BIRMINGHAM, AL – A man was shot in both legs by a person he had been trying to rob at gunpoint. Now, the Birmingham police are waiting for him to be released from a local hospital before charging him with armed robbery.
Patch.com reports;
The incident occurred at the Somerset at Trussville apartment complex in Birmingham early Saturday morning, according reports from the Trussville Tribune. The suspect was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. The suspect, a white male, has not been named, but reports from the Birmingham Police Department indicate he will be charged with a felony upon his release from the hospital. His injuries are considered life-threatening.
Let’s talk about it: Have you ever thought about what to do in situations like this? Are you prepared if you ever find yourself at gunpoint?
Being held up at gunpoint is a terrifying thought. As much as one does not want to even think about the possibility of it happening to them, you should because it happens more frequently than you may think.
From FBI.gov;
- In 2010, an estimated 1,246,248 violent crimes occurred nationwide, a decrease of 6.0 percent from the 2009 estimate.
- There were an estimated 403.6 violent crimes per 100,000 inhabitants in 2010.
- Aggravated assaults accounted for the highest number of violent crimes reported to law enforcement at 62.5 percent. Robbery comprised 29.5 percent of violent crimes, forcible rape accounted for 6.8 percent, and murder accounted for 1.2 percent of estimated violent crimes in 2010.
- Information collected regarding type of weapon showed that firearms were used in 67.5 percent of the Nation’s murders, 41.4 percent of robberies, and 20.6 percent of aggravated assaults
It is smart to be aware of such circumstances, and to be prepared in case it happens to you at some point in your life.
What should you do if someone pulls a gun on you?
First of all, STAY CALM. You are going to read about being calm everywhere you read about getting held at gunpoint. It may seem difficult to stay calm in this type of situation, but it is absolutely crucial because it allows you to think rationally.
Be Compliant and Give Them What They Want. Sometimes. Normally, their intention is to rob belongings from you. Put your hands up, tell them they can have whatever they want, and cooperate. But let’s also remember, you’re probably armed as well. Depending on the situation, you’ll have to decide which course of action to take. If the bad guy is looking to take your wallet himself, that’s probably a bad idea considering your firearm is (likely) close to your wallet’s location. Instead, the following would be appropriate in many situations:
- Tell the BG that you’ll get your wallet from your pocket. Show him your movements and that you’re actually reaching for and taking out your wallet.
- Once you have the wallet in-hand, throw it in a direction away from yourself and to the side. This will divert the robber’s attention to what he’s really after: your wallet.
- In this scenario, you’re clear to draw your firearm, since you’re faced with a lethal threat.
Every situation is different, but a little distraction can go a long way with giving you the opportunity to get your firearm out and ready.
Don’t Defend Your Property, Defend Your Life. A wallet is not worth losing your life. Choose your actions wisely, and act appropriately. We don’t ever want to see the bad guy win, but sometimes that’s reality.
In the real world unlike in movies, the guy who already has his gun out and pointed already has the upper hand. Trying to pull one in the middle of a mugging takes consideration, training, street smarts, and so much more. Remember, your hand and arm aren’t as fast as his trigger finger, which is why waiting for an opportune moment is absolutely critical.