An Intersting Friday Night

[mpbrown96]

After I got off work Friday night I was making my long trip home along I-20 and I decided to stop at my favorite convenience store in Balch Springs for a Diet Dr Pepper . I walked in to the store and looked over at where the Clerk should be standing to say Hello and noticed she was crouching behind the counter crying and shaking uncontrollably. I did a quick scan of the store and no one else was around . I asked her if she was ok and she nodded her head yes so I walked the 5 ft to the cooler and grabbed my drink. When I got back to the counter I gave her money for my drink and she once again started crying . I once again asked her if I could help her and she told me in broken English that a man took her money and pointed at knife left laying on the counter. I very calmly asked her if she had called the police and her response was " no English not good" and she handed me the phone . I called 911 and informed them of the incident and the location. Before I could finish giving the dispatcher all of the information they told me officers are en route and hung up. I knew they would be there quick so I walked out side and waited. 4 officers arrived in less than a minute and I got to look down the business end of an AR-15. After they determined I was not a threat they made entry and cleared the building. I stood outside for about 10 minutes and it just hit me that the store does have video and I could probably assist them in retrieving the image of the incident. After asking one of the officers the officer in charge welcomed my help. We retrieved the video which was pretty good quality but I don't think its going to help much. The thing that is bothering me about this whole incident is after reviewing the video I walked in less than 2 minutes after the robbery took place. I ask my self what would I do if I had I walked in 2 minutes earlier unarmed because of company policy?
While I was assisting the officer with the DVR I had an after hours service call come in from my company. I called that client and told them I would call them when I was on my way. 30 minutes in to my trip back to Fort Worth they called me to disregard the call because they had a drive by shooting in the parking lot and they were leaving. I am seriously thinking of at least stashing my weapon in my work truck. My thinking is that I can find another job If I need too but I cant get a second chance at life.

[ELB]

I am seriously thinking of at least stashing my weapon in my work truck. My thinking is that I can find another job If I need too but I cant get a second chance at life.

So I assume you mean you don't carry while on the job because company policy forbids it? And you are reconsidering this? Me, I'd carry. And on my person, not stashed in a truck. You leave it in the truck, and you'll be hopping out for "just a minute" and that's when the robbers/driveby shooters/etc roll up.

When I was lived in Los Angeles years ago, I learned to scan thru the windows of convenience stores and gas stations for anything hinky before I walked in -- lotsa robberies out there, I didn't want to walk in on one of them. Lotsa robberies everywhere now...

elb

oh and p.s -- while overall you did a great job, I think I would have been more interested much earlier in the visit in finding out why the clerk was shakin' and cryin'

[joe817]

Wow mp! That's quite a story. Honestly, I'm glad you were that 2 minutes late. No telling what might have happened.

Why don't you sit down with your boss and tell them your story after you heard theirs....and maybe...just maybe they might reconsider allowing you to carry. That's truly scary.

Thanks for sharing.

[shootthesheet]

I would reconsider not carrying at work. If they don't have written notice or you have not received verbal notice you can only be fired. It is a big deal to get fired but it is a much bigger deal to be dead because of some ignorant company policy. I carry into clients businesses and houses and I do not notify them. It is none of their business no more than it is of the companies I work for. I could lose my state issued licenses and not be able to continue my work at all even if I am forced to legally defend myself or another innocent. That does not stop me because I will not allow another persons opinion to cause my family to be without me if I have any control.

I do not tell anyone I carry in their house or business because it is none of their concern. I do not believe social graces are more important than life and think to restrict my ability to carry out of some sense of gentlemanly behavior is crazy. That same antiquated opinion lost the British an empire and millions of Europeans their lives over the past few centuries. I will not be counted in that group. That is my opinion.

[AEA]

If I even "Think" about I-20, I will have 2 or 3 guns on me no matter who has rules.

You should have bought a lottery ticket while you were in the store!

[Rusty]

I worked for the state prison system,and years ago,before CHLs came out,the agency did not allow anyone to have any type weapon or ammo in their car on the parking lot.I was like a lot of other officers that drove up to 40 miles at all hours of day or night,and there was no way that I was traveling unarmed. Most employees were like myself,just kept their mouth shut about having a weapon in the car.After the CHLs started,they had to back-up and allow you to keep a handgun in auto,if you possessed a CHL.