My son asked me just last night about confronting a bully that keeps coming at him. It's a similar situation in that you do NOT want to appear to be an aggressor. I told him to make some noise before resorting to violence. Let everyone here you saying you don't want to fight, even if you do..lol. The best evidence is third parties.Caliber wrote:....proceeds to square himself and move toward my vehicle (about 1-2 car lengths away).....
While I like the laying on the horn idea, I think I'd have exited the vehicle as well. As it was pointed out, he may have had a firearm. Even if it's not in his hand, there's no way to know if he had one in his belt or pocket.
Then, make noise! Retreat with eyes on the guy hollering at the top of my lungs "Stay away from me! Someone call 911!" Blow a whistle if you have one. Maybe consider carrying one if you don't. Draw attention, and make it obvious you are not the aggressor. Police questioning after the fact would reveal you were yelling "Call 911!" and retreating.
I think most rage incidents cool off rather quickly. How long is this 260lb guy going to chase someone with a kid around while holding a crow bar or other weapon? Meanwhile, time permitted of course, I'd get in a position where the area behind him was clear of bystanders for a clean shot.
It's hard to way in which direction to run, but I think I'd move towards his vehicle..lol. For one, it puts him in position of concern about his vehicle. He'd be more inclined to follow instead of just smashing your glass out. For another, the scum bag is somewhat trapped until you move yours! Creating an even bigger scene and more traffic. Not to mention, making him clearly the aggressor if he's pursing even past his vehicle.
The story would be he moved towards your vehicle, then back towards his, then continued? What excuse would he have for that behavior?
Had you injured him while in your vehicle, he might claim some bull like he was only coming to help you change a flat as he thought you were broke down. Tire iron (if that's what he had) in hand.