Attacker's target turns tables

[rainbowbob]

I have often read suggestions here to drive to a police station if being followed by a BG. It sounds like good advice, and I've always assumed most hijackers would quit the chase when they realized where you were headed. I guess this story proves that not all predators are rocket scientists. What a great finish to this frightening incident.

Would-be victim leads suspect to authorities
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. -- Illinois authorities say a Michigan man was so intent on robbing a motorist that he unwittingly followed her in his car straight to a sheriff's department, where he was arrested.

Twenty-six-year-old Carleous Clay Jr. was arrested Tuesday and remains jailed in Madison County, Ill., on charges of attempted armed robbery and possession of a stolen vehicle.

Authorities say the Edwardsville woman called 911 saying a man had tried to rob her at gunpoint when he pulled alongside her to ask for directions. She had her three children in the car with her.

Investigators say a dispatcher guided the woman to a nearby sheriff's department while the suspect followed. They say he realized too late where she was headed and was arrested a short time later.

The attorney assigned to Clay did not immediately respond to a phone message Thursday seeking comment.

 

[catspa]

Good story, Bob. I wonder if he was trying to steal the children. Ever read "The Ransom of Red Chief"?

Parker

 

[rgwalt]

I wonder if the police gave her a pass on the "no talking on cell phones while driving" law in IL...

Good story!

 

[rainbowbob]

Of course, the flip side to the story is that the mother of three was not legally able to defend herself and her children with a firearm in Illinois (if I'm not mistaken). It fortunately wasn't necessary in this incident - but it might have improved the odds had the predator been even more aggressive and forced the issue before she was able to obtain assistance.

 

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

I don't know about that, bob.

Would you want to get into a gunfight with your kids trapped a foot behind you?

 

[Jeff White]

I wonder if the police gave her a pass on the "no talking on cell phones while driving" law in IL...

There is no such law in Illinois. They just passed one banning text messaging while driving but I'm not sure when it is effective.

 

[rainbowbob]

Would you want to get into a gunfight with your kids trapped a foot behind you?

Only if there were no other options.

And then I hope I wouldn't hesitate.

 

[Grey_Mana]

If you don't have a cell phone to call ahead, and especially if it is night, the sheriff/police station may be exactly the wrong place to head. Not all of them are staffed 24/7, and the ones that are staffed typically have locked doors and call boxes to keep the staff from being surprised. A person can die just as easily in the police station antechamber, waiting for someone to respond, as they can at home waiting for the police. If the station looks deserted, don't assume you'll immediate find help. Don't automatically jump out of the safety of your car to run inside.

Other options to consider -
Walmart/Sam's Club/BJs, if your local one pays the cops to loiter about the entrance to deter shop lifters.

Local range, especially an outdoor range. But yell loudly for help, because they can't hear nothing.

Hospital ER - they aren't well armed but they are are people in a well-lit area that you can drive right up, they have guards somewhere, and they are mentally accustomed to responding fast to hysterical situations.

In contrast, closed restaurants and stores would be poor choices. People may be inside working, their cars may be there, but they are programmed not to open the door and let trouble in.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

Of course, the flip side to the story is that the mother of three was not legally able to defend herself and her children with a firearm in Illinois (if I'm not mistaken).

Of course she could. She would likely have been arrested for a firearms violation if she didn't have her FOID card, but the act of self defense would not have been criminal. This sort of thing seems to happen repeatedly in IL where folks do defend themselves with contraband firearms and suffer no charges on the acts of defense, but do on the firearms.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

Nothing like Morons! Glad the lady played it smart.

 

[Jon_Snow]

Here in California, emergency calls are exempt from the cell phone/driving law. I'd imagine that would be standard in any similar law.

 

[ilbob]

Jeff White
Moderator

I wonder if the police gave her a pass on the "no talking on cell phones while driving" law in IL...

There is no such law in Illinois. They just passed one banning text messaging while driving but I'm not sure when it is effective.

I think Chicago did pass one a few months back though.

There was something odd about the IL law though. Can't remember what.

<added>
The law against using cell phones while driving only applies to those under 19. I think they also passed some kind of law allowing non home rule units to ban cell phone use as well four or five years ago.

(625 ILCS 5/12‑610.1)
Sec. 12‑610.1. Wireless telephones.
(a) As used in this Section, "wireless telephone" means a device that is capable of transmitting or receiving telephonic communications without a wire connecting the device to the telephone network.
(b) A person under the age of 19 years who holds an instruction permit issued under Section 6‑105 or 6‑107.1, or a person under the age of 19 years who holds a graduated license issued under Section 6‑107, may not drive a vehicle on a roadway while using a wireless phone.

Not sure about the texting thing though. I think it passed but has not been signed by the governor yet.

I don't see how this is ever going to be enforcable short of a driver confessing. How is a cop going to see inside another vehicle that someone is texting?

They should also ban reading the newspaper, shaving, eating your breakfast, and a host of other things every bit as dangerous. Its not as if we have anything important in this state for our legislators to worry about.