On my way to college I have to cross a mountain and I have a V6 in my car, which isn't the best on gas, and I realized my car was almost on empty. I stopped at a small gas station as soon as possible because I did not want to take the chance of breaking down in this community. I know absolutely no one in this very small town, and I have no cell phone service. As I pulled into the gas staion I noticed a white passenger van about 25 feet from the pumps. I saw people along the road picking up trash and immediately thought...inmates. However, I didn't give it much thought. I figured I was just being paranoid. Well...I wasn't. They were wearing an orange hat, an orange vest, and orange sweatshirt, etc. They were quite obviously an inmate work crew. While I was pumping gas I noticed a few of them started walking toward me. I thought it was no big deal, but still was aware of my surroundings. I looked at the van to make sure their correctional officer was watching them, but he was parked beside another jeep chatting away. I got a little nervous at this point, but still remained calm. I could hear them talking and looking and me and having that look while they were talking. I finished pumping gas as quickly as possible, got my receipt, got in my car, and locked the doors. Being a 19 year old girl, I feel very defenseless in these types of situations. This incident confirmed my decision to carry and makes me wish I could get my license now. Granted they may have been completely harmless, but having a gun strapped to my side would have made me feel a lot safer. Just in case something would have got out of hand.
that's true. a gun may have helped if SHTF, but the best defense you can have is what you already deployed today...SITUATIONAL AWARENESS. Good job keeping your surroundings in check and knowing what was going on! I hope the officer started paying more attention...
I would like to suggest you carry OC spray, for now. It's inexpensive, easy to carry and effective is many situations. I'm glad you have a great sense of awareness of your surroundings.
Absolutely. Get a good brand of pepper (OC) spray, like Fox Labs. They sell a handy keychain sized cannister.
I don't know your background, but most of us run the risk of having our own knife used on us, if used as a defensive tool, without any formal training.
As pcon said, you already employed your best defense tool, situational awareness. You, at 19 years old, are already way ahead of the game and much more aware of your surroundings that 95% of the pin head sheeple walking around on this planet. Well done.
And I would also advise you to check into the legality of carrying openly in your state. If it is legal for you to OC at 19, then the fact that you have to travel through a area where you know no one, have no cell service and the area is remote, I would advise you to do it. If you were my daughter I would want you to carry in any way that you legally can right now.
If you do choose to OC, pick a good security holster, like a Blackhawk SERPA, and practice you r draw, and retention of the gun in case of a gun grab attempt.
For the time being, I would suggest some OC spray, and a good knife.
Sorry that this had to happen to you. Of coarse had the correctional officers been paying attention it probably would have not happened and you would not have had to feel that way. It excites(in a good way guys!) me to hear that a woman wants to carry. There are a few out there that love guns and weapons, but when a woman makes that decision that she needs to carry I think it is great. We all should be able to defend ourselves, and if carrying plus being aware of your surrounds-which you were and that is the number 1 thing to worry about-is what you want then I encourage you to do so once you reach that age. In the meantime, do your homework, find a weapon that fits nicely in your hand, and on your side, or in your purse. Be comfortable, as I am sure you will be.
Good job on being aware of your surrondings. And a big thump on the head to the corrections officer for not watch what was going on.
Had I been in your shoes I would have pressed the panic button on my car alarm to get the attention of the C/O.
And please always make sure you lock your car while you are pumping gas, you don't want a surprise when you get back in.
Good job with your situational awareness. Take all measures you can to beef up your defensive posture. The OC and even tasers are a good choice that should be legal now. Check into the open carry too. Once again, good job.
Kudos to you for being aware. That's about 60% of the battle right there!
The suggestions for OC and spray and tasers are all good ones that can get you through to 21. My wife is still waiting for her permit and takes her spray whenever she is out jogging.
From a psychological perspective, the most intimidating thing a woman can do to a potential attacker is look him in the eye and get a good description of her. Remember, BGs are looking for victims, not fights! If you look them in the eye, challenge their actions, and show yourself to be confident and competent they are far less likely to choose you to pick on.
From a psychological perspective, the most intimidating thing a woman can do to a potential attacker is look him in the eye and get a good description of her. Remember, BGs are looking for victims, not fights! If you look them in the eye, challenge their actions, and show yourself to be confident and competent they are far less likely to choose you to pick on.
I think your first mistake is letting your car get near empty...gas stations are a magnet for BGs to pounce on someone. Last year, a soldier got pounced on at a gas station in a small, unlit gas station in an area that was ripe for this...the story was on DC. My other question is why you didn't get in your car and lock the doors while the gas was being pumped...they could of jumped you and taken the car? Or go into the store there? Another story here about a lady being followed and what to do at a gas station.
Finally...OC, stun gun...may not drop them, but they will sure stun them.
