driveway, it was much more level ground.

Typically in Texas rural areas, property lines go to the middle of the road. I know mine does.

[baldeagle]

I think the fact that you've seen so many different scenarios posited from the facts you presented points to the ambiguity of the situation. Better to not disturb "Farmer Bob" at all, than to add so much complexity to the situation that you're forced into making split second life-changing decisions. As a CHL, the better part of valor is to avoid difficult and complex situations if at all possible and be prepared for the unexpected. Rule number 1 should be to never place yourself in a position where trouble can easily find you. Rule number 2 is when trouble does find you anyway, recognize it early and move to escape. Rule number three is when all else fails, shoot for center mass and don't stop shooting until the threat is neutralized.

[n5wd]

Who knows what Bob was thinking.

Who knows what kind of trouble Bob has had to deal with in the past.

Not seeing how walking out into the dark is a smart move for Farmer Bob (aka "the Bobster").

CPD: You've never lived out in the country, have you?

[n5wd]

I wasn't very clear as to if you were on his property or on a sidewalk/public road during your interaction. If I am reading it right you had pulled onto his property.

This is debatable. The gravel driveway went all the way out to the county road. Where county property ends and his property began is unclear. It was near the edge of both. The grassy shoulder off of the actual road was moreso a ditch than a shoulder. Where the shoulder met this man's driveway, it was much more level ground.

Typically in Texas rural areas, property lines go to the middle of the road. I know mine does.

Property line to edge of a State highway (farm to market, etc) or to the middle of the road, with a 30' easement to a non-State highway for me (just got through paying a couple of thousand dollars plus for the surveyor to do his thing on our newly purchased property).

[Cedar Park Dad]

Who knows what Bob was thinking.

Who knows what kind of trouble Bob has had to deal with in the past.

Not seeing how walking out into the dark is a smart move for Farmer Bob (aka "the Bobster").

If there was a threat and he know he was looking at a hour plus of response time the police might not be a viable option in his mind. I never said it was the right thing to do, just that it might be more effective than waiting on PD to save the day.

not seeing how that is more effective. You step out and you've lost all your advantages if someone actually had a nefarious intent.

[Cedar Park Dad]

Who knows what Bob was thinking.

Who knows what kind of trouble Bob has had to deal with in the past.

Not seeing how walking out into the dark is a smart move for Farmer Bob (aka "the Bobster").

CPD: You've never lived out in the country, have you?

Does living out where cattle will get out and wander the road in front of the house count?

How do we know "Farmer Bob" is in fact Farmer Bob and not Meth dealer Bob, and he was protecting his "kitchen"? If ProHeath did in fact make attempts to appear non-threatening and explained the situation, and "Bob" did inspect the vehicle for the damage claimed by the occupants, wouldn't a rational person be able to put 2 and 2 together? I'm not saying that "Bob" should have allowed the occupants into his home, but at least inform them if he would allow them to leave the car on his property or not.

Thats an excellent point.

[kg5ie]

Time to put that "non-violent conflict resolution" stuff you talked about in CHL class to the test!