Suspects in black hoodies can be apprehended without shots being fired

[REP]

Yesterday I went to have coffee at the same place I've been going to for years, which is in a nice safe city. The coffee shop itself is in a little shopping center where it's common to see Porsches and Teslas - even Lamborghinis (why they're driven to Blockbuster is anyone's guess). You get the idea: pretty safe, pretty decent SES.

So imagine my surprise yesterday when a punkass kid - yes, in a black hoodie - comes up and grabs my iPad from me and runs off. Shit like this happened a lot back home - I've fought off 3 muggings (once 2 muggers at a time; I was young) and an attempted kidnaping/rape but I haven't even heard of this happening where I live now since I moved here. It wasn't violent, unlike the above mentioned things, but crap.

So I called the cops. AND I GOT MY iPAD BACK WITHIN AN HOUR! Apparently I gave a very good description and the police in this town are awesome (when they took me to ID the suspect, the officer told me that just because he was in custody didn't mean he was guilty, and the cops who had the suspect didn't cuff him until I identified him as the punk who took my stuff). I've always thought the police in my town were unusual - I've had limited contact with them, but they've not only been courteous but ... Nice. Even when I was the bad guy (tail light, not grand theft).

So even though it was resolved pretty quickly and astonishingly, I'm still a little weirded out. But yay, MVPD!

(and even though it was a kid in a black hoodie, no shots were fired by anyone)

[Kalidurga]

1. You should let the Sanford PD know this. nt

[teddy51]

2. Well now that you have brought this up, you know that the next question will be, was this

kid black?

[REP]

4. Yes

Light completed Black or perhaps mixed race male kid (well, 19, which is a kid to me). Thought he was going to ask for a cigarette when he grabbed my iPad. I wonder if he even had time to be disappointed that it was a 1st gen iPad.

I actually feel a little sorry for him; he now has a felony arrest. Also pissed.

[spin]

3. Since the kid grabbed your iPad and ran ...

your life was not in any danger. If he had rushed you with a weapon such as a gun or a knife you would have had reason to use deadly force to stop his attack.

Once he grabbed your iPad and ran, if you tried to chase him down and then shot him, you would have probably faced charges. One exception might be if the incident happened in Sanford Florida

[REP]

5. I'm a middle-aged disabled white woman

Not that I would shoot another human over an iPad (or other object), but if he'd used more force, I'd have another story to tell. And no, I don't carry a gun with me, but the last guy before this who tried to rob me ended up with a broken arm and shattered cheekbone. Luckily, I was barely holding it because I'm way too old for this shit.

[spin]

6. If you have reason to fear another attack, I have a suggestion ...

I recently ordered an excellent pepper spray device and it lives up to its advertisement.

Tornado Defense System w/ Clip

$22.00 + $6.41 shipping

Product Description
The Tornado is a revolutionary new product that incorporates incapacitating pepper spray, an ear-piercing 125dB alarm and a blinding strobe light into one personal defense system about the size of a cell phone. It is lightweight and easy to use, and can be accessed and deployed in about one second. A single button releases the unit from the base and automatically activates (in less than one second) the alarm and strobe, calling for help and blinding the attacker. The Tornado personal defense system discharges eight one second bursts of pepper spray up to a distance of 15 feet, and with the built in finger lock you always know the unit is pointed in the right direction (so you can't spray yourself). The unit measures three and one-half inches x two and one quarter inches. It requires 2 CR2032 button batteries that are included. A free belt clip and lanyard are included with each unit purchased. Auto, home, or personal arm band when running accessories to keep it within reach available. Look for the Personal Defence system accessories.

http://www.amazon.com/Tornado-Defense-System-w-Clip/dp/B00407I0TW/ref=pd_sim_sg_1

You can watch a video of this device at http://www.gettornado.com/videos.html?vidID=001010 Click on the link to the left labeled Tornado® 5-in-1

I am also handicapped as I am a candidate for a hip replacement and also have degenerative disc disease. I do have a concealed weapons permit and carry a snub nosed .38 revolver. I would never want to shoot another person unless there was not other choice to stop his attack that would lead to my serious injury or death. Therefore, I want an alternative non lethal form of self defense. This should would well in most situations.

[REP]

7. Almost the same boat...

...I need shoulder and elbow joint replacement and the end sawed off the clavicle on the other shoulder.

I usually literally carry a big stick - plus I moved to California and city where this sort of thing is rare. Thanks for the tip!

[spin]

8. Do you also speak softly? ...

Just in passing, a cane or stick can be a good self defense tool. I don't use one but there are books and videos on cane and stick fighting.


http://www.amazon.com/MARTIAL-CANE-CONCEPTS-Realistic-Walking/dp/B001GDRG9S/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1334160409&sr=8-3


Cold steel makes several very strong canes and walking sticks.

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I'm glad you moved to a safer area.