"The victim said two men brandishing a handgun tapped on the window and told the student to get out of the car," said APD Spokesperson Senior Patrol Officer Veneza Bremner.
^^^* thisThat part pretty well sucks. They already have a handgun drawn so even if you DO have a CHL, they have the drop on you. The only chance you'd have to be able to draw your own weapon would be while they're busy getting into your car ... assuming they're not continuously pointing their gun at you.
I see a lot of people get into their cars and immediately start playing with their phones, head down, not paying attention. Not saying this was the case in this particular incident. But it one of those things people do that can make them a target as well.
Besides parking accordingly when possible and as well as staying alert of everything and everyone around you before getting into you car or truck, I think it's important that when you get into your vehicle to instantly lock your doors and have it started and in gear, foot on the brake of course, before doing anything else. It's not full proof, but at least it might give you a jump on anyone approaching your vehicle in some situations.
Besides parking accordingly when possible and as well as staying alert of everything and everyone around you before getting into you car or truck, I think it's important that when you get into your vehicle to instantly lock your doors and have it started and in gear, foot on the brake of course, before doing anything else. It's not full proof, but at least it might give you a jump on anyone approaching your vehicle in some situations.
Always be aware of your surroundings. If I see something that looks sketchy, my hand goes to my hip.
If they've already drawn on you, you could distract them by giving them some cash or your ipod or something (with your weak hand), then draw and fire while they're looking at what's in your other hand (like this). Or, I could reach for my wallet, and grab my gun instead. Try to knock his gun so it's not pointing at you, draw and fire.
I think about this shit a lot. Richmond ain't the nicest place to be caught when the lights go out.
Its easy to fantasize about shooting bad guys by tricking or distracting them. In a real situation you'd be shaking like a leaf scared as shit.
Or not. All depends on the person and their training. In this case, a trained LEO who is mentally conditioned to the necessities of deadly-force as well as being confronted with deadly force. Not that there wouldn't be a fear/flight/fight response, it would just be blunted depending on training and readiness.
Situational awareness is important of course. As far as getting car jacked...heck with pulling your gun on them. Hit them with the door, drive away.
I see a lot of people get into their cars and immediately start playing with their phones, head down, not paying attention. Not saying this was the case in this particular incident. But it one of those things people do that can make them a target as well.