Thread where a past mugger answers questions.

[FourteenMiles]

This is a thread on a website called "Reddit" where a past mugger answers some questions. I do not feel it is too insightful but there seems to be a few things to learn. I found it interesting how he and his cohorts would choose their victims (usually alone and drunk female college students from what I understood).

The webpage often has technical problems so if it is not working try again after a little while. Also note that there are no restrictions on posts so you will likely run into vulgar language. This was posted yesterday but the way Reddit works threads rarely get many visits after the first day or so. You can try posting a question but there is a chance the user will not open his account again to see it, as it was a "throwaway" account.

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/gonr3/by_request_iwasa_mugger_ama/

 

[GWARGHOUL]

Some interesting stuff here and there.

 

[Uteridge]

Very interesting. I am always leery of anyone coming up behind me on a deserted street at night, even worse if they cross the street from the other side of the street to my side of the street like this guy describes. Usually I use the opportunity to cross over to the other side of the street if someone does that. I don't' care if it makes someone completely innocent think that I don't trust them...I don't trust them.

 

[Cosmoline]

It's a bit outdated, but does highlight how dangerous even unarmed thugs can be. But think of the dicey situation you'd be in for killing one, even if in reality you saved your life. It's a good argument for better training in non-lethal alternatives.

The muggers around here, to the extent we have them, are going to be armed unless they're just flat-out insane. But there are certainly groups of nogoodnicks who might not be after your wallet but do want a fight.

 

[Uteridge]

It's a bit outdated, but does highlight how dangerous even unarmed thugs can be. But think of the dicey situation you'd be in for killing one, even if in reality you saved your life. It's a good argument for better training in non-lethal alternatives.

This is true. A good reminder that self defense outside your home is a sticky issue and can be very foggy if it ends up in court. What if you shoot one of these guys because you are outnumbered 3 to 1 and cornered, have genuine reason to fear for your life, and perhaps notice that they all have knives? They are going to say that they were just hanging out smoking and you just came up and shot their buddy and that is going to be difficult to prove self defense in court. Your best defense is situational awareness not your gun. I would go to my gun before allowing my life or the life of a loved one to be taken but I do expect that my situational awareness will keep me from the situation in the first place.

 

[KodiakBeer]

I dunno, this sounded more like opportunistic kids than hard core criminals. I found it interesting nonetheless.

I once had a neighbor who told me that when he was a teen he'd lure homosexuals out of hang outs to be ambushed in a similar way by his pack of teen buddies. I viewed him differently after that and wouldn't associate with him.

In either case, a handgun would have been an appropriate response.

 

[Averageman]

What if you shoot one of these guys because you are outnumbered 3 to 1 and cornered, have genuine reason to fear for your life, and perhaps notice that they all have knives? They are going to say that they were just hanging out smoking and you just came up and shot their buddy and that is going to be difficult to prove self defense in court.
They wont be there, chances are after the first round is fired the remaining Muggers will be running.
Crime is not an occupation where loyalty is rewarded, nor do these guys who aren't shot standing around wanting to appear in court to explain why they were there. Oh by the way,..wanna bet they had a pocket full of dope?
The Knife, the reversable two color jacket, the knit cap face mask, pockets contents such as money, dope, etc, plus crime reports of previous muggings and foot prints left at the scene will tell the story.
In court, thats a whole different story; with the preponderance of evidence on your side and a good Attorney you will be fine.
..on the other hand you could end up like the guy with the cracked skull if you dont defend yourself.

 

[rainbowbob]

I do expect that my situational awareness will keep me from the situation in the first place.

So did I when that scenario was acted out on my brother and me. Ironically, we were having a rather animated discussion as we were walking to his car on the dangers of the street and the need to be armed and aware. My brother is a dedicated, unarmed, condition white peacenik.

Three guys who were loitering on the corner fell in right behind us as their "colleague" crossed the street in front of us. I turned and looked directly at the ones behind us to let them know I was aware of them, and we were able to step off the sidewalk into the parking lot where the car was and get in. One of the miscreants came up to the driver window and roared something unintelligible at my brother. He put it in gear and we drove off.

When I pointed out to my brother what had almost occurred - he declared he had never felt we were in any danger...that they were just street crazies with no particular ill intent. To this day, he has no idea why I'm so "paranoid" as to need to carry a firearm.

My "d'oh" moment was when I realized I had ignored my gut instinct when I saw them loitering and had not avoided them.