Monday, June 30, 2014

Case Review: Near Miss

*** What follows is a guest post by Chedderman.  It is presented as a Near Miss.  That is to say... its a recounting of an actual event that could've gone very very badly but did not.  It is extremely important to share these experiences so that we may learn from them.  And... as he points out... it buts up nicely with Will's post on situational awareness. ***



I have had a strange feeling as of late, that the Almighty was about to give me a wake-up call. You see, my Christian life has kind of been in the crapper for a while. It is funny that I asked Him to take it easy on me with this one, as some of them have been hard life lessons. Anyways, I woke up late on a Sunday morning having skipped church for about the 4th month in a row.

I needed to make a call to see if I could work on my recoil buffer today. I could not find my cell phone and figured I may have left it in my truck last night. I went outside to my truck that is parked on the street. By the way, I live in an urban blue collar neighborhood that has seen better days. It was a really good neighborhood at one time, until the “vibrants” starting to move into the section 8 apartment complex the next street over.

As I was looking in my truck for the cell phone, I heard some shouting outside a house a few doors down on the other side of the street. I looked over, and could tell something was wrong by the expression on two of the peoples’ faces. I closed my truck door and started walking over there, I figured an adult presence was needed. A woman came running out of the house, yelling “call 911.” There was an African American youth chasing her, and she ran into a neighbors’ house. He did not follow her into the house, and stood in the front yard of the house where the woman had sought refuge for a few seconds, then ran into the back yard of the house where I initially heard the shouting.

I looked over at the house where the shouting had occurred. It looked like two people were being threatened/held against their will by a white kid and two African Americans in the area in between the house and a minivan sitting in the driveway. I thought it was odd that they had bandanas around their necks. As I walked over there, the white kid and the two black kids ran into the back yard and pushed their way through a gap in the fence, and disappeared. The cops showed up about 2 minutes after the lady ran into the neighbors’ house and had called 911 on her cell phone. A decent response time, but not good enough to save you in an active shooting situation.

I did not know if at the time, but I walked into the middle of a botched home invasion. What had happened was 3 african americans and 2 white trash youths invaded the home down the street. Three of them had guns. The bandanas were to cover their faces. They were looking for money, the old man who owned the house had died last Saturday. They must have figured that the old man had some money, and they could get their hands on it. When the lady ran out of the house over to the neighbors, their plan started to unravel. Two more people, a newlywed couple, were trying to bolt from the house, but the thugs ran after them and trapped them between the house and the van. The remaining thugs were trying to force the young couple back into the house. Me walking over there unnerved the thugs enough that they decided to run away.

In retrospect, what I did could have got me killed. I guess the Almighty had my 6 and my 12 today. Thank you Lord! My CCW pistol was by my bedside, in a box, unloaded and never fired. I have not followed through on my CCW application, although I took the class. My Remington 870 12 gauge bird/skeet gun was in the closet next to a couple of boxes of buckshot, the 12 gauge barrel was unattached to the frame. If it were my house that was invaded, I would have been caught completely off guard. I am not sure If I will continue to live there, my roommate has a “God will protect me, I don’t need to have a gun” attitude. Let this be a lesson to all of you out there in terms of situational awareness.

Epilogue: The home owner knew the two white trash kids, they were supposed to do some house work for her. The thugs are all probably in custody as I write.

43 comments:

Res Ipsa said...

I'm glad you're OK.

It can be hard to decide when its time to move. I lived in a similar situation for a time when I was a college student. I kept a loaded shotgun where I could lay my hands on it. If I could have afforded a handgun back then, I would have had it loaded and available too.

You went out to your truck for a second to look for your cell phone. This should have been an everyday non-event. The fact that it wasn't should be a wake up call to keep a gun on your person at all times. This is the reality of where you live. Get that CCW paperwork finished and turned in.

Nate said...

It should also be a wakeup call about what should be in your truck at all times.

Even if for some reason you didn't have a sidearm on your person... you should've been able to retrieve one from the truck.

cheddarman said...

thanks for the advice, gents. I plan on filling out the CCW paperwork, and having a 2nd pistol for the truck.

I will also practice drawing and dry firing a lot more with snap caps, and put in more range time.

These are all things i had planned to do "eventually" but this experience makes them front and center priorities.

sincerely

cheddarman

Res Ipsa said...

It should also be a wakeup call about what should be in your truck at all times.

I get where you're coming from. While he is living in this neighborhood the likelihood of someone breaking into his truck is probably higher than average. If that happens he has supplied someone with a gun.

Doesn't Cheddarman live in Ohio? Can they even do that legally? Isn't Ohio that Massachusetts of the Midwest when it comes to gun laws?

patrick kelly said...

Hmmm... as my neighborhood grows more vibrant I have considered the pro's and cons of keeping something in the truck for the same reasons.

I'm also carrying more often whenever I go outside for a "quick" trip to the truck, or garden, or whatever...even if it is just a pocket piece.

patrick kelly said...

