In a situation!

[dmg1969]

Personally, when I was reading your story, I could actually picture myself in your position. Had it been me, I would not have intervened simply because it was only verbal. Now, had he grabbed or slapped her or the kid, I would have probably told him to stop or I would call the police.

Any cop will tell you that domestic disputes are among the most dangerous calls they go on because of the raw emotions involved. These situations are very fluid and unpredictable even for a seasoned cop...let alone a civilian.

Someone who will yell at a family member in the middle of a store has no pride and, in my opinion, may in fact have something to prove. Someone like that usually likes to be in control. By you interjecting yourself into the situation, you were in esssence challenging his masculinity. I'm surprised it didn't really go bad.

Had things gone bad, things could have been bad for you in court. Anyone within earshot would testify that there argument was verbal and you stepped in. While that is a very noble thing to do, it was also ill advised, in my opinion. Again...had it been physical, that would have been a different story.

Dave G.

[Pukindog]

It happened to a buddy of mine. He worked at a retail store. had to climb up a ladder, reached over his head, the pistol was seen by the customer and reported. He lost his job at the store and had to answer to the county sheriff.
Carry yes, show no. According to the sheriff if he was wearing the gun on the outside everything would have been OK. But, not allowed to carry at work.
This is not a dream world sonny.
Jeff

[axmdr40]

Originally Posted by Pukindog

It happened to a buddy of mine. He worked at a retail store. had to climb up a ladder, reached over his head, the pistol was seen by the customer and reported. He lost his job at the store and had to answer to the county sheriff.
Carry yes, show no. According to the sheriff if he was wearing the gun on the outside everything would have been OK. But, not allowed to carry at work.
This is not a dream world sonny.
Jeff

Was this in PA? That sheriff is full of horseshit, show me the law that says you can't carry at work. There is more to that story.

[ChamberedRound]

I have to agree with the majority here on this one. What you did was very noble, but unfortunately our laws don't protect those who act that way.

The man in question was definitely being rude and offensive, but from your description the situation didn't sound life threatening. IMHO you shouldn't brandish/draw your pistol unless you need to use it, and the only justifiable use under the law is in defense of your life or the lives of others.

I'm sure there are some that will disagree with me, because in this instance your display of the weapon (which was essentially a threat) is what diffused the situation. However, it could have also, depending on the aggressor, escalated the situation to a use of force which would have been unnecessary. When someone's attacking, you have no choice but to defend; in this situation, you still had a choice.

In short, it worked out for you this time, but there's no guarantee that it will next time. Remember that your actions and their consequences are your responsibility, and your burden to bear.

[ChamberedRound]

Originally Posted by axmdr40

Was this in PA? That sheriff is full of horseshit, show me the law that says you can't carry at work. There is more to that story.

There's no law against carrying at work. However, places of business are private property. If an employer knows you're carrying and asks you to leave, you must or you risk being arrested for defiant trespass. In addition, because PA is an "at will" employment state, the employer can simply fire you without any hesitation, and they would be well within their rights.

If you're going to carry at work, either clear it with your employer, or make sure they NEVER find out you're carrying. Otherwise, you'll likely be fired.

[Emptymag]

What the heck, here's my opinion too.

As has been stated already, without being there it's difficult to "judge" the situation. Even If I SAY "I would have..." that doesn't mean that it would play out like you plan... life is unrehearsed.

My opinion on your "showing" your handgun is that it was in direct response to the sight of him reaching for his weapon (real or imagined) and, had you "waited" to see if he was going to shoot you, it may have been too late.

It sucks being right and wrong at the same time! If you were trying to help, great! It just sucks that so many things could be used against you for doing the right thing.

Oh, and again, I wasn't there, but is there any chance the kid DESERVED to be yelled at? There are so many factors to consider here.

Thanks for sharing the story! It gives everyone some things to consider.
Wanna team up? Sounds like we could both use someone to watch our backs in Giant Eagle! I'm in Penn Hills.

[Pukindog]

Yep, Worked in PA. The employee was at fault. Handbook says no guns in store. he got canned for that. The store manager contacted the police, they contacted the sheriff, and the sheriff contacted the permit holder.
Perhaps the sheriff is/was full of it, does not matter. Any of the people in law enforcement, right or wrong, can make your life miserable, even if for a short time.
Jeff

[1FingrCHan]

Originally Posted by countryboy172

Today at the Giant Eagle by my home I was put into a situation. I was doing the self check out, minding my own business when a man waiting behind me started to yell at a lady and her child. I thought this was wrong no one should ever yell at someone else's child especially as loud as he was. I was startled by the yell. I quickly snapped my head and body around with my hand on my gun not under my shirt but over top of it just in case. Now im not a small person by any means about 6'4" 260 lbs and this guy was a small guy about 5'9" 160 lbs. So I calmly told the guy not to yell at her kid it was inappropriate to yell that loud at the kid, he then told me to mind my business that it was between him and this lady. I told him that if he didn't stop yelling at the child and lady it would be my problem. He then proceeded to get into my face and start on me. we exchanged words and he started to reach under his jacket on his belt, I didn't know what to other than show my gun and tell him it wasn't a good idea.
And believe me im not one of those people who go out looking for fights or reasons to use their guns.

Now after that being said I was wondering if it was the right thing to do?
Has anyone else been in a situation where you think someone else might draw a gun on you?
Would anyone have done the same thing i did?

Did pay for my groceries and left.

Words don't hurt, it only hurts when one let it got on their nerves As long as he is yelling and has not physically harmed that child or the woman. Mind your own business, your safety is your number one priority, imho ..........let the cops take care of it.



1FingrCHan

[NineseveN]

Originally Posted by Pukindog

There is an important lesson for everyone here: You do not have to "slap leather". Merely showing the gun is enough to warrent losing your permit. Even an accidental flash ( climbing a ladder and reaching for something above your head) for instance is enough to lose your permit.
Jeff

Not so. There is no brandishing law in PA, and we are an Open Carry State.

[NineseveN]

Originally Posted by ChamberedRound

There's no law against carrying at work. However, places of business are private property. If an employer knows you're carrying and asks you to leave, you must or you risk being arrested for defiant trespass. In addition, because PA is an "at will" employment state, the employer can simply fire you without any hesitation, and they would be well within their rights.

If you're going to carry at work, either clear it with your employer, or make sure they NEVER find out you're carrying. Otherwise, you'll likely be fired.

But your permit willnot be revoked for carrying at work (unless doing so is a felony), that's the point I think that we're getting at.