What would you have done?

[welder]

I had a situation a couple weeks back that kinda revived my thinking of preparedness. I'll be brief but let me tell what happened. I was sitting at home around 9:00 pm. when I heard a knock on the door. Armed of course, I answered to find a young shirtless tattooed guy politely ask if I had any gas. He had run out and pulled into my driveway which is a couple hundred feet long. I live rurally, it's dark and his car is just a few feet off the highway. Now this hasn't happened in 10-15 years, probably due to cell phones whereby people can get their own help. Anyway, I tell him to return to his car and wait. I go out the back door to my shop and get a couple gallons of gas and walk out there. I help him put it in while keeping my eyes open and trying to hold a flashlight. He thanks me and drives away in his beater with who I presume are his kids and wife. I walk back to my house.
My better half says to me, where you been?

I tell her, as she was in another part of the house unaware of the entire ordeal.

She: " I can't believe you just did that".

Me: What?

She: "You just walked out there in the dark with a complete stranger! Don't you remember what happened to your friend James?

(James is a friend of mine who did exactly the same thing as I had just done 10 years ago, except at the end of his rural driveway was a second guy with a knife and there was no car. The two jail escapees stole his truck, money and drove him at knife point into IN where they tied tied him to a tree and left him over night until he finally got lose.)

Back to my story.

Me: "Yes I remember and you are right, I was stupid."

After a few minutes of listening to my girls (angry) recitations about safety and reminding me of all the defensive things I have taught her, I realized I had ignored just about all of them. She convinced me that I needed a plan for next time. I agreed.

I'll relate my new plan a bit later in this thread, but I would like to know what you guys might have done in this situation? Be gentle, I plan on showing her this thread if it goes anywhere.

 

[Bultaco]

I think I might have called 911 to have a cop on site and then helped the guy. Let them be checked out by the law before walking out there. If they get skittish with a cop on the way you know there was a potential problem there.

 

[Phoenix too]

Well this is the guy that at 2 or 3 AM walked out on to the streets of Boston to find out why a woman was screaming bloody murder...

Then there was the guy whose car caught on fire right in front of my house... Got him all fixed up and on his way. More to the story, but that's enough.

There was the time the scam artists were trying to take our Grand Neighbor's money. I trotted over in a Tshirt with a big NRA logo on it. They left right away!

I'm licensed to carry, but I don't, for the same reason I don't wear a helmet while out on my bicycle - I don't believe life (here at least) is so dangerous as to require either.

I believe people are basically good (OK, flame me, LOL). The only thing I'd have done differently would be, maybe, to call the cops.

 

[welder]

DB,
you said almost word for word what she said about letting her know what I was doing. Funny thing is , as I was standing there, all these thoughts were running through my mind and I realized how vulnerable I was.

P2,
I have done this sort of thing numerous times in the past with little or no thought but it was years ago. Things are different now. We've, my family and I, have fixed many tires, given much gas, jump started many vehicles and pulled people out of the ditch, snow etc. it seems forever. It seldom happens anymore . I see people break down and then using their phone. Moments later help arrives.

 

[Azkmd]

I understand your willingness to help... answering the door pretty much exposed you to what ever was gonna happen. I have steel security doors, I may answer keeping the security door secure, given your description of the man and timing I would of asked for his wallet, if he handed it over, advise the wife and do your thing. If he started making excuses when asked for ID, I would of pointed him in the shortest direction of help and called the cops.
If he handed it over and the wife was advised, he would of been instructed to return to his vehicle and wait until the porch light flashed, indicating his gas was ready for him to p/u at the front door.
Generally speaking from experience, those who truly are in the need will comply with basic requests without grumble, the more they grumble the more their chances of discovery dwindle.. I also firmly believe in external cameras, lets me look at things before the door opens and after it closes...

 

[m657]

years ago that was me.....then there was 'the incident' with a hitchhiker that was odd enough although nothing vile happened but the tiny short hairs started twitching....vigorously....

times have changed
those times have changed *me*

I wouldn't have done what you did now, but decades past have similar stories.

