http://www.defensivecarry.com/forum/concealed-carry-issues-discussions/205764-fl-walmart-shopper-attacked-carrying.html#post3593269

Thread: FL Walmart shopper attacked for carrying


http://tbo.com/news/crime/deputies-man-attacks-walmart-customer-carrying-concealed-weapon-20150120/

TRX
January 21st, 2015

(from the referenced URL)

Foster, 43, of Lithia, saw Daniels in the Walmart parking lot in possession of 
a handgun that was in a holster and under his coat, the sheriff's office 
said.                                                           
https://www.floridacarry.org/flcinews/54-florida-gun-owners-still-face-arrest-and-prosecution-for-innocent-exposure-of-handguns

Apparently Florida has something called SB234, which defines "brief exposure" as not illegal.

I've had my jacket get flipped open by the wind or snagging on a seat belt, so I can see how a brief exposure could happen. A fail, but generally a very minor one, unless you're in a jurisdiction that's hard on printing or exposure.

Foster grabbed Daniels from behind in a choke hold and then took him to the 
ground, the sheriff's office said. 
The larger question is here.

We're given the impression that Daniels was going about his lawful business when he was suddenly attacked by a younger and presumably stronger man, who put him in a choke hold and took him down.

I'm visualizing one of at least four scenarios:

1) Daniels somehow knew he wasn't in great danger, therefore did not pull his weapon.

2) one or more persons got him loose from Foster before he could draw and fire

3) he managed to draw, but couldn't get twisted around to make a safe shot without endangering bystanders

4) he was so wrapped up in being choked that he never even tried to draw

Daniels pretty much met the worst-case scenario - attacked from behind, either oblivious or without enough warning to make an effective defense. I wish there was a video link at the OP's URL; as usual, the newspaper report was sparse on the kind of details I'm interested in.

I'm betting on some combination of scenarios 3 and 4; distracted by the choke hold, and shooting in a crowded area would have been risky.

So, once in that situation, what could he have done?

A) pepper spray. Since the attacker's head is very close to yours, probably a bad idea

B) taser or stun gun. Maybe.

C) knife. Dinking around with a folder while you're running out of air... that's not one of those scenarios I visualized when I bought a 2-1/4" fixed blade that can be legally carried in Federal "no weapons" zones, but that's a perfect example of where *any* knife could have dislodged Foster and let him get his gun out. Daniels didn't have to be Kung Fu Knife Master, just start poking or slicing Foster's arm, leg, or torso, which were up close and not going anywhere.


TRX
January 22nd, 2015

Originally Posted by nlyric
I have heard some Chl holders here use the same argument of "how can you tell the good guys from the bad guys?"

When someone chokes you and slams you to the floor, he's the bad guy.

[a public service message from TRX]


TRX
January 22nd, 2015

Originally Posted by oldman45

Actually the man saw a Black man sticking a gun under a jacket. He profiled the Black guy and made sure he took him down.

With apologies to any Stallones, Schwarzeneggers, or Willises out there, 62- year-old men (or women) of any race aren't part of my threat profile.

Generally, people who are both aggressive and stupid tend to be removed from society by the time they're that age.

Mr. Foster should be *really* glad it was a private citizen he decided to go hero-ing on. I couldn't find any figures for Florida in general, but about half of my local PD is black, and most of the plainclothes guys are around retirement age.