3 Boxes of BS

Subtitle — a lesson in Victim Selection Failure.

McKINNEY, Texas — A gunman who pulled into a suburban Dallas police station parking lot with a trailer loaded with explosives, set fire to his pickup truck, then started shooting at the building was apparently hoping for a massacre, police say

He was armed or as most of the reports say “heavily armed”

Investigators found an assault rifle, a shotgun and a handgun on Sharp.

Sharp may have intended to lure people from the police station so that he could shoot at them from a field across the street where he had taken position, Kowalski said. He also may have intended to kill them by blowing up the trailer, he said.

Via many people on the blog roll, comes this article from the Philly Enquirer.

It has become a disturbingly familiar workplace scenario, statistically rare, but occurring often enough to have a ritualistic feel.

And that underscores a central reality for employers and the labor and employment lawyers who advise them on how to handle workplace conflicts: Identifying the one-in-a-million person on the verge of committing mass murder is akin to finding a needle in a haystack.

“My husband is out there. I don’t know how he found me.  I’m struggling as it is, now he’ll completely cut me off.”

“Excuse me for a moment.”  I step out of the conference room.  From inside the managers office, I call the reception staff in.  Everybody gets a quick briefing.  I ask them, “Any questions for me?” Only one: “Do you have your gun?”

Always.

You see, I don’t expect an office shooting. I don’t hold my breath because of what a visitor may do.  And yet, the vast majority of my practice is bankruptcy, domestic, and criminal/traffic law.  None of this is “happy law.”  Few people are happy to see me.  And so, I will not leave my safety to the whims and emotions of those who walk through the door.

I return to the conference room.  I need to wrap this interview up.  Her mind is not here anymore and we both know it.  I also need to be up front.  Ready.

to carry in a national park, right?

Escaped Arizona Inmates Believed to be Hiding in Yellowstone Park

Federal authorities say two men who escaped from a private Arizona prison and a woman thought to have helped them are believed to be in the area around Yellowstone National Park

The manhunt for the three intensified after forensic evidence linked at least one of the inmates to the killings of an Oklahoma couple who was traveling through eastern New Mexico earlier this week.

I’m sure they would surrender without a fight if they came upon a solo hiker or maybe a young couple camping in the park, right?

Province was serving a life sentence for murder and robbery out of Pima County. McCluskey was serving a 15-year prison term for attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault and discharge of a firearm out of Maricopa County. Renwick had been serving a 22-year sentence for second-degree murder.

Right…..you want to leave your  health and life up to their mercy, go ahead. For me, I’ll carry everywhere I legally can.

Last two days have been long days for me, so forgive me if I throw out some random non-sense.

Tuesday started off at 3:30 a.m.; I’m not a morning person so it takes a while for me to get started each day. We had to be at the hospital at 5:00 a.m., My Bride -She Who Let’s Me Make Her Coffee Every Morning- was wheeled back to the OR area and then Nuclear Medicine around 6:30.

(Side note — the dye they used to help in the operation was blue which produced any interesting side effect the next morning -blue and green urine — makes a person do a double take until the reason catches up with the visual)

I spent the time at the hospital and then went home around 9 so a couple of hours of sleep. Back up to the hospital after running a few errand by 4. Left the hospital last night at 9:15 p.m. and stopped for gas on the way home. You know you’ve pushed the limit when you put 14.8 gallons in a 15 gallon tank.

Stopped in to see her this morning before work. She’s doing great, feeling much better and is moving well…or as well as can be expected. She might stay another day instead of being released today. We’ll see what the docs and insurance company has to say.

The reason why I mentioned the long days is to talk about the 30.06 signage at the hospital.