 

[Xsales]

While one's willingness to help can be overpowering we all know of far too many cases like this going wrong for which I personally would not take a risk nor chance in this event

I would have said "I am sorry I have no spare gas, is there someone I can call for you OR I can call the police for their assistance - what do you prefer?"

As you said, you 100% exposed yourself to any number of horrible results

Thankfully it did not - this time

 

[DA_TriggR4Ruger]

Depends on the evening I had been having really? Can't say unless I was there. I'm generally willing to help people. But I suppose THIS: After having the individual return to his car, I would have let my wife know what was going on before retrieving any gas. I would have had the individual stay in the car while I filled it up and waved him off politely. Ultra alert, and armed the entire time. Both her and I

 

[Wyandot Jim]

Yea I would have done the same thing. Since we live in the country and were the only ones around the area have helped quite a few folks in trouble. Probably would have told the wife just so she would know where I went. I tend to be able to read people pretty good and can ask the right questions from being a LEO. I like to think most people are OK and I can handle the ones that are not. :wink: :wink:
If I have time when I see someone in trouble alongside the COUNTRY roads I will stop to see if they need help.
I hope I never become afraid to open my door for someone in trouble..

One time a long time ago a couple of Mexs knocked on my door around 2AM. " Hey Man you got any jumper cables"? Yea what is the problem. " Our car stopped and we need to get it started again". Well the three of us go down to the end of our road. Once there what do I see but a beat to crap car that had missed the curve and hit head on into our 30" culvert. The whole front end is back to the eng along with the radiator. Well boys I think you need a tow truck. "No we will walk to town and come get it tomorrow. OK but town is 6 miles away. I do believe they were sober by the time they got to town. Just another day in the country.

Another time there was a guy knocking on the back door around 10PM. He needed to use the phone to call his wife to come get him. He landed his Cessna 172 about 100' short of our runway due to being out of gas and lost. The only problem was that he hit the RR tracks before the runway and fence. Luckily he went under the electric lines that are on 35' poles. I asked how he did that and he was shocked to know that there were wires there. I wasn't aware that you could stop a 172 in about 25' Just another day in the country.

 

[Jim Puke]

I would have helped the guy. I have been in that situation before and appreciated help. It...IS...possible to safely do these things. However, I would have let my wife know what was going on and I probably would have driven to the end of the drive, put the gas down and left him to fill his car and leave.

Now, with that said, I always follow my gut feeling...if it didn't feel right, no deal.

 

[DGW1949]

I'm with WJ.....stuff happens and sometimes folks need help.

Far as that goes, it might be me that needs it one day....or even you.

Being prudent and keeping your wits about you is one thing. Allowing fear to dictate your actions is quite another....and me, I aint living that way.

DGW

 

[Ugly Hombre]

You are a good man- a very good deed for sure.

I don't think I would have done it though. To crazy those days.

 

[737tdi]

Howdy: I would have answered the door after viewing out my window. If he had of come to the front door he would be S.O.L.. It hasn't opened in 10 years due to a peering beam house that moves around like a ship and the door will not open.

1. The GSDs would not have let him up to the house.
2. If they had I would answer the door, armed as you did.
3. I would have done the same as you, ask the man to return to his car and I would see if I could help him. It is all about time and he knows you are armed. Folks don't stick around to get shot for nothing but gas.
4. Judy would definitely know what is going on. She is a good shooter herself.
5. Since you live far off the public road the guy knew he was on private property. This is why we keep a closed gate, we are 400' off of the road. If someone knocks they are an intruder, i.e. they are where they should not be. They are suspect the minute I see them or hear them.
6. I have helped a couple of folks because they have run off of the road. They see my big ol Ford F350 sitting there and I am the guy to ask. They make it about half way down the driveway before the two GSDs greet them with teeth. I hear honking and unless sleeping go out and help.
7. Thanks to the Friends of the NRA I now own a Benelli Nova Tactical shotgun and that would be what I carry to a situation like that. A little #4 buckshot makes friends out of a lot of folks. And it does look fairly evil but not combat like. Don't slam me about the combat shotgun thing.


