Robbery in progress
I do not mean to speak ill of the dead but this video is a demonstration of how NOT to respond to a hostile man with a gun during a robbery in progress.
*WARNING EXPLICIT VIOLENCE*
The robber’s primary intent was the money. No surprise because most often this is the case but a robber’s intent is not always easy to discern by a victim, especially under stress. Once the store clerk became an obstacle to the money, the robber chose to go from robber to killer. The store clerk resisted the robber’s attempts at robbery but did not resist with enough force to disarm the robber or frustrate his attack. This proved to be a lethal combination.
When held a gun-point, you have basically three choices:
1. Compliance
2. Flight
3. Resistance
Compliance
This is what most companies instruct their employees to do during a robbery. This probably has more to do with concern over a law suit than with concern with the safety of the people. (Let’s assume it is out of a concern for safety.)
You should consider compliance when it appears the assailant’s motivation is robbery and the assailant has too great a tactical advantage:
-The assailant is armed and you are not.
-The assailant has caught you in a state of unreadiness.
-The assailant(s) outnumber you.
-The assailant has superior size, age, strength or combat skill.
-Flight is not a viable option
Keep in mind, compliance is not a perfect option. If you comply you may survive most robberies but you place yourself completely at the mercy of an anti-social criminal. This is also not the best approach if the objective of the assailant is to hurt you.
Flight
Sometimes a tactical retreat is the best choice. If an avenue of escape is available and you are placed in the disadvantages that might lead you to compliance, why stick around? When you flee, most times you deny the assailant the option to hurt you easily. You should balance the risk of standing around waiting for a sociopath to decide whether you live or die with the risk that flight may provoke the assailant to do you harm.
We have seen examples where flight proved to be the right choice.
Considerations in case of flight include:
-What is the assailant after? You may want to flee in the opposite direction.
-Can you swiftly put distance between yourself and the primary objective? You may not want to flee if you are unlikely to get away cleanly.
-Are you leaving loved-ones behind that might be at risk? Leaving your children behind in a hostage situation may not be your best choice.
Resistance
If the assailant’s intent is to do you harm or harm those you care about, you may have no option but to fight. Clearly your objective is to win so when time allows form a plan, fill yourself with an overwhelming desire to survive and execute the plan.
Gain every advantage time allows:
-Gather weapons
-Enlist the help of others
-Use the elements of surprise and deception
-Fight back with all the ferocity you can muster
Ultimately, the decision is based on your judgment. Choose wisely, it’s your life.
