Hijacking

DariaSen · Post by **DariaSen** » Sun Jul 21, 2013 10:52 am

A poor tech at my shop got Scooter Hijacked yesterday.

http://www.wfsb.com/story/22893075/poli ... ter-robber

This is why I have a small hidden can of pepper spray on my keys.

I think I'm going to send a box of cookies or something to the shop in a couple of weeks.

Milt · Post by **Milt** » Sun Jul 21, 2013 11:00 pm

Sorry to hear about that assault. I am not 'Monday morning quarterbacking' this incident, but a little situational awareness goes a long way. If evasive action were taken earlier, the scooter's speed and maneuverability would have given him an easy way out of that situation before things had a chance to get ugly.

For what it might be worth, in the event that you cannot run or scoot away, a reliable pistol and proper training in its use is a better answer than pepper spray; pepper spray can blow back in your face and is a very poor deterrent. You are not very likely to actually need to use the pistol in a confrontation of that nature. Most defensive incidents are resolved without actually shooting - the would-be assailant usually surrenders or runs away when he/they become aware that the rules just changed. Make sure that you are the first one to call the police if you ever need to draw a firearm (or pepper spray, for that matter); in some jurisdictions, your assailant might be able to get you charged with 'menacing'.

Stormswift · Post by **Stormswift** » Sun Jul 21, 2013 11:49 pm

Not a scooter but its comming, I can feel it http://baltimore.craigslist.org/mcy/3912936450.html

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Mon Jul 22, 2013 2:19 am

Milt wrote:Sorry to hear about that assault. I am not 'Monday morning quarterbacking' this incident, but a little situational awareness goes a long way. If evasive action were taken earlier, the scooter's speed and maneuverability would have given him an easy way out of that situation before things had a chance to get ugly.

Right. It won't help in all situations, but a scooter can outrun almost anyone on foot, and outmaneuver almost anyone in a car. As long as you have the opportunity, putting those characteristics to use can be a good defence.

Of course if you find yourself detained by someone brandishing a firearm, giving up the scooter (or other superficially valuable items) is definitely wiser than trying to get away, with them.

Throwback7R · Post by **Throwback7R** » Mon Jul 22, 2013 2:44 am

I sure hope no one ever pulls a gun on me

DariaSen · Post by **DariaSen** » Mon Jul 22, 2013 11:15 am

Yeah situational awareness is good...but probably this poor tech was so used to making the trip in the neighborhood to test scooters that even things out of the ordinary just become part of the background scenery. Also, if it was a group attack, as the news says it was, it's very easy to quickly surround a scooter and catch the rider off guard, especially if it was at what is a busy intersection...which is basically all of New Haven.

As for gun vs. pepper spray, I have my permit but I choose not to carry (personal choice like gear not going to get into it). I doubt my spray would do much, and I know it can blow back, but it gives me an extra sense of security...false or not. I wasn't trying to give any safety advice or start a debate. I was more or less trying to make the statement that people can be real asshats that make me feel the need to carry something for protection in an area I need to ride to every so often...and that sucks, world is going to hell in a hand basket, yada yada yada.

Lotrat · Post by **Lotrat** » Mon Jul 22, 2013 2:57 pm

Kimber pepper blaster 2. Shoots a gel of liquid Hades up to 13'.

viney266 · Post by **viney266** » Mon Jul 22, 2013 3:57 pm

sometimes they can catch you un aware. He was on a familiar road...maybe sitting at a light.." hey nice scooter...Thanks...BAM...boot to the head"...SUCKS...Hope he is okay.

I owned a motorcycle shop in Baltimore for 16 years(closed in 2004)...I have seen it all.