I think you did right except for not having backup, i.e. you did not let your wife or kids know. If someone knows you are watching them they are going to be on their best behavior. You kinda of holler over your shoulder, hay babe, and then say to him, she's packs just like I do. Seems silly does it not? I'm not dead yet and I help when I can. Yes a "serial killer" could grab you and be gone but good grief, If we worry about that we won't go to Brookshire's.

Get a dog or a donkey if you are really worried about it. They will both let you know that something isn't right. It might be a snake, or a possum, or a person. It takes 10 seconds to get up and look.

Semper Fi:

Karl

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Had a similar experience a few years back. Basically did the same thing you did. Turns out they were escapees from downstate, and later stole another car from down the road a bit.

Never again . . . sorry.

:shock:

 

[contender]

Honestly, I think you handled it wrong. You made mistakes, in security & awareness. Luckily, the good person you are was rewarded by helping an honest soul who appears by your accounts to need a little help. God Bless you for that.
Maybe this was God's way of giving you a gentle reminder of both being prepared AND a good Samaritan.

 

[bnewberry]

I would have told the wife then I would have helped the guy.

 

[Selena]

I would have to wonder how they got past the bull. SOP for us would be to tell them our gas is locked up and I would have to call my brother for the key. In the meanwhile the visitor would be outside with Dawg and hubby until my brother got there.

 

[Robes]

Something similar a year ago. During the day. A guy in a truck broke down in front of the place. He came waltzing up the driveway even though the NO TRESPASSING sign was damn evident. Another sign "Beware of Dog" is right next to it. He said his tranny broke and he only had reverse. I had met him half way down the drive (about 500 feet from the road) and he was shirtless (neck tat) and cocky,... until he saw that I was armed (holstered on my hip). Still a bit cocky in his attitude until my two dobers took up station on either side of him. Not so cocky now. I told him there was a gas station about a half mile down the road.... go for a walk. About then I hear a scream. His buddy had hopped the fence down by my tool shed and I believe he was casing it for a night time return. Trouble is....Loki,... the 3rd Doberman (110 lb red muscular male) was on station by the tool shed.....and made his presence known. The guy was running for the fence for all he was worth (one hand holding up his droopy drawers). The guy in front of me was still 30 feet away but I never turned my back on him...and I unsnapped the thumb release on my holster. I told him that the dogs could reach the gate in about 8 seconds and that he had a five second head start if he left now. Then I started counting.... He made the gate in about 10 seconds (I never released the dobers) and he and his buddy jumped in the truck and ...low-and-behold....the tranny worked fine. He was gone before I could get a plate number. NOPE. I have lost my faith in society. The neck tat and no shirt was an automatic " You're outta here"

 

[Ale-8(1)]

Amazing how those transmissions can heal up that quickly . . .

 

[welder]

There are several very good ideas here and I thank you folks for adding to this thread. I said I had been thinking of a plan and trying to figure out a better reaction if there's a next time. Like I posted, this hasn't been an issue for years now but It probably will happen again at some point.

I have since filled a two gallon can of gas and left it under one of my remote car ports near the back of my property, where I store a couple tractors and a work truck. The work truck is my firewood getter and is always there. I thought I could come out the back door and go to the carport completely out of view of the road. Normally I keep my gas in my shop which is nearer my house and where I went this night for it, in plain view. I figured I would go to the work truck and deliver the small can to wherever a vehicle had stalled and then tell whoever they could get the gas off the rear of the truck while I waited in the cab armed and keep them lighted up with the headlights. I would never get out and would have them in sight the entire time with my engine running and in gear, passenger door locked. This would probably work for the gas situation and the occasional jump start unless the person was not competent to use cables. I'd probably offer to call them some help in that case if there was any reason to suspect they were up to no good.

I will also inform the better half in any situation from now on. I especially like the idea of asking for ID and also the idea of sending them back to their vehicle, sitting the gas on the porch and telling them to return for it. That's probably the best approach really.

