Slightly different take on traffic predators

[Rockwell1]

I didn't think this quite fit in the first thread so I started this one

This happened 30 years ago but I think I might handle it differently now. I had no firearm (too young) and no cell phone and I had a friend in the car when it happened so that might change the equation a little. Anyway, this is what happened.

Sitting at a traffic light in Omaha late in the evening with my buddy. A truck pulls across the intersection in our opposite direction. Suddenly it pulls to the curb and young girl jumps out screaming at the driver. She sees my car, runs to it and starts pounding on they glass and yelling, hysterically at us to open the door.
Now in my case I told my buddy to open the door she jumped in and we took off. I never did find out what happened in the car, she just asked us to take her home (across the river in Iowa). We did and I never saw her again. The driver of the truck (maybe her boyfriend?) never got out of the truck.

How would you handle a similar situation today? Would you let her in? Call the cops (not an option when it happened)? Drive away?

 

[Dr. Fresh]

I'd drive away and call the cops most likely.

 

[Gamera]

Sure it could be a set up (e.g. girl jumps in car, pulls a gun then her buddy comes from the truck to rob you), but what if she is genuinely in danger from an abusive boyfriend or whatever? I think it's possible in this situation to be "involved" without putting on the bat cape. You could lock the doors (not letting her in), call the cops pronto, and then wait for them to arrive at the scene.

I'm not saying this is what I'd do, because I really don't know. But it's food for thought

 

[Buddy Rabbit]

I'd let her in instantly, and take the chance that she meant me no harm.

I'd do it every time, armed or not.

Well, I'm always armed, so that part is invalid. . . .
Wait a minute - I'd do it anyways - without a thought.

 

[Crosswind81]

Ditto...what if it were your daughter?

 

[Neocode]

I'd have to say, I'd let her in and take my chances.

 

[Rockwell1]

If it happened today I’d have a few more options that’s for sure. I can’t imagine not drawing if anyone I didn’t know ran towards my car and I would think that would deter the girl if she were a crook. Why press the attack if you’re at a disadvantage? I’d also have the advantage of a cell phone.

How about not opening the door but tell her you're calling the police and that you have a weapon in case the boyfriend decides to come after her?

 

[JT1JT1]

And if it was a young man who came running to your vehicle? For those of you who would automatically let a young woman into your car, would you do the same for a young man? Whatever scenario you can envision for a potential female victim, could also apply to a male victim I reckon.

But I'm betting the gender card could play out differently...with the girl getting a ride and the guy (perhaps) getting drawn on if not a couple to the COM.

Just glad there are cell phones nowadays...

 

[KBintheSLC]

Hard to say. I don't know if I could trust her enough to let her in. There are plenty of female crooks nowadays. Lots of tag-team scams too. Unless I saw her being brutally beaten or something, I wouldn't intervene... beyond calling the cops.

 

[Hush]

Honestly...it depends what she looks like.
I have a friend who lives in an upscale neighborhood in the Hollywood Hills. One night during a dinner party, he was interrupted by a woman screaming and pounding on the door for help. They let her in and called the police. Turns out it was a hooker in dispute with a john.

 

[Kevin77]

I hope I would let the man in also after a good hard look. I would definatly let the woman in. I couldn't live with myself if I didn't do all I could to help another human being out of a terrifying situation. Anyone who would just drive away is being a coward. The police are minutes away and whatever would happen will be over by the time they get there. I would hate to have to explain to the officer or my family why I drove off and left someone(man or woman) to be murdered, kidnapped or assaulted. It's a common theme on this forum that we have weapons for defense purposes because we can't rely on 911 to save us. Why then would we leave someone to rely on 911 when we could be of help.

One thing I wouldn't do is stay in the area. The person would also get a lot more scrutiny if my kids were with me.

 

[Kayback]

I'd let her in. Generally people are good. You've got more chance she is a normal person needing help than a criminal. Simple law of averages.

It won't stop me expecting trouble, but I'd prefer to have her be a badguy and I have to handle it than not know if she's legitimate and maybe strand her in danger.

KBK

 

[Guillermo]

And if it was a young man who came running to your vehicle?

Would have to get a look at him before I answered but I would certainly be less likely on the face of it.