PROHIBITING HANDGUNS IN A BUSINESS OR OTHER ENTITY

In order to provide notice that entry on property by a license holder with a concealed handgun is forbidden, Penal Code Section 30.06(c)(3)(A) requires that a written communication contain the following language:

“PURSUANT TO SECTION 30.06, PENAL CODE (TRESPASS BY HOLDER OF A LICENSE TO CARRY A CONCEALED HANDGUN) A PERSON LICENSED UNDER SUBCHAPTER H, CHAPTER 411, GOVERNMENT CODE (CONCEALED HANDGUN LAW), MAY NOT ENTER THIS PROPERTY WITH A CONCEALED HANDGUN.”

Now it is the right of the owner of a private property to keep firearms out. They can do that.

Whether or not they should is another question.

Who did they stop from carrying a firearm into the hospital with that sign?

The criminal thugs there to see their fellow gang banger or drug cartel member? The rapist looking for victims? The stalker following someone?

Not blooming likely.

Nope they stopped the people most likely not to be a problem. The people who follow the law.

How does that make sense?

Can you imagine the conversation where someone was saying “Let’s keep guns out of the hospital by posting a sign the crooks won’t obey but the average Joe or Jane will”

The reason why the sign was ineffective was because there was no metal detectors, no searches, no random pat downs, NOTHING but the nature of the person carrying to enforce it.

I could have carried into the building with no consequences unless I was caught. I chose to obey the law.

Not because I agree with the idea, but because it is the law.

That is the point so many antis forget — it is the fundamental nature or character of the person that matters – not the tool.

Who I am didn’t change.

It didn’t change when I was in the hospital visiting my Beloved Bride. It didn’t change when I stopped and got gas. It didn’t change when I was walking into the 10 story parking garage at nearly 10 o’clock at night.

I obeyed the law because it was the right thing to do.

Do you think the criminals do the same thing?

That’s one weeks worth of crime, just one (1) week.

See the area “Mistletoe Heights”? Down and to the right of it is the hospital.

I live to the right of this map. I have to go through this to visit my wife and to go home.

I also choose to leave my handgun at home instead of leaving it in my car. I was at the hospital for 27 hours the first time — 27 hours of my car being unattended.

Where is my firearm best secured: In my home (where no one was home for most of the time), in my car (27 hours unattended) or on my person?

Folks, let’s use some common sense and start building on the success 0f Heller and McDonald.
Let’s call our local and state representatives and push back some of these restrictions.

Let’s use some common sense and not turn non-criminals into either victims or criminals because they choose to protect themselves.

Please join the discussion.

Update — Borepatch was kind enough to quote a part of this in his excellent post –

Rousseau in action: the real reason behind gun control legislation

Head over there and take a gander if you will, it’s worth your time.

I hesitated (over two weeks) to share this story because I’m wasn’t sure if it was worth mentioning or not. I realized yesterday that I had learned a lesson from it so I wanted to pass it along.

2 Saturdays ago I was out running errands in the south/center part of Arlington; for those familiar with the area– around the Parks Mall.

For those not familiar with the area, this is a large concentration of retail stores, shops, restaurants, etc. The Parks Mall is the main attraction in the area but the Arlington Highlands Shopping Center if fast becoming a favorite of mine.

I turned onto Cooper street (the main artery) from the highway access road and stopped first in line at the light at Arbook (major cross street). In the next lane was a newer model white Dodge Durango driven by an adult mail — late 20s or early 30s. I’d thought about buying a Durango in the past so I particularly noticed it and gave it the once over and then turned my attention to the light.

When the light changed, I started across the intersection and as soon as I was on the other side the Durango changed lanes and swerved hard to get behind my car.While he didn’t exactly cut off any other cars, he did force his way in front of several other cars.

Awareness Point #1

There are many stores and shops so I didn’t think much about it. The Durango didn’t turn into any of those shops nor any of the side streets.

Awareness Point #2

I was aware of the Durango but it didn’t rate too much attention at this time. I drove the speed limit or just a tad less; something few people do on Cooper Street and the Durango stayed behind me the entire time. I drove the 1.1 miles (I looked it up) to the Race Trac gas station and put on my turn signal. The Durango put on his turn signal.

