Accosted in Wal*Mart; what would you do?

[Ektarr]

Muggers, robbers, etc choose victims that appear to be easy marks. They are not likely to accost an obviously armed individual. They're not looking for a fight, just an easy score.

...unless the BG feels he can gain the upper hand through surprise. Besides, taking a gun as well would be a real coup!

That's why simply displaying a weapon is usually sufficient to end the confrontation, as it did in this instance.

It was the sudden display of the weapon that defused the situation! It presented the BG with a circumstance for which he had not planned and had no response. Had he known DH was armed, he might not have approached, OR he may have approached with a whole 'nother set of plans!

[ozarkgunner]

I think your DH did good. And was right in what he did. But I also think you or he should have called LE. Walmart needs to take more responsibility. My mother-in-law had a some what similar incedent at the walmart near me last week or so. She had seen a guy in the parking lot when she got there. She did her shopping and was leaving. When she was getting to her car she saw him at it trying to get in. she said something to him and he just blew her off. She went back to the entrance to find an employee the get help and store security was standing there watching him. They then called LE, and he was picked up. But Walmart security had already dealt with him just before she got there. He had bothered another customer.
I say LE should have been called the first time they had trouble with him. Waiting gave him a chance to try again. what if he had done something to some one else? Walmart would be making some pretty big legal payouts if the guy had stollen her car, broken in to it, etc. Even more if he had hurt my MIL. Seeing as how they already knew he was a problem, and sent him on his way.

[Mountaingoat61]

I agree that police should have been notified. The jerk could have called them himself and told them your husband pulled a gun on him. CYA every time!!

[Booga]

...He had bothered another customer.
I say LE should have been called the first time they had trouble with him. Waiting gave him a chance to try again.

This is at least the fourth tale I've heard about someone's car being broken into in a Walmart parking lot. One of those tales involved a car that was stolen and only recovered a few days later. That car was completely trashed and more of a liability than a car when they recovered it.

I've also heard of at least three additional incidents at a Walmart that were not parking-lot related. Although anything can happen at any time, it seems that large parking lots are at higher risk of problems. Thus, last time I went to a mall, I was prepared. I had to deliver some cash to a dear friend of mine who has been hit hard by the depression and I wasn't about to make myself a victim. Mall signs be damned...

However, if some event happened, I would call the cops and wait for them so I could make a statement. I've had to do that once before and I don't regret it. At that time it was 3 against 1, and I had to run. If I had been armed I would probably make the same choice to run, but if I had not made it to shelter then I would have had a better chance at survival.

Anyway, if there's an encounter with a bad guy, I'm all for reporting of the problem.

[gdcleanfun]

Update: Dh eventually did call and spoke directly to the local Sheriff himself, a pretty accessible fellow! I wasn't present for the call and I don't know the outcome of the call. I'm just glad he finally called. Dh is open carrying now when we go shopping. I hope it keeps the Adam Henry BGs far, far away! I'm still doing the CC thing 99% of the time.

During a Christmas Eve dinner party the other night, I was asked by a new friend why I carried one in the chamber in my Beretta. I explained to him, a newbie to firearms, that not all pistols did but that my pistol had a safety, that it was a quality-made pistol, and that the safety made sure it wouldn't discharge without my intent to make it do so. It was thrilling to have such a conversation in the home of "old" friends, ones who probably keep a pistol in every room of their home and probably as many in their motorhome.

[hibby76]

I agree....attempted robbery.

[KathleenElsie]

My only issue with not informing the police is that there are many more elderly or handicapped people out there that are just easy marks. Not everyone (many reasons or excuses) carries and it is also our duty to protect those that can't protect themselves.

[gdcleanfun]

My only issue with not informing the police is that there are many more elderly or handicapped people out there that are just easy marks. Not everyone (many reasons or excuses) carries and it is also our duty to protect those that can't protect themselves.

I disagree. I'm not a LEO. I don't have their training. I'm not into vigilantism. I carry strictly to protect me and mine. It's okay to agree to disagree.

[Sala]

To the police, the person who first calls in a situation is considered the victim. You need to call the police ANY time you show your weapon to anyone. The guy by the sink could have called the police and said you pulled a gun on him. You would be arrested - it would be his word against yours. You have the gun, he is unarmed...

Best to call it in for you own protection.

[SteveB]

I disagree. I'm not a LEO. I don't have their training. I'm not into vigilantism. I carry strictly to protect me and mine. It's okay to agree to disagree.

I think Kathleen meant protecting others by reporting BG to police, so he wouldn't have the chance to mug someone else.