One of those gun lockers for trucks would slow down or deter most low level thugs. If you cover or obscure it enough they may not know what it is.

Anyone have experience with those? I'm thinking of the ones that have the four finger pattern buttons you push.

If I'm going to that trouble I think I'm keeping an AR or my .45 carbine in there.

Susan said...

Cheddarman, have you thought that maybe you were God's instrument in this to save that newlywed couple?

Yes, God surely watched your back, and just the fact that you merely showed up unarmed scared those punks enough that maybe you saved at least one or two of them too.

Have you also thought that maybe you had an angel walking in your presence that while you could not see it, those thugs did. Something sure spooked them.

As a reader who enjoys your comments, I am glad it turned out ok. Now get yourself back to church!!

Nate said...

in town a man really needs to have a safe bolted to his truck's floor.

cheddarman said...

Res Ipsa,

I live in Ohio, i thought about putting an alarm in the truck as well.

I am going to talk to the newly wed kid across the street, see if he wants to go to the range with me.

There is also a cop detective who lives down the street, may talk to him about starting a neighborhood watch

sincerely

cheddarman

Res Ipsa said...

cheddarman

I'm glad you're doing that. I think you ought to listen to Susan too. What she said has a lot of merit to it.

I'm in full agreement with Nate and others who preach about being 100% able to address a threat situation, which means that you have to have a gun to use it. I think you need to bone up on your skills, especially the ones found between your ears. DO those things, but don't forget to deal with the Lord. He can do a lot more than Sam Colt.

nordicthunder said...

forgive me for buttin' in, but i'm going to anyway.

@Cheddarman, get your permit and carry everywhere "permitted". until you get your permit carry at your home without fail. also be aware that Ohio is in fact an open carry state. if you need more info www.buckeyefirearms.org is a pretty solid resource. in the scenario you witnessed just your presence was a contributing factor to send the cowards packing. why I bring this up, I live in a similar neighborhood to what you describe, in probably the same general area (central ohio) me - far east side (reynoldsburg, whitehall area)
when it began to go full on vibrant and trouble began to rear it's head I'd wear openly just to get the word spread among the cowards (this can come with some unwanted scrutiny from police, so alert your neighbors of your intentions beforehand, should you choose to do this)
if you need to get some range time in , let me know, i have quite a few options outside of commercial ranges, quite a few acres out around Lancaster/Carroll (we are planning to set up a tactical range later this fall) a few acres around Pataskala/kirkersville and limited access to a long range (900 yds+) just south of Cambridge.
rambling like crazy, my apologies

if i can help you email is nordicthunder at wowway.com

remind your roommate that Christ told the disciples to sell their cloaks to obtain a weapon as well.

Daniel said...

They can help you with the guns better than I ever can, but I am praying for you as soon as I get done typing, cheddarman.

cheddarman said...

Thanks everyone,

I am going to contact nordicthunder and yes, Miss Susan, I am getting get right with the Almighty. I'd like to learn how to call down lightning bolts like Elisha in the Old Testament. That would be awesome open carry, IMO.

Nate and all, is there a caliber of lightning bolt you would recommend?

sincerely

cheddarman

Gecko said...

"I plan on filling out the CCW paperwork"

Still? Stop blogging and get 'er done!

Anyway, I've been thinking about having something available in the vehicle too. All we have is a minivan right now. Any thoughts about storing something in those "hidden" compartments for spare tires, jacks, and other tools?

I appreciate Nate's info on the SU-16c. What about the PLR-16? Would be nice to have something else that can share the mags for the AR-15 I just built.

Res Ipsa said...

Gecko,

Why not build a AR-15 in a handgun configuration with a barrel length that you like? It's legal under federal law. While I don't know it for a fact, you could probably do it from a 80/20 kit.

Gecko said...

That's certainly an option. I suppose the advantages would be customizability and that parts can interchange with the other AR.

Without a SIG brace, though, I think its OAL is close to a folded SU-16c. The PLR-16 is much shorter for something that won't be shouldered. Seems like a more expensive option that's not quite right for the job anyway. Speaking without experience.

Nate said...

Geck
what about a sub2000?

Gecko said...

If they made one that takes Ruger SR mags, I'd be all over that like a duck on a junebug. (I carry a SR40c.) As it is, if I got one I'd, clearly, need to get a bunch of mags. And, of course, that means they'd need another handgun to go with them. So, obviously, I cannot...

wait a minute...

Giraffe said...

My thinking for a vehicle gun is a handgun.

You want it right where you can reach it from the drivers seat. Assuming that is legal. Here it is. I quite often have a long gun on the seat, but I worry about it getting stolen. I throw a jacket over it sometimes.

A handgun under the seat is concealed and handy. Glove box or center console would be another option.

Anonymous said...

Glad you're OK, cheddarman.
Be careful, and get your permit...

Toothy

Anonymous said...

You can mail order your Florida ccw btw. Contact me and I'll fill you in, if you desire.

Toothy

cheddarman said...