AS some have said, I’d call the correctional department and report what happen and how those inmates being left un-supervised made you feel threatened.
She already said she was in another area she wasn't familiar with. Alot of cases, the officer lets the prisoners spread out, like when cutting grass so he cant be right on top of them. Glad to hear she was aware of her surroundings, thats what matters, you have to be responsible for yourself.
I am the OP's boyfriend. I am a probation officer in the county she goes to college in. It just so happens that the Max security prison is only about 10 minutes from her college. My entire short career has been in probation or parole work except for some work in the State M.E. Unlike other LEO...ALL of the people I encounter in my work are "BAD" people with criminal records. I deal with them in their homes and their turfs 90% of the time....usually by myself. I consider my Situational Awareness to be of the utmost importance for me more than most. Police send them to jail...I send them BACK...if they screw up. They really don't like me...most of the time. I have worked with her a lot to hone her SA, and she has done an excellent job. She is a smart and very beautiful girl who has an interest in her personal protection and being my partner in life and all situations that come. Thats why I love her so much and find her unbelievably sexy. I am very proud of her and her progression thus far. I am thinking about getting her into some real deal OC (not that cheap stuff in convenience stores)and a good concealable defensive knife...possibly a Ka-Bar TDI.
+1 on the Ka-Bar TDI. I absolutely love mine. I have one of three that I carry with me at all times. God help you if you ever get on the wrong end of my TDI.
I would reccomend Kimber Life act. The jets of spray coming out at 90 mph is very impressive and would be impossible to dodge! Good, job at paying attention. I preach SA to my wife everyday! She too is noticing little things around her that just don't seem quite right. That is what it takes to stay safe in this crazy world!
T-Bone...not sure if she would be legal for OC carry of a gun...I am gonna check into it. But I'm still not sure it is the best idea. Most LEO especally the rural ones she is going to be in contact with are not real knowledgable on the laws and she could be in for a real hassle if stopped. I am probably going to be looking in to pepper spray for he and a good knife.
I know training with knifes is recommended but if somebody sneaks up on her and she has to cut and slash it better than the pepper spray as a get the F*&# OFF ME!! tool. Plus if you just pull it out it is enough to scare some people off. I have formal training in ASP and am thinking about possibly buying and training her with an ASP.
I am very glad that the situation turned out for the best for you. From what everyone else is saying, showing that bit of assertiveness makes those that prey on others think twice. You were at least wise enough to not stick around for long as I'm sure there are quite a few that would have been totally oblivious. Being aware of your surroundings is the first step to preventing an attack, which you seemed to have done perfectly.
You did a great job! You should be proud of yourself. I second (or third) everyone's suggestions to (1) call the corrections department, and (2) get some OC spray or some kind of stun gun.
Knives are good, but they are very up-close and down-dirty. Do you want to get that close to them? Do you want to get into a bloody, slippery, stab and grab? 5' 9" or not, you do not have even half the upper body strength of a typical male. Stay away from them!
Also agree that next time, get in your car. Doesn't matter if the nozzle is still in the tank. You can drive off, and laugh in relief if someone gets a picture of you as "another woman who didn't put the nozzle back on the pump."
Well, did anyone say anything to the field officers superior?
If someone under me is allowing the general public to feel threatened, it would show on ME, and I would not like it.
Road crew inmates should understand they are not to play these games of intimidation, and the participants should of been made an example of. It sets a tone of compliance. Rules are nothing unless they are followed. Please contact the authorities and follow through with a complaint, someone was not doing their job.
JMO
As others have said you did a very good job by being aware of your surroundings. Many young girls wouldn't have noticed until they were a threat. I have a young daughter and it makes me sick to hear some of the stories she tells me, grown men trying to pick her and her friends up. Check your states laws, some will require you to be 21 to obtain a CC permit but will allow you to have one in the car at 18, but again check your laws. I have bought my daughter the large Police issue Pepper spray, and she carries a knife everywhere she goes. I already have her a CC gun, just waiting until she is of legal age. Glad you are alright.
I 100% support your decision to carry...BUT...you did exactly the right thing in this situation....get out of there....your car is the place to be, great job being aware of your surroundings....OC spray may help you feel better...but giving yourself at 'out' is the right decision...
According to Handgunlaw.us, minimum age to OC in WV is 18(seems that's quite common in other states if you travel anywhere else). So that is an option for you until you turn 21.
Hello fello West Virginians. OC is "technically" legal in WV. However, they have this thing about disturbing the peace in most of the cities and towns. So many of them it is actually illegal within city limits. Quite silly really, but that is they way it is.
I'm only aware of Charleston and Dunbar being grandfathered for banning of OC. I guess there may be other towns that do what they please, but it would probably be illegal.
I'd check with the PD in your town to make sure.....
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