Awareness Point #3

That Race Trac location is popular and busy so I wasn’t surprised someone would turn in behind me. Give the other factors, I did start looking for the best place to fill up.

As I scanned the pumps, I noticed an uniformed older gentleman filling up his personal vehicle. He was either armed security or law enforcement; I couldn’t tell at the distance but the pump directly behind him was open.

As I pulled in, I watched the Durango also. He slowed down considerably, as if looking for an open pump. I had taken one of the nearest open pumps but there were plenty of open pumps further in. The gas cap for my Blazer is on the driver’s side.

The Durango pulled in directly across from me to my right the passenger side of the car nearest to the pump.

Awareness Point #4

As I pulled in, I thought about the situation and decided to pull further up to the middle of the aisle then I normally do. IF something happened, I wanted to be standing at the back of my Blazer, not in between it and the pump.

As I took my time getting out, I looked over at the Durango — with the driver still inside I noticed the most alarming aspect so far – I noticed the Durango’s gas cap.

That’s right, the gas cap was on the side of the car away from the pump.

Awareness Point #5

Now, this is Texas and we value parking spots not for the proximity to the store but for how much shade is available. I was alert because of the number of little things that had gone one before this. I wasn’t afraid but I was very watchful.

There is a difference in the two, by the way for all you antis.

As I filled up, I noticed the driver inside the store. He walked by the front window several times as if looking for something.

Now, this all could have been innocent. Heck, it was probably innocent but there are lessons to be learned.

First, pay attention to things that are out of the normal.
The swerve to get behind me so suddenly, the fact that the gas cap was on the wrong side to fill up, etc. People often see things but don’t pay attention to them.

Second, think things through.
I scanned the gas station looking for ways to reduce my risk — the visibly armed person was one. I pulled far enough in at the pumps to use the car as a shield but not to be trapped by it.

Third, Act but don’t over react.
I didn’t call 911. I didn’t get out and confront the driver. I didn’t change my plans unnecessarily. Had it been late at night, had it been on a less traveled street; I might not have stopped but I didn’t see any indication that I shouldn’t proceed with my intentions.

The most important lesson I learned was about how far to pull up at the pumps. I started thinking about that in the past two weeks and realized that I could open more avenues to avoid/escape problems if I was just aware of how much  space between my car and the pump I left.

By being able to station myself at the back of my car, I could retreat between the pump and the car or I could move away from the car.

So, was it an innocent coincidence, sinister intentions thwarted or what?

I don’t know. I don’t think I’ll ever know.

I do know that I learned one more way to keep myself safe and that makes the whole exercise worthwhile.

Please join the discussion.

Update – thought I would show the crime map for 1 week in the area I’ve talked about. (click to enlarge)

And If you haven’t read Tam’s encounter, Please do so.

The Day I Discovered That HCI Wants Me Dead

HCI – Hand Gun Control Incorporate is now known as the Brady Campaign by the way. Hat Tip to Weer’d Beard in the comments.

Mesquite Texas is a town just on the other side of Dallas but it still qualifies as local. My sympathies to those families who have lost a loved one.

According to the Mesquite Police Department, officers responded to a report of  the shooting just after midnight at an apartment complex in the 5900 block of Northwest Drive. Witnesses told them an unidentified man arrived, flashed a gun and tried to rob the party-goers.

The thug showed, before the struggle, that he was willing to use lethal force. He brought a firearm, he showed it. People there had every reason to believe that he would use lethal force during the crime.

One of the things I’ll try to follow up is something they didn’t say. They didn’t say he was masked; to me that says either he wasn’t worried about getting going to jail or that he planned on killing everyone so they couldnt’ identify him.

Lt. Bill Hedgpeth said 35-year-old Tracey Moore struggled with the suspect and was shot and killed.

Notice that most of the people there followed the antis advice — to be passive, submissive victims.
Would Mr. Moore be alive today if he had followed that advice? We don’t know, We can’t know.