Toothy,

I will contact you through you shop after the holiday, i seem to have lost your e-mail address.

thanks

cheddarman

Stilicho said...

Cheddarman:

I'm in Dublin. Contact me any time you want to go shooting (you too Nordicthunder). We have a nice 100/200/330 rifle range as well as a pistol range up the road in Richwood. Blackwing outside Delaware is a good choice for trying out a wide variety of guns prior to purchase (rent them and pay a range fee, but far cheaper than buying something that you end up not liking).

Nate, what's the Dr. Who schedule on vaccinations? Shit just got real on that front.

cheddarman said...

Stilicho,

I am free next saturday, would like to go shooting. Let me know what works for you.

thanks

cheddarman said...

Question about conceal carry holsters. I have been experimenting with my CC holster. Having one on my belt either inside or outside of my pants wont work, due to a bulged disc in my lower back.

anyone know of a decent shoulder holster for CC?

Thanks




Anonymous said...

Cheds,
Galco Jackass or Miami Classic are decent*.

For a few dollars more, I would go with a High Noon holster (mine is on order), or an Alessi.

Do NOT buy a cheap nylon holster. They suck - big time.
Trust me on this one...

* - New style galcos do not permit Condition 1 carry for 1911's (prob due to *&^%$% lawyers). If you're carrying something else, they're decent.

toothy

Anonymous said...

BTW, Nate - I got the Defiance Beverage Center to stock Russel's Reserve (I'm a good customer, after all).

Nice.

toothy

cheddarman said...

Nate,

you gotta come up to Toothy's place in Defiance, yankeeland...then again, aint it just like some yankee to invite an upstanding southron over to person's house he never met?

I have a southern battle flag i have been saving for the occasion

Anonymous said...

Y'all are welcome anytime. Ohio vacillates between red and blue, but Defiance county, and the city of Defiance is pretty much red state-ish. I don't have a Rebel Flag yet, but I do have a Gadsden flag.

My two brothers that own the gunshop with me are hardcore gun-nuts and avowed copperheads.

We have guns, bourbon, cigars and sarcasm in abundance.

Also, I would not be averse to a Columbus trip some time as Stilicho seems to have a good line on some shooting ranges. However, I am not sure I would be allowed to enter Dublin - way out of my league...

Toothy

Stilicho said...

Saturday is good for me. What do you want to shoot: rifles? pistols? Both? If you're interested in trying out a variety of pistols for purchase, then we'll go to Blackwing. If not, then we'll go to Richwood on a different day (they're having an IDPA match on Saturday, so range'll be full).

cheddarman said...

Stilicho,

I would like to shoot rifle and pistol.

Are you free on sunday?

thanks

cheddarman

Susan said...

@We have guns, bourbon, cigars and sarcasm in abundance.

Of course. All the best places to visit or live do. Seriously.

Throw in some decent routes and scenery for Nate and his MC of choice that trip, and you would have a very happy man.

Stilicho said...

I'm free. How's 1 pm at Richwood gun and game club (about 15 miles north of Marysville)?

Stilicho said...

Belay my last. Sunday they're having a 3 gun match for the wimminfolk. This Saturday (12th) would be good and the ranges will be available. The IDPA match is on the 26th. Saturday at 1pm if you're available will work for me.

Cheddarman said...

Stilicho,

Would it work best for me to meet you there?

May I bring my friend Alaric?

thanks

Stilicho said...

Yes and yes.

scipio afircanus said...

Stilicho,

I have a large unopened case of apple juice concentrate i need to donate to a worthy cause, it would make several gallons of reconstituted apple juice. Any chance they could use it at the range this weekend?

I bought it for a food science project and never opened it. Requires refrigeration.

Stilicho said...

Scipio, I expect they could.

NT, Will do. And Blackwing is pretty awesome.

I thought the plan was for Nate and JAC to ride their bikes up this summer sometime. I'm up for that, but I can't travel far due to other obligations right now, otherwise I'd be down for an invasion of Natesylvania.

Stilicho said...

Cheddarman: see you and Alaric at the Richwood club at 1 this Saturday. Bring eye and ear protection and any rifles or pistols (and ammo) you want to shoot. The only caliber restriction is no .50 cal rifles(apparently they tear up the berms a bit too much :)) I'll probably bring a couple of each. email me at secarr1 at yahoo dot com with any questions, etc.

cheddarman said...

Thanks Stilicho.

I am up for Natefest, wherever it is. I will even dress up as a CSA re-enactor. I have extended family that fought with General Lee.

Susan said...

Slightly OT: It appears that another banker, this time an exec who worked for JP Morgan in the UK, has not only committed suicide, but shot his wife multiple times before turning the gun on himself.

The very last lines in the article stated a list of major European banks that have had these "suicides" over the past year or so. It includes most of the major big banks of Europe.

And the pins continue to tumble.

cheddarman said...

Nate, thought of you yesterday, I saw a Kimber 45 caliber at the gun shop, it had a fake ivory hand set of had grips. Should have taken a picture of it, so we could have a "name that gun" contest.

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