Decision-making While under Vehicular Assault

[BigSoundRacing]

Doc, good job of keeping your head on your shoulders - thanks for a very good read.

Be safe, BSR

 

[Trebor]

Of course I had no "duty" to disclose. Good feedback. That is what I wanted here--to prompt discussion of what do we do (decide) and why?

You may not have had a "duty" to disclose to the *dispatcher,* but under Michigan law you do have a duty to "immediately" disclose to the police officers. Telling the dispatcher ahead of time rather then waiting to tell the police when they arrive was probably the best thing to do.

 

[Alex45ACP]

How the heck do you carry that much ammo around?

I carry a 642 with 1 speedloader and find that enough of a hassle!

 

[anotherKevin]

Well first, "duty to retreat" is a vile imposition, and if as another poster stated, it's been repealed in your state then I am glad.

Secondly, of minor note, I added a "plugged in" a cheap ball trailer hitch to my truck for this very reason - a smaller car ramming me from the back is likely to get a busted up radiator before I get any damage. Theoretically, that is.

 

[Sean85746]

Very well written and relayed.

I think you did a heck of a job keeping calm, cool, and collected.

 

[crankshop1000]

Just to shed some light on what could happen if you act on impulse... The S.E. Mich CPL holder that fired a shot at a vehicle (She missed)she said was tailgating her on I 94 recently was found guilty of assault and various other charges. She was just sentenced to two and a half years in prison.

 

[Geno]

Imagine--2.5 years out of an already short life on earth sitting in a prison, followed by a lifetime of humiliation and loss of rights for one stupid and irresponsible moment.

 

[frayluisfan]

Question for Doc

Dear Doc,

First, thanks very much for relating your experience. It is certainly thought-provoking, and gets me thinking about how I'd respond. And thank the Lord it worked out so well!

My question--> I carry one reload only. Back-up gun? Okay. A couple reloads, or even three? Okay? But 11 reloads, a BUG and a reload for the BUG?! Now, beyond all questions about how to strap all that stuff on your person, I would be seriously concerned about how it would appear to a jury if you ever (God forbid) did have a lethal encounter. It seems to me like a nasty prosecutor might just decide that you were hoping to shoot someone. Do you think carrying *11* spare mags might seem a little excessive to the average jury member? (Naturally, I have no problem with it personally. I'm only thinking of the possible legal side. Maybe I'm worrying too much though).

Thanks again for a great post,
frayluisfan

 

[kungfuhippie]

I think carry all those mags is a great way to "by chance" be by the range and have enough ammo to make it worth your while... Of course that's freakin expensive if it's all HP rounds. You could even explain it away as that;
"well, I was going to the pistol range after work and so I had a bunch of ammo. I kept both guns on my person, legally, so that they wouldn't fall into the hands of children or crooks. I was going to the range because I know that gun ownership is a huge responsibility and practice and training..."

 

[silverlance]

same thought here.
of course, your state's mores may vary.

here in ca the CPL would be labeled a "walking arsenal".

they would then count out all the rounds... 11 x 17 + 1= 188rounds. plus the BUG will likely be 200+ rounds.

they would then compare it to what an average police man carries.

then what an average swat member carries.

and then try to paint you as a guy with a hardon for being john wayne.

but again in our state, they might just give you a medal.

 

[kungfuhippie]

they would...try to paint you as a guy with a hardon for being john wayne.

LOL Now if you did it "for the children (TM)" then you'd get that medal.

 

[Kimber1911_06238]

I don't see how it would be possible to bash the LEO's involved. sounds like they were professional and courteous. Bad situation, but thankfully it came to a peacful end and hopefully the other person involved learned his lesson.

 

[RonSC]

Doc;
I commend you in conducting yourself in a most professional and forthright manner. Given the circumstances (with your wife on board) you could have easily decided to escalate things to a more confrontational level, yet a cooler head prevailed. You are to be congratulated. We should all learn from your experience. I'm glad to know you and your wife came through this ordeal relatively unscathed.

Ron

 

[LT1coupe]

I wouldn't disclose CCW to a dispatcher, I'd be worried that somewhere in the process all that is comunicated is "man with a gun" involved in an assault.

Way to keep your composure & ensure the attacker learns about our legal system.