A crime which can reach any one

[BiblicalFirst]

Some people claim that crime won't reach them. Well, here is a crime that could affect anyone from any social strata.

Actually this happened to one of my older relatives just recently. She happens to be one who goes way out of her way to stay clear of risky situations. In this case, when she was signaled to pull over, she stayed alert. The man's actions were very suspicious, so she just drove away before he got to her. Being alert made all the difference. There was nothing at all wrong with her vehicle.

Concealed carry permit comes in handy for woman in Fort Smith

FORT SMITH - She's a woman who knows how to protect herself as two men who tried to rob her found out. What they didn't know was the woman is licensed to carry a concealed weapon...and yes, she was packing heat.

"A lady was flagged over Sunday evening about 6 p.m. on the interstate between Kelley Highway and the Arkansas river bridge." Lt. Steve Coppinger with State Police says that two men in a car signaled that the woman was getting a flat tire.

"When she pulled over to check her tires one of those person in that other car got out and attempted to rob her at knife point."

But what the thief didn't expect happened next. Coppinger says the female driver pulled out her handgun.

"She pointed that at her attacker and he backed away, got in the car and they fled."

Investigators say the would-have-been victim was able to turn the tables because she had a concealed carry permit. State police are keeping some details of the investigation close to their vest so they will know when they get the right guys. Right now, officials are saying they believe this to be an isolated incident.

As for advice, Lt. Coppinger says to always pull over in a well-lighted public area. And if you are pulled over by someone you don't know, don't get out of the car. Use your cell phone to call 911 and ask for assistance.

Investigators for the Arkansas State Police are trying to track down the alleged suspects and what's been described as a black Toyota Camry with Oklahoma plates. If you have any information that could be helpful to their investigation, please call Troop H in Fort Smith.

From here.

[junglebob]

If she was in Illinois the Illinois State Police would have expected the woman to give the thieves her car and anything they wanted. Of course if she was like me and lived in Illinois, one of only 2 "right denied" states, she would keep a unloaded handgun in a case in her car, or on her person, along with a loaded magazine. Sometimes referred to as "6 seconds from safety. I'm waiting to hear a similar story of someone in Illinois "fanny pack transporting" or with a cased handgun, who gives some car jackers a big surprise like that lady in Arkansas.

In Illinois as long as there is no local ordinance prohibiting it and you are an Illinois resident with a Firearm Owners ID card you don't have to have the handgun or ammo inaccessible in the vehicle. If you are a non-resident you better follow federal transport guidelines. Only problem with transporting in the way I said is that many Illinois LEOs are ignorant of the firearms transportation laws. Even some state police are ignorant of it, even though it is on the Illinois State Police website.

For those that would like to check this out on the website go to www.isp.state.il.us/foid/firearmsfaq.cfm See the question Is it legal to have ammunition in the case with the firearm? You'll also see the question about legal transport.

[Dogman]

Good for her and she's ok.

[tuna]

Outstanding, well done.