Aggressive Panhandlers, etc.

[curmudgeon and anarchist]

I don't mind giving money to somebody who is in really terrible shape, and who would greatly benefit from a bottle of wine, really, I don't. The guys who bother me are the ones that come right up in your face and try to intimidate you into giving them money. The last time this happened, I looked the guy right in the eye and said, NO. He looked at me like I was crazy, then walked away. I'm 64 and this guy was in his twenties and well built. I would probably not be able to take him in a physical fight. I was not packing at the time, but somehow, since I've been a gun owner, my attitude has changed, and I am more likely to fight back, verbally or otherwise, in such a situation.

Unfortunately, the law in Connecticut does not allow me to draw a gun in such situations. That's too bad. From what I understand, you CAN do this in Florida (somebody set me straight if I'm wrong).

However, all self defense trainers I have read (Ayoob and others) caution that the use of the gun on the street is much murkier legally than in the home.

I understand that LEOs need to have something to go by when they are writing up an incident report, and such laws as those that prohibit "brandishing" prevent a lot of murky situations. However, I can see a day in the not too distant future when things get really ugly on the streets, and the number of such incidents will increase. I would like to enter into a dialogue with concerned citizens and LEOs on how to adjust the law so that it will benefit both gun owners and police.

 

[conw]

I've been wondering this myself. Actually I'm more interested in knowing the current laws before I try to get involved in changing them.

As for:

However, I can see a day in the not too distant future when things get really ugly on the streets, and the number of such incidents will increase.

That may or may not happen, but it's enough to worry about already.

Thanks.

 

[Sheldon J]

In some states it is a crime to give them money, while in Fl a few weeks back I had a obvious drug user female approach my PU at a stop light and try very hard to get me to roll down the window (doors in auto lock) and I just played the No understand game and told her to leave, just as I did when the light changed.

 

[Pepper46]

What to do?

Panhandling, begging, soliciting what ever you call it is illegal in most localities, or at least the one's that I frequent.
Under ideal circumstances, the police, would be arresting them, and the judiciary would be placing them in jails, and the rest would get the message that it is not a good idea, and all that stuff would stop.
In the real world, we know that this is not going to happen.
When the guy comes charging up to your car to "wash your windows", or challenges you that he will "work for food", but would rather you just give him money so he can get on to the business of fleecing others. What do you do?
We don't know which are the ones who are in need and which ones are after your money or your car or both.
I suppose the correct response is to address each situatuition on it's own merits, but I find that hard to do, and don't have the time, or feel the need to discuss it at length at the stop light.
Be prepared, and use your best judgement, trust your gut.

 

[bigdog21]

Unfortunately, the law in Connecticut does not allow me to draw a gun in such situations. That's too bad. From what I understand, you CAN do this in Florida (somebody set me straight if I'm wrong).

NO, you cannot draw your gun on a panhandler. You may however pepper spray them if the become aggressive. But if the threaten physical force while asking for money thats robbery, a Forcible felony, So you could draw your gun.

 

[Zundfolge]

In Colorado Springs panhandling is actually legal, however there are restrictions. They are only allowed to ask you once and if you refuse they have to leave you alone or they're guilty of harassment.

Harassment is not a serious enough offense to warrant lethal force, so you're not going to come out on the happy side of the law if you draw down on one unless you can establish that you were in fear of actually being attacked (so he'll have to be pretty darn aggressive and/or display a weapon or have a few buddies with him).

 

[Biker]

Don't get many panhandlers in my neck of the woods but when traveling I sometimes encounter the bastiges. Deal with every one according to terrain and situation.

For example, the last one came up to me and said "Hey man, I'm an alcoholic and I need a drink bad. Can you spare a buck?".

I said "Me too, and I'm broke and lookin' for someone to rob. Wanna go in with me?".

He didn't want to.

Biker

 

[esq_stu]

Twice this month, I have been accosted in shopping center parking lots by women with sob stories seeking handouts. They were both respectful and apologetic and I obliged with a few bucks. I don't generally turn respectful panhandlers away. Maybe times are bad and there will be more of them.

But this is a signal to be extra aware.

In both instances, I spotted strangers at night about 25 yards away looking straight at me and heading my way between the cars, clearly with a purpose. The fact that they were women made it seem harmless. And I had a strong feeling they were about to ask for a handout. But what about the next time? I'm thinking this could become more and more common.

Being colder out these days, it's easy to have a hand in the coat pocket on a hidden piece. It is probably a good idea not to pull out the wallet, but rather, to have a buck or two in the weak hand pocket; and a hand on a pocket weapon in the other pocket when a stranger is approaching.

 

[LightningJoe]

I said "Me too, and I'm broke and lookin' for someone to rob. Wanna go in with me?".

Ha! That's gotta be conspiracy to commit something or other.


I just say "No, thanks" although that's a little bit non sequitur. Except in a foreign country. I usually give them money overseas. It's not much and they've got less personally to lose by attacking the stingy American.

 

[Car Knocker]

The fact that they were women made it seem harmless.

Might want to rethink that perception.

 

[esq_stu]

Might want to rethink that perception.

Consider it re-thunk.