Interviews Come when You Least Expect Them

[Tomcat47]

A very Close friend and coworker in the past mid 50's...now due to health reasons took up photography several years ago and does great work was at a park today.

Day went well, good pictures, good weather and all..in late afternoon he was kneeling on one knee snapping some shots and was approached by a young man possibly late 20's...guy said a few words...extended his hand and gave his name (???) and my friend gave hand shake...(this is where it turns bad)

As he was shaking his hand...he gave a extreme tight grip and pulled my friend toward him while drawing left back...quickly understanding what was happening and from military experience in his younger days, he reversed the pull and connected and put him to the ground and quickly extended a buck folder and said stay down!

And backed away with his stuff....the guy was then blaming him for the situation and economy and other babblings...my friend just quickly exited the area... said it took him by surprise and was thankful he had the military background and reacted without thinking. Said he nearly broke my hand though.

And this post is just to say....Be Prepared and Stay Aware of what is happening.

I told him to me his age and photo equipment made him a target with this guy, that is my guess anyway....it is ridiculous a man can not enjoy life without worrying about stuff like this.

Again this post is just to keep our wits sharp! Momma always said dont talk to strangers...must have been something to that!...

 

[9mmepiphany]

Why do people feel obligated to take an extended hand, for a handshake, when they either don't know or haven't been properly introduced to someone?

I had a solicitor at my door a while back, who introduced himself, explained who he was and why he was at my door (this isn't an introduction, much less a proper one) and offered to shake my hand.

I politely declined. He appeared a little offended and ask why I wouldn't shake hands. I told him it was because I was holding a revolver in my right hand behind the door and didn't care to flash it in the doorway. He seemed to understand that pretty well...and his helper took a couple of steps back too

 

[NWGlocker]

Interesting read. Being non-military or LE, this post reminds me that I really need to get some unarmed/open hand or martial arts training. To the OP, can you describe more about what you mean by "reversed the pull"?

Did he resist enough to pull the bad guy off balance towards him, or did he go with the flow and dive into him before the bad guy could connect with his left?

 

[Coyote3855]

"Interviews come when you least expect them."

Always expect them.

 

[Captain33036]

NEVER allow yourself to be engaged on their terms.

 

[Tomcat47]

To my understanding ..when he started mashing his hand and pulling him up (he was knelt) he quickly pulled back and connected first and throwed him off balance and rolled him over....

then jumped up and pulled his buck....and he said the guy was very stout built and he was hoping he did not have to engage him anymore due to his own physical condition (bad back) etc..

He actually said he feels lucky that he achieved what he did...considering the physical size and health and age of the attacker.

And furthermore...he said no more outings without being armed! He said he is too old to grapple with someone.

 

[Al Thompson]

He said he is too old to grapple with someone.

He may not have that choice. Bad guys(s) always get a vote.

Hope he called the cops ASAP.

 

[xXxplosive]

Didn't your mother tell you not to talk to strangers.....................Geeeezzz.......still don't get it.

 

[Trebor]

"Sorry, I don't shake hands"

"Why?"

"It ties up my gun hand."

 

[robmkivseries70]

It's a sad commentary on our society, at least for some demographics, because one's willingness to shake hands was meant to show that one was trusting and not armed.
Best,
Rob

 

[poolingmyignorance]

Man is lucky. He failed situational awareness. Never allow yourself to remain down as a stranger approaches. He should have stood up as soon as he saw the man approaching.(If the person increased their approaching speed to reach you before your standing at least there is no doubt your in a fight) He's really lucky the guy didn't just boot him in the face and take his camras while he was kneeling. There is no defense for a sneak attack, other than don't let your self be snuck up on.
On another note, as some one else already stated it's best not to shake hands with walk ups.
Your never too old to grapple...Helio Gracie was sparring into his 80's.

 

[bobby68]

i'm not trying to be contradictory, but some people with certain injuries or other health problems can not grapple, or are at extreme risk in trying.

 

[poolingmyignorance]

I merely meant that a person should never rule out seeking qualified jiu jitsu instruction simply because they are "x" amount of years old. However its always best to consult a doctor before begining any physical training or exersize program.

 

[Creature]

Hope he called the cops ASAP.

This.

 

[bubba in ca]

When I first started playing with cameras in a decent area I had a 32 auto in my camera bag. SO DUMB on so many levels I won't even discuss it.

You are playing with a $1000-2000 rig plus what's in your wallet plus your car keys, plus you are distracted by your photography. Go armed and watch your six. I'm thinking of a night shoot in an urban so-so you probably won't die community. I will go armed and bring my 17 year old stepson to watch my back as I work the camera.