Gas Stations
Pumping gas....At many gas stations, there is not a rachet in the pump handle to allow you to have both hands free while gassing up. You are on open display for every vagrant, criminal and gangsta wannabe, with your automobile unsecured, and you on the outside. I insert the gas cap in the handle at those times to keep my hands free. 
Here's why.
Memphis Tennessee. April 22, 2008. Charles Todd, 64, was filling a gas can at a BP gas station. A lawnmower was in the back of his black Toyota Tacoma. A criminal arrives in a a stolen gold Acura, gets out with a shotgun, and levels it on Todd, demanding his vehicle. Todd tells the carjacker his keys are in the gas cap. As the criminal is distracted, Todd draws his legally carried handgun, and fires on the criminal while seeking concealment behind the fuel pumps.
Berkhanu Fekadu was the clerk inside the gas station. "I heard the sound of guns, somebody shooting," he said. "I just heard Boom! Boom!" The criminal ran like hell, avoiding Todd's gunfire. Police do not believe he was struck by the gunfire. They have his accomplice in custody.
Here's why. Memphis Tennessee. April 22, 2008. Charles Todd, 64, was filling a gas can at a BP gas station. A lawnmower was in the back of his black Toyota Tacoma. A criminal arrives in a a stolen gold Acura, gets out with a shotgun, and levels it on Todd, demanding his vehicle. Todd tells the carjacker his keys are in the gas cap. As the criminal is distracted, Todd draws his legally carried handgun, and fires on the criminal while seeking concealment behind the fuel pumps.
Berkhanu Fekadu was the clerk inside the gas station. "I heard the sound of guns, somebody shooting," he said. "I just heard Boom! Boom!" The criminal ran like hell, avoiding Todd's gunfire. Police do not believe he was struck by the gunfire. They have his accomplice in custody.
Labels: Self Defense
posted by Xavier at 5:17 PM
15 Comments:
Slick move!
Thanks for the gas cap tip. Smart move.
Thanks for the gas cap tip. Smart move.
X:
Good post. BTW, while I'm not trying to plug Costco (yes, I know the founder is a big Democrat, but I use the money I save at his store for more guns, ammo, and NRA dues), I like getting gas at its stores.
Here's why: it's members only, the stations are well-lit, "ratchets" are on all pumps, and there's always an attendant (a potential witness and possible deterent) walking around the area. Plus, Costcos are usually located on heavily traveled roads and not built on the "other side" of the tracks.
I don't claim crime doesn't take place at Costco or similar discount warehouse pumps, but every little advantage helps. Plus, the gas is cheap!
Mike Harbour
A quick dousing of the jacker with gasoline would also be a quick response, if not spectacular. Of course, that would put out additional resources from local services at both the FD and burn units. Pity.
Regards,
Rabbit.
This city is a hole. I can't imagine why anybody not insane would choose to move here.
Costco prohibits CCW, but they lose money at the pumps, so gas sales are a Big Win for pro-gunners.
Heh. Tis illegal to pump one's own gas in Oregon. Can be annoying, but on the flip side, I don't have to venture out of my vehicle and there's at least one other witness.
I haven't seen a gas pump without a hold latch for almost a decade. That being said, I used to do just that, use the gas cap.
Now the new gas caps are tied to the vehicle, and the cap is too big to fit in the handle.
Mark in AZ
Tis illegal to pump one's own gas in Oregon.
see, i never could work out --- in a country that's supposed to be all about independence and doing for yourself --- that isn't considered an insult.
Not a gas station robbery, but this cheered me up.
http://www.newschannel5.com/global/story.asp?s=8234650
Armed citizen kills robber, police applaud him, store employees plan to arm themselves in the future. What's not to like?
Gary
Good tip...most gas stations I patronize have the hands-free option, but I never thought about the downside to being at one that doesn't.
I cringed when I read about him taking cover behind the filling station tank, though. If the perp shot back with his shotgun it could go BOOM, no?
Sounds like another suggestion for the Mythbusters to tackle and test...
I love these kind of stories!
This is why I'm thrilled our state finally passed a concealed weapons law. The only downside is the fact it is so expensive to take the course and then it's more money to file the paperwork. It's worth the money to me though.
That's why I always - without exception - have a firearm on my person when I stop for gas...
(Especially considering that the gas station where I normally fuel up has been robbed at least 2 or 3 times in my memory...)
It's not a tank, just a box with some metal pipes, a pump, and that rubber hose, and other sundry bits. Not the greatest cover, but better than nothing. Doubtful a shotgun could damage a pipe, might be able to rip the hose, but no sparks from impact. Fairly safe to hide behind, gunfire and gasoline wise. Generally, only a vehicle impact is dangerous.
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