I was talking to my brother who is building a house on the property next door and we discussed both having a "cover your back plan" for when he gets there this winter. This will solve the problem for the most part as we agreed to double up in any situation should it arise. One of us maintain distance with full view and clearly armed while the other handled whatever situation was at hand. We will refine our plan further too.

I appreciate the opinions and readily confess I was totally careless and acted contrary to what I teach others. I have learned my lesson and will do better from here on. Thanks you guys for some very good suggestions and ideas.

 

[Ale-8(1)]

The gas can thing reminds me . . .

A few years back, one Saturday morning I went out to mow the grass, which involved gassing up the tractor. I went to pick up the gas can and realized it was different. Yep, somebody had entered my barn, stolen my five-gallon can of gas, and left their empty one in its place.

Other than being out the gas, I actually ended up with a better gas can.

 

[Colonialgirl]

Amazing how those transmissions can heal up that quickly . . .

Was PROBABLY due to some "MIRACLE" product he bought from a late nite advert; (BUT WAIT !!!) and only $19.95 and order now and get another FREE, Just pay SHIPPING and HANDLING on EACH !!
Once added to the transmission, it cures everything.

 

[turd]

Yea I would have done the same thing. Since we live in the country and were the only ones around the area have helped quite a few folks in trouble. Probably would have told the wife just so she would know where I went. I tend to be able to read people pretty good and can ask the right questions from being a LEO. I like to think most people are OK and I can handle the ones that are not. :wink: :wink:
If I have time when I see someone in trouble alongside the COUNTRY roads I will stop to see if they need help.
I hope I never become afraid to open my door for someone in trouble..

This.

 

[volshooter]

I would told wife but still helped. I would have gave him a can with gas .45 on hip and Mossberg in hand with at least 25 feet between us while he put gas in. Not even a crack addict would take those odds. Yes I am very aware, but I am more trouble than I am worth. Not trying to help those in need is not the way I was taught.
Awareness is key. However do not let fear make decisions for you. There are a lot of honest good folk who need real help.
Last note, if you do get the hebbie-gibbes about a situation, call 911 and stay in you ride.
I think you done good.

 

[Hugh]

Welder, I commend your willingness to help. I've done similar things on lonely roads during the day. There isn't a missus here any more but at night when I open the door there is a friend in my pocket. Nearest gas station is a mile away and there is no gas here; we would probably go to the gas station but my little friend would go along with us.

 

[RugerHound]

I have had similar experiences... Living out here in the desert, especially in a 'drug corridor', we remain pretty careful. I've had people show up at the door who walked from the freeway (Mile or so away), or come out of the desert asking for this or that. Sometimes a flat tire, sometimes stuck. I have a fairly rigid routine that I follow, but one thing I will always do is leave a note or tell my wife that I'm going to go help someone.

So far I haven't been knocked off or taken advantage of... We'll see I guess. I've had too many people help me out in tough situations not to try to help if I can. Like I said - Part of the trick is knowing when to say "no".

 

[welder]

Thanks you guys. I'll always help someone in need if I can. I have been thinking about the replies here and am feeling a lot better about things. I knew there would be some good replies on this forum, there always are, and I appreciate that.

I realize I made some mistakes, but in the future I'll be more careful. The misses will see to it that I change my ways a little :? but she know I will not turn somebody down in need. It's sad that one has to place so much suspicion on situations now days but the times are changed and not for the better I'm afraid. I still believe the majority of people are good and the few that aren't still stand out for the most part.

I mentioned my friend James and the bad experience he had a few years ago. I have put up a link if anyone is interested in the story. Two young women were also later kidnapped and lost their lives to these thugs who kidnapped my friend and co-worker. These were some very bad guys who broke out of jail, walked out of town to James's house and said they need a ride to town because their car had broken down. He lives about 7 miles from my house. He offered a ride and when the one guy got in the truck they drove down to the end of the driveway and a second guy jumped in with a knife and forced James to drive. They left him tied to a tree and he survived. The next two victims were not so lucky and were both killed.

http://www.14news.com/story/1003783/man-kidnapped-by-escapees-tells-newswatch-of-ordeal


http://www.cbsnews.com/news/arrests-in-sc-kidnap-case/