I was driving to work this morning. I realized that I needed some gas, so I pulled into the gas station that I normally frequent that happens to be across the street from where I work. It was a Valero gas station and I pulled into the last pump. Sharing the pump on the other side of me was a red car with 4 black guys in it. I noticed that there was another black guy standing in front of their car and words were being exchanged. I step out of my car and I walk around the back of my car to the passenger side. While doing that, I can hear the altercation occurring. I could tell that the lone black guy out front was defending himself for some sort of offense that had just occurred. So, while I am making my way around the back of my car, a passenger in the front has his door open. He is getting ready to get out. Brandishes a handgun. Racks the slide to chamber a round. I am like within 10 feet of this. I quickly get to the other side of my car. The pump is now between me and the gunman. I hear words being said, but at this point, I have blocked it all out. I quickly shut the gas lid on my car and walked briskly back around my car to get in and leave the area. I did not make eye contact with anyone. I got in my car and sped off. I will get gas near my house in a "safer" part of town.
I am have my CCL, but I was not carrying... nor would I have even tried to intervene. It was better to just leave the area quickly. I think that was the case for another customer that was there as well.
I only wish that I did have my gun just in case shots were fired. If I could not have gotten away safely, then I would to have liked to have been able to defend myself as best as I could. I think that my gun carrying habits are going to change from this moment forward.
I have often thought about what would happen if I were ever in such a situation. I am glad that I was first able to just leave the situation. I was not prepared and it was better to leave and to do so safely.
My heart rate was racing pretty good for about an hour after that moment. I was talking with some co-workers about my experience and was told to not get gas in this area. Too many gun related incidents have occurred in that area. There is a lot of crime in that area.
At any rate, I am glad to be safe and home.
I am have my CCL, but I was not carrying... nor would I have even tried to intervene. It was better to just leave the area quickly. I think that was the case for another customer that was there as well.
I only wish that I did have my gun just in case shots were fired. If I could not have gotten away safely, then I would to have liked to have been able to defend myself as best as I could. I think that my gun carrying habits are going to change from this moment forward.
I have often thought about what would happen if I were ever in such a situation. I am glad that I was first able to just leave the situation. I was not prepared and it was better to leave and to do so safely.
My heart rate was racing pretty good for about an hour after that moment. I was talking with some co-workers about my experience and was told to not get gas in this area. Too many gun related incidents have occurred in that area. There is a lot of crime in that area.
At any rate, I am glad to be safe and home.