Pearland woman robbed, what would you have done?

[cubbyjg]

I read the news article about the woman in Pearland who was robbed while in her car in the middle of the road ( the article is linked on this thread viewtopic.php?f=108&t=43180" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;)

Based on the information provided thus far, how would each of you reacted? She was blocked in so she couldnt just drive off. I sit here contemplating this and its tough because these low lifes actually put some thought into their plan.

Depending on surrounding circumstances, one might consider rapidly backing up enough to create enough room to drive around, or execute a U-turn, or go up on the sidewalk, median, or grass strip to get past the blocking vehicle.

Counterattacking with the vehicle itself against aggressors who threaten deadly force while on foot might also be considered as an option.

[Beiruty]

How about drawing and showing him the business end of deadly means?

[pcgizzmo]

Assuming you couldn't drive away I would pull my weapon.

[jordanmills]

Ideally, you'd drive off and let the police handle it. If unable to retreat, it's a choice between giving them what they ask for, or shooting them before they shoot you. That choice between those options depends on a lot of complex factors, like the surroundings (are you likely to accidentally shoot someone standing behind the attacker?), how well they have you covered (do they have the barrel to your head and finger on the trigger?), and how likely they are to go through with it (what's their body language say?). I hope I'd have the presence of mind to ready my sidearm as soon as I saw them block me in, but I shouldn't second guess someone actually in the situation.

[philip964]

Ok its the day time. Can you draw and fire as the armed men approach. I would think so. If you did, I think there would be legal consequences, your not in your home, its not night time. Were you really in fear for your life? Were you the BG and you shot an innocent armed GG? I think you would come out ok, but it might get expensive. But you survived so the cost is unimportant.

How would you fire. Wait till he was at your window and opening the door. No. Roll the window down and fire weak handed not aiming still in your seat. Maybe, but it might just scare them away pointing the gun. But you risk by not shooting unleashing a maelstrom of lead at your windshield. Release the seatbelt open the door and fire from behind the door. Better, but it takes a lot of time you may not have after the time it takes to determine the threat is real. What if the second guy is also armed or what if he is not? How do you treat him. Risky to shoot at him if he is unarmed. Hard to take down two BG's with your six shot 380.

I am seeing that your best weapon is your car. It seems, it must give its life to save yours. Full power into the BG car or full power into reverse into some poor bystanders car, this will create enough of a surprise to give you the advantage. Drive your way out of it or increase the distance, so you can use the advantage of your superior marksmanship.

But this only works if I am in my beater. Tough choices and only seconds to choose. Tough being an LEO and having to face this everyday.

[Beiruty]

Being attacked and robbed with threat of deadly force, the actor (poor victim in his car) is justified in using deadly force in self-defense. Car can be deadly, so are hot lead solutions, pick what is best,

[pcgizzmo]

Ok its the day time. Can you draw and fire as the armed men approach. I would think so. If you did, I think there would be legal consequences, your not in your home, its not night time. Were you really in fear for your life? Were you the BG and you shot an innocent armed GG? I think you would come out ok, but it might get expensive. But you survived so the cost is unimportant.

.

I think if this is indeed the situation and you have not provoked it and all things being equal you use your gun and walk away with no issues but possibly a civil suit and giving your gun to the LEO's for a while. The civil suit should not come about though if the shooting was justified in Texas. Law prohibits it in a defensible shooting. They can bring it but judge should dismiss. You also don't have to be in your home if someone is armed you are fully justified to defend yourself per Texas law. Again, it has to be a clean shooting in that you did nothing to instigate it and you were indeed being attacked and defending yourself. The only way I can see you getting into legal trouble is if there was a question of whether or not you did something to instigate it or executed the attacker after they were down or shot them in the back as they were retreating etc.. (excessive force)

[Slowplay]

Ok its the day time. Can you draw and fire as the armed men approach. I would think so. If you did, I think there would be legal consequences, your not in your home, its not night time. Were you really in fear for your life? Were you the BG and you shot an innocent armed GG?

If I couldn't escape in my car and the armed men weren't identifiable as LEO, I don't wait on them to explain why they wrecked into me, blocked my means of escape and were now approaching me with weapons. Sure, there will be legal consequences - hopefully a no bill from the grand jury.

You have the benefit of hindsight from this story to know that the woman in this case wasn't shot, but I believe she would have been justified in stopping them whether it's day time or night.

[alvins]

if you have a big V8 petal to the metal and push the car infront of you. or start shooting.

[tacticool]

Don't be afraid of damaging the bad guys' car.

[hirundo82]

By reading the article, it sounds like she may have noticed she was being followed. If that happens you don't head for home, you head for an area with plenty of people--ideal place to head would be a police station. You also do whatever has to be done to keep them from blocking you in--rules of the road go out the window.

[mamabearCali]

If the window is already down launch the purse out the window it gets the thieves away from the window of your car and creates space. I know that is controversial, but--I have very little in my purse that is not 100% replaceble--credit cards are at home, the debit card has an unlikely passcode, and I carry very little cash, but my three precious children are always in my car and I can't replace them. The theives can keep my &12.50, the diaper cream, the wipes and the baby's paci.

I am not certain in the story whether there was a car behind her or not, but if there wasn't throw the car in reverse and peel out and get your gun just in case. If there is a car behind her I would recommend arming herself still launching the purse and pull out not caring about damage to any car/person robbing her safety. This is not the time to worry about traffic laws, get out anyway you can. Only shoot if you absolutely must, but if you must protect you and those you love.

[03Lightningrocks]

If your sitting in your car and they are standing outside it pointing a gun at you, you are at a serious tactical disadvantage for a shootout. Your a sitting target and they can skoot and shoot. Tough situation to call but I would either get out of the car or stomp the gas and let all hell break loose.

[TexasGal]

All this is just one of the reasons I sold my car for a diesel truck. It is a lot harder to knock me off the road or hem me in and that engine makes good cover if i have to exit my vehicle.

[gwashorn]

All this is just one of the reasons I sold my car for a diesel truck. It is a lot harder to knock me off the road or hem me in and that engine makes good cover if i have to exit my vehicle.

Yes, an 8,000 lb Excursion with a 7.3 liter diesel. I suggest steel first with jacketed lead to follow if they follow. I love my truck.