H.I.T. Self Defense

Here is a recent news story:

ESCONDIDO: Woman fends off violent attacker, loses car.
Carjacker/attempted kidnapper considered armed and dangerous.
By North County Times

Saturday, April 18, 2009

ESCONDIDO —- A 22-year-old woman used a hot cup of coffee to fend off an armed assailant during a violent struggle in a parking lot Friday morning, police said.

The case is being treated as a carjacking and an attempted kidnapping, Lt. Neal Griffin said. The man responsible is considered armed and dangerous, he said.

Shortly before 9 a.m., the woman was unlocking her car in the parking lot of Albertson’s grocery store on East Valley Parkway when a man approached her from behind, Lt. Neal Griffin said.

“She had a feeling that someone was behind her, and she used her window as a mirror and saw that someone was there,” he said.

The attacker put a handgun to the woman’s back and threatened to shoot her if she didn’t get into the car, Griffin said.

The woman resisted and the carjacker struck her in the head with his gun during the ensuing struggle, Griffin said.

“He had her in the car,” Griffin said. “He actually even said, ‘You’re going to drive,’ or words to that effect.”

The fight ended when the woman threw hot coffee in the carjacker’s face and freed herself, he said.

The woman had dropped her keys in the fight, and the carjacker grabbed them before driving off in her car, Griffin said.

Police are asking residents to be on the lookout for a black, two-door 1995 Toyota Celica with the California license plate 4ZMR484. The car has damage on the driver’s door from a previous accident.

The carjacker was described as a tanned white man about 50 years old, 5′9″ tall and 160 lbs., with short graying hair.

Griffin said residents should not try to interact with or detain the man.

Anyone who sees the car or the knows the wanted man should call 911, he said.

Interesting story here: She utilizes all of the HIT tools: First and foremost, she didn’t lose her cool. Under immense pressure she looked for her first opportunity of escape and she took it. Also, big kudos that she left her car keys when she fled the scene. I don’t know how much I can add to the story. She really is a hero. Put yourself in that situation. What would you do? I guarantee you she didn’t walk out of the house ready for a potential car jacking and abduction. Also, remember, she felt like something was wrong. She trusted her instincts. Lastly: she didn’t give up! She fought and resisted until she could escape (she did whatever she had to do to escape). My hat’s off. We can all learn something from this young lady. I wish there were more success stories like this one.

Stay safe.
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