Urban Survival Tips

I was getting gasoline at the local small truck stop, convenient store. There were a few vehicles in the parking lot, and one other vehicle being fueled. I noted a black male step out of the store. He scanned the pumps and fixated on my position. He then started pacing, back and forth but slowly on each pass closing the distance between him and I. He kept staring in my direction as he paced. I squared myself toward him and held his gaze, unwavering.

I reached in my pocket where I concealed my carry pistol. The man stopped pacing, returned to the front of the store near the door. He continued to stare and displayed an angry visage. I finished filling my tank, and left the store.

I was leaving my office, carrying a large sum of money for the bank. I was parked about a hundred meters away. I looked both directions and noted a black male, approximately 100 meters and on the sidewalk same side of street where I was walking. He stared directly at me. He began walking toward me. I crossed the street. He changed his direction in an intercept cross. I reached slowly into the pocket where my pistol rides. I looked at him and smiled. I then quickened my pace and change course to intercept him at an earlier point on the street. He changed course. He changed his expression as well. He quickened his pace and would cross my path further down the street. I did not waver.

when he realized what was happening he started nervously talking, loudly about his having just got out of prison and asked me "Are you a cop or something?" I answered "Something like that." He quickened his pace faster still keeping well ahead if me, approximately 20 meters. I continued to my vehicle and watched him continue down the road another 50 meters before dropping my guard.

In both cases the suspected person had not noticed my hand in the pocket rather they noted the way I carried myself. Being a retired deputy warden with 30 plus years behind the wire gives me a certain attitude, intimidating air, and confidence. This signals those around that you are not worth the fight. Don't be a victim. Carry yourself strongly. Carry a firearm. Train with that weapon. That will give you confidence, knowing you have backup.