A 31-year-old man in Englewood, Chicago, was shot during an attempted robbery Saturday night, reminding us of the importance of proper self-defense tactics and the dangers of drawing from the drop.
The victim was in the 5600 block of South Elizabeth Street around 9 p.m. when two unidentified males approached him as he got out of his car. One of the offenders pulled a gun and demanded his personal belongings. The victim, a licensed concealed carry holder, exchanged gunfire with the robbers, who subsequently fled the scene on foot.
Police report that the victim was transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition with a gunshot wound to the hand. No one is in custody, and Area One Detectives are currently investigating the case. Three other victims also reported being targeted by robbers as they got out of their cars on the South Side Friday.
This incident highlights the danger of drawing from the drop – drawing a gun in self-defense when a gun is already pointed at you. No matter how fast your draw is, the suspect pulling the trigger is always faster. It’s also worth noting that we often see gunshot wounds to the hands in gunfights. I experienced this myself during force-on-force training when I was hit in the hands a few times.
This incident also highlights the dangers of transitional spaces – areas where people move between two different environments, such as getting in or out of a car. Criminals often target these spaces, expecting potential victims to be distracted or have their heads buried in their phones.
Situational awareness is crucial, especially in transitional spaces. By staying alert and conscious of your surroundings, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim. This includes avoiding distractions, scanning your environment, and maintaining a safe distance from strangers.
Fortunately, the victim in this case is now in good condition and was able to defend himself. This event serves as a crucial reminder for concealed carry holders to prioritize self-defense training, be aware of the risks associated with drawing from the drop, and maintain heightened situational awareness in transitional spaces.
