Co-worker got mugged.

[MPFreeman]

A fellow engineer whom I work with was in Cleveland a while back and was mugged and had his wallet stolen. He's about 5'9" and maybe 150-60 lbs and approx 45yo. Here's how it happened.

Coworker is walking down side walk in Cleveland. He passes a guy sitting on a park bench who looks like he is just enjoying the place with a kid whom he doesn't see. The bench dude is big, but clean and seemed friendly. About 20ft latter another smaller guy is walking a dog towards coworker. Coworker gave him a "how you" head nod, and then suddenly the largish man from park bench bear hugs him from behind and shakes him to disorient him. Bad guy #2 with dog, quickly punches him in the face and then grabs wallet. Big Guy throws him to ground and both bad guys run away into a neighborhood. My coworker said it took maybe 3-4 seconds tops, from the time he was grabbed to when he hit the ground. Coworker suffered a black eye from punch, and a bruised sternem <sp?> from big guy bear hug. When big dude wrapped him up, big guy similtaneously put a closed fist in his sternem and then squeezed. Knocking the wind out of my coworker.

My coworker said he had no chance once they had the drop to even think about resisting. He was too busy trying to get his bearings straight to have time to think and resist.

 

[Devonai]

That's too bad. I hope your co-worker has better luck in the future.

As my old martial arts teacher used to say, sometimes you can do everything right and still end up dead. Skill gives you better odds but does not guarantee results. I probably would have been just as wallet-less as your colleague but hopefully they would have overlooked the pistol on my belt.

Honestly, my trained response to a bear-hug is to become 200 lbs of dead weight. Unless you're Ahnold I doubt you're going to be able to hold me up. When the attacker begins to lose his balance, you shift your weight and roll him over your shoulder. This should at least free you from his grasp and give you more time to respond.

 

[CWL]

What Devonai said, you can still lose no matter how you train or are prepared, all you can really do is try and increase the odds and luck in your favor. Tough when they team up, distract you and time things so well.

When I'm out and about, I'm always turning around and looking over my shoulder to recheck the scenery inaddition to scanning front & sides. -Really bugs the heck outta by SO and friends (like how I never sit with my back to the door in restaurants), but I haven't been mugged so far -though two Arabs did try once in France.

If you remain alert and appear so, muggers & thieves usually pass you up for easier pickings.

 

[bogie]

About 20 years ago, Lexington, KY had a "parking lot bandit" that they called the Louisville Slugger. I don't know if he ever killed anyone, but he'd wait until he had a victim, blind side 'em with a bat, and then clean their pockets.

 

[El Tejon]

The tiger, while powerful, is a just a cat if asleep or distracted.

Check 6 and watch out for the hammer and anvil. Very old tactic, but very effective.

Matt, our kwoon deals with this exact scenario in our immediate action drills. One does not think, he performs the indicated response.

You should come out for some mantis boxing.

 

[Penforhire]

Guy with a dog seems an unusual assailant. Something distinctive to identify him and possibly slow his escape.

El T, the only problem with situation-reaction training is you tend to get overly sensitive and strike someone who just walked over to tap you on the shoulder (or some child that bumped into you). True you should have seen him coming but just something I've noticed before.

 

[El Tejon]

Pen, maybe I should hang up my guns then? And stop training. Geez, how I hate wisdom and instruction.

Rule #4 applies to armed and unarmed fighting.

 

[Penforhire]

I did say "the only problem." That doesn't invalidate the training. Carry on

 

[P95Carry]

A VERY salutary tale ....... and one which I am glad to hear ... simply because it is a good reminder that all is not what it may seem .... wherever you are.

There has to be a balance of course between constant paranoia and total obliviousness to one's surroundings. Maybe we should remember what makes the best con' man. ........ usually the fact that he ''seems'' so normal.! That is his ''edge'' ...... but also consider this ... how often should we ask with sales and offers ...... ''it seems to good to be true'' ...... usually the case ... no such thing as a free lunch. Surface belies what is beneath.

So - this has now usefully reminded me to consider things deeper than just appearances. As I have said before .. there are two very useful phrases to always try and keep in mind .......

Expect the unexpected

And ....... Never assume

 

[El Tejon]

Pen, riiiight! Very well, doing so.

 

[Covey Rise]

tough situation

anyone who says else, needs a reality check.

The only way I see too avoid this problem is too look like a person that shouldn't be messed with, and to be very alert and constantly scanning around. Some extra weightlifting and physical exercise can help you stay at the ready all the time.

 

[twoblink]

You can do what my gangster friends do, go down the same street at the same time two months from now, and bring like 10 guys..

I'm all about the Pulse Wave Myotrons..

As for thefts and muggings... I'm a firm believer of Blender+Fingers = no chance of it ever happening again...

 

[Browns Fan]

At what time of day, and in what neighborhood did this occur? I am most curious because I visit the greater Cleveland area from time to time.

 

[RustyHammer]

El T: "The tiger, while powerful, is a just a cat "

Otherwise known as a big, yellow ....


Always, check six!

/Rusty

 

[El Tejon]

Rusty, yes, when asleep or unaware.