TBD: Stranded Motorist

[Paraguy]

Unfortunately, this is a timely topic, here is a recent article on the exact scenario. Looking forward to learning more on Wed night on how to best handle this situation.
http://www.dailylocal.com/articles/2011/01/25/news/police/doc4d3eead835ff0153748470.txt

Here is an excerpt:
State police are investigating after a man posing as a victim along the side of the road assaulted and tried to rob a Good Samaritan who stopped to help the suspect.

Police said the incident occurred about 6 a.m. Saturday on Route 272 in the area of Chrome Road.

Police said a man “flagged down” a 21-year-old man from Rising Sun, Md., who was driving northbound in his pick-up truck. The driver stopped to see if the man needed any help, police said.

When the driver stopped, police said the man on the side of the road attempted to jump through the driver’s window and punched the driver during the process.

Police said the suspect demanded the driver give him his truck and the suspect tried to put the truck in park.

Police said the suspect may have had a gun or knife in his hand, but he never threatened to use any weapon.

Police said the driver punched the attacker in the face and was able to drive away from the scene.

[Michael Janich]

Dear Paraguy:

Thanks for sharing the info on that incident.

Yes, this is a timely topic. It also turned out to be one of the creepiest scenarios we've shot for TBD. I hope you'll enjoy our take on the topic and that the information we provide will help everyone find a good balance between being a good Samaritan and not being vulnerable.

Stay safe,

Mike

[Hazcat]

I have stopped (recently) to render aid if necessary.  I always stop 10-20 yards from other vehicle.  Make sure other person is visible and NOT near before I exit.  Stand with hand casually on gun (NOT noticable to other person) then proceed from there and stay aware at all times of the surrounding in case of accomplices.

[Paraguy]

Dear Paraguy:

Thanks for sharing the info on that incident.

Yes, this is a timely topic. It also turned out to be one of the creepiest scenarios we've shot for TBD. I hope you'll enjoy our take on the topic and that the information we provide will help everyone find a good balance between being a good Samaritan and not being vulnerable.

Stay safe,

Mike

Mike,

I appreciate the fact that you show the gravity and seriousness of the situation, it is very realistic, but not over dramatized.  In the Stranded Motorist preview it shows a victim getting shot, but without the Holywood over-dramatization; we get the point that something horrible happened without the special effects.  Keep up the great work!

[tombogan03884]

The danger is the same regardless of which side of the situation you are on. Some times the car with the hood up is bait for a trap, but when it's YOUR hood up, not every one who stops is planning to help you.
There was a case a few years ago where a guy rolled his vehicle and was badly injured, the first people  that stopped grabbed his wallet and left him.

[Sponsor]

[PegLeg45]

Tom is correct, there have been incidents in south Georgia also, with robberies happening to both those stranded and in other times to those who stopped to help.

Another scenario is hitchhikers.....Last year in Georgia, there was a guy who was flagging down motorists and then robbing them after they gave him a ride.

http://www.aikenstandard.com/Local/0415armedrobberyArrest

During the second incident reported on Morgan Street on April 5, the suspect allegedly took money from a motorist who gave him a ride.

In both of these cases, the suspect and an unidentified woman asked the victims for rides to numerous locations, and the victims were robbed after they arrived at the couple's destination, said Sgt. Aaron Dowdy, a Public Safety spokesman.

[TAB]

Passing up a motorist/boater in distress is really, really hard for me.    Did it last night, a college kid( and yes she was very cute) car just stoped.  I helped her push it out of the road, while getting honked at for leaving my truck parked behind hers with the flashers going.    I knew right away it was a negative battery cable.  grabed my tools, cleaned the termals and she was back on her way.

I've been helped in the past, so I help others.   

When my wife is with me, I take the gun off, hand it to her and have her get in the drivers seat, then I get out.  I'm not sure if thats the best idea, or not, but if something happens to me atleast she has a fighting chance with it.

Now hitch hikers, nope, not picking one up. 



I really am a nice guy, just don't tell anyone.