I've been wondering...

[EvilMonk]

Here's the scenario:

You are out shopping with the family, and carrying some bags from various stores.

You notice that someone has approached you and yours from behind, and although you have made some discreet (the family hasn't noticed) evasive maneuvers to try and "lose the tail", the person continues to follow.

You are armed with your EDC, and you subtly shift your grip on the bags to allow for you to swing them at the (possible) attacker while drawing your weapon should you need.

Here's the sticky part:

If the individual becomes aggressive and tries to snatch a bag from you, do you have a right to draw on them? You don't know what their intentions are, be they violent or otherwise.

I would feel threatened in that situation (Kentucky's big Legal Line of Demarcation, so to speak), especially with my family present.

Now, if they just manage to "grab 'n' go" without your forehand knowledge of their presence and run off into the sunset with your new Bed, Bath, and Beyond bedspread, oh well.

But if I see them coming, and they try something, I don't know what they might intend to do.

Thoughts?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Rugergirl]

Exactly as you presented the scenario, no.
You didn't mention any visible weapon, signs of him reaching for a weapon, or any physical attack against you or anybody else.
Sure it could easily turn into an attack, and I would be prepared, if things did escalate to a point that I was in fear of grave bodily harm. At this point drawing is not warranted.

[razor02097]

If someone rushes me they get a my pistol isn't my only protection.


If I'm with my child its a whole different ballgame. I don't care if you are in a hurry or intending to steal a bag its never a good idea to rush toward a parent and a cub.

[goldshellback]

If he/they is 'attacking' me for my bags, then the intent would be violent...albt limited and quick in a "grab-n-go" situation.

I'm releasing my grip on the bags, stepping out of 'arms' reach, and drawing and shouting. He can have the bags but ANY action/movement at me or mine would draw my fire. The 'sticky part' is I'm drawing the instant I'm clear of the bags and BG(s).

Having the wife and/or kids makes it 'sticky' regardless.

Otherwise I'm getting as good a discription and direction of travel of the BG's and waiting for the police. Calling 911 is understood.

[hogdaddy]

That's exactly why I carry OC spray ; )
H/D

[OldVet]

I don't see any clear-cut "threat to life" here. I'd hate to have to go to prison because some guy tried to snatch my "Tickle Me Elmo" from my hands.

Generally, if you turn and face him, he'll realize he's lost the advantage of surprise and that you've identified him as suspect. Odds are almost certain that he'll pass on by.

Having said that, I'm sure you would have been alerted to respond as needed. Avoidance is the wiser move over pulling a weapon and using it.

[SIXTO]

Legal or not, I'm not going to get into a shooting over some chinese junk I just picked up at Walmart. I've decided a long time ago, material items are not the hassle of shooting somebody. The time, legal, stress imposed not only on me but my family just isn't worth it.

[stormbringerr]

Legal or not, I'm not going to get into a shooting over some chinese junk I just picked up at Walmart. I've decided a long time ago, material items are not the hassle of shooting somebody. The time, legal, stress imposed not only on me but my family just isn't worth it.

i agree w/that, as long as its not some heirloom,w/lots of special meaning to you and stolen from your home.

[Harryball]

Legal or not, I'm not going to get into a shooting over some chinese junk I just picked up at Walmart. I've decided a long time ago, material items are not the hassle of shooting somebody. The time, legal, stress imposed not only on me but my family just isn't worth it.

+1 on this. Let him go, call the PD and make sure your family is secured.

[Bark'n]

Exactly as you presented the scenario, no.
You didn't mention any visible weapon, signs of him reaching for a weapon, or any physical attack against you or anybody else.
Sure it could easily turn into an attack, and I would be prepared, if things did escalate to a point that I was in fear of grave bodily harm. At this point drawing is not warranted.

[obxned]

I'm feeling a threat to myself and my family. Maybe all Mr. Dirtbag wants is to steal my stuff, but there is no way to tell if our stuff is enough to make him go away happy. I would feel that the only way to assure my safety and the safety of my family in the face of this threat is to introduce him to his virgin. I do not plan on counting on the good will of bad peolpe for the survival of my family!

Oh. I'm old and can't run or fight very well. However, even if I am a young sprinter with a Black Belt in Hoo Flung Dung, I shouldn't be put in this position. Whether it is a beating or bullets, Mr. BG has gone out of his way to get it.

[oneshot]

Exactly as you presented the scenario, no.
You didn't mention any visible weapon, signs of him reaching for a weapon, or any physical attack against you or anybody else.
Sure it could easily turn into an attack, and I would be prepared, if things did escalate to a point that I was in fear of grave bodily harm. At this point drawing is not warranted.

^^^^^^^^YEP!!!!^^^^^^^^^^


"If we could get everyone in the world to close their eyes and imagine world peace for an hour, think about how serene it would be until the looting started."

[searcher 45]

I think I would just put myself between family and him, and turn and face him with hand ready to draw if necessary and ask him what he wants.

It would be a good idea to have a prearranged alert word with in family to signal alert.

[LethalStang]

That's exactly why I carry OC spray ; )
H/D

Yep! If he was following for that long, i would've went proactive and turned to confront him, but i would do it in a non-threatening way, such as "I noticed you following me, do I know you from somewhere ??". This lets you evaluate the person and get a better stance for defense. He may also just turn and walk away if he knows that you see him.

[hengst]

draw no,,,,he would end up with a green face and burning eyes, skin, mucous membranes and throat.... ohh and

Just doesnt qualify for serious bodily injury or death