But I can say that I don’t understand that mindset at all; to passively allow a  thug who has shown willingness to use violence, lethal violence, to decide whether or not I live.

Another man at the party, 34-year-old Jerome Johnson, then fatally shot the gunman.

Hedgepeth said Johnson does have a concealed handgun license. A grand jury will decide whether he will face any charges.

Again we see some of the favorites lies of the antis demolished. The CHL holder didn’t start blasting instantly, the CHL holder was able to sucessfully defend his life — and others — even when the thug already had his firearm out, we see that having a CHL saved lives.

There will be more to this story, I’m sure. I’ll follow it and report on it but I can tell you now — I have decided that I will not be a passive, submissive victim as the anti right crowd advocates.

I may not come out of an encounter unscathed or alive but I won’t go quietly. I won’t allow the thugs to dictate that we live in fear, in submission to their demands. I won’t depend on others to try to protect me or mine without trying to do so first. I won’t let the culture of predatory violence go unanswered.

As the saying goes “Carry your gun – it’s a lighter burden than regret.”

Please join the discussion.

Ever notice how twist the anti – right advocate’s world view is?

The antis would have you believe that an armed criminal who points a gun at you is only after your money but a law abiding citizen simply carrying a gun is looking for an excuse to kill.

How does that work again?

This morning’s afternoon’s (some days it is tough just to get started – sorry for the late posting) is once again brought to us by CCW Saves Lives.

A driver working on his broken-down vehicle near Walterboro with his wife and mother-in law nearby shot an armed robber who confonted them, according to the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office.

The two women stood near the other vehicle and trailer while the man was down near the bumper trying to wire the trailer lights into his truck.

Malone said that’s when a silver colored sedan with three people inside pulled up.

Of course, the antis would point out the even odds here — 3 criminals and 3 law abiding citizens. They won’t mention the age of the victims — One the citizen’s parent, or their ages — youthful criminals versus older victims.

An armed man stepped out and pointed the gun at the older woman, as he covered his face with a cloth.

Just a notice to all thugs — If you point a firearm at someone, people are going to believe that you are willing and ready to use lethal force to get your way.

The son-in-law was armed and drew his weapon and ordered the robbers to leave.

Malone said the robber, armed with 50-caliber Desert Eagle handgun, pointed the gun at the son-in-law.

That’s when the son-in-law fired several rounds, hitting the robber.

The two other suspects helped the wounded man back into their car and fired several shots as they drove away.

Notice that once again the typical antis’ lies are being demolished one at a time.

The law abiding citizen placed his life in greater danger by trying to stop the crime without resorting to violence. Only when his life was directly threatened did he respond by firing.

Again, let’s make this clear – both to the thugs and the antis (but I repeat myself) — Pointing a firearm at someone making a lethal threat. People will respond appropriately.

Malone said a short time later, the Colleton Regional Hospital staff notified the Sheriff’s Office that they just had a person come in to their emergency room with several gun shot wounds.

The man, he said, fit the general description of the robbery suspect.

The suspect, David Jayquon Jakes of Smoaks, was transferred to a Charleston area hospital where he was last reported to be in critical condition.

Good Job Citizen!! – You defended your life and that of your family. Some people just have to get the message the hard way.

And least anyone think this is a case of youthful exuberance or mischief — this is from the update:

Deputies are searching for Antwon McMillan, who’s already out on bond for a murder that happened in 2009. He’s now wanted for three counts of assault with intent to kill, and attempted armed robbery, and one count of possession of a weapon during a violent crime.

Authorities arrested James Davis last night. He’s facing the same charges as McMillan.

So, antis — is this an acceptable defensive gun use or do the victims have to get shot before they return fire?

Should we look at keeping people accused of crimes — especially murder, in jail instead of letting them run around?

Do you think that would reduce crime more then taking away firearms from the law abiding?

Please join the discussion.