Stores and Parking Lots

Written by Daniel White

Sunday, 18 May 2008

Yet another incident reminds us of the foolhardiness of simply having a "feeling" of security. At 8:00 Thursday morning, a 25-year old woman was attacked and beaten in the parking lot of a Walgreens drugstore. The attacker attempted to steal her purse, and when she resisted began punching her in the face. Witnesses intervened and began chasing the suspect, but he was able to elude his pursuers and make off with her cell phone. I applaud this woman for having the courage to fight back. Fortunately, her attacker did not pull a weapon and she was able to foil the robbery for the most part. However, there are still several lessons to be taken from this brazen attack. First, it stands as a reminder to us to be armed and alert at all times. You don't only wear your seatbelt when you might be involved in an accident. Whether going to the ATM at midnight or going to the drugstore at 8:00 in the morning, you can be selected as a victim at any time. Pay attention to your surroundings, be prepared to act, and have the tools available to take action to defend yourself. Second, this incident highlights the dangers of "parking lot bans," which some places (like the combined Promenade/Crocker Park in Westlake). In conjunction with that are the "no guns" signs that some stores post. These serve only to disarm law abiding citizens who are vulnerable to attack (like the woman in this story) while going to and from their vehicles. Parking lot bans are the worst, because not only do they take away the right of the businesses in a shopping center from making the decision for themselves, but they also serve to disarm patrons on their route to and from the location as well. A final lesson to take away from this is the risk you take when carrying a firearm in a purse or briefcase. While it is better to at least have a firearm available to you somewhere, it is far better on your person. If the victim had a firearm in her purse, she stood not only to lose it if her purse was forgotten or snatched, but she would also be much less likely to be able to draw that firearm if she was involved in a struggle for possession of the purse. A small, lightweight revolver or semi-automatic can frequently be hidden somewhere on your person using a clip holster, belly band, ankle holster, pocket holster, etc. Remember, criminals don't care about gun control laws, gun bans, "no guns allowed" signs, or even the time of day. They will, by definition, commit crimes whenever they think they have a good likelihood of success. Be prepared at all times, and stay safe.