So, I reached for it today

[fratermus]

looked back, but I was too slow and he was ½ way in to my passenger seat. Left foot in, left hand on seat, right hand pulling up (3/4 ton 4x4) on the handle, left butt check already on seat.
Him, “Dude, give me a ride�

Thanks for sharing the story; it is a reminder to us all. Glad to hear you are unhurt and didn't have to shoot anyone.

I had a mugger get into the driver's side of a truck with me one time. Long story, but the shakes and hitting the wrong controls sounds very familiar.

[zbordas]

I'm glad you're ok. However I do not agree with the non-forcefull entry comments. That means if you unlock your car and open your trunk to put in the groceries and in the meantime somebody enters your vehicle it is not forceful entry.
Does it make a difference if your wife is already in the car while your are packing? How do you know if the intruder is armed or not?
The whole situation sounds like to me as an attempted car-jacking and self deffense case if you use the proper wording. I think the guy is lucky to be alive because as some might have shot him without asking what does he want.
I most likely would have put my hands on my gun and made it ready to shoot before he does his.

[Thane]

The problem with using OC in this case (and most) is.....if you spray that stuff while in your car, you WILL EFFECTIVELY incapacitate YOURSELF too. Then you wouldnt be able to safely drive away and/or defend yourself. I hate that stuff. Is it better than nothing?...YES...but i will NEVER carry it again.

Oh boy. Man, do I agree with you! I recently had to get sprayed with OC as a part of my training... that stuff is pure EVIL, I tell you! In the close confines of a car, not only would you spray the bad guy, but you'd catch yourself with the stuff as well, and render the car nigh-uninhabitable for quite some time.

Getting the guy out of the vehicle and then taking off may have been the best move you could make.

(Target - as an aside, the ONLY reason I'll be carrying OC is because I know first-hand how effective it is. But I hate the stuff too, with a passion. )

[Target1911]

(Target - as an aside, the ONLY reason I'll be carrying OC is because I know first-hand how effective it is. But I hate the stuff too, with a passion.

And that is why till now I WOULD NOT carry it. I will say that I can see where it has it place, and I may get some for that reason......walk up on a fight in progress and someone is getting pounded. You DONT know who the true victim is....could be the BG getting the tar beat out of him....you wouldnt want to shoot the wrong guy.
However, If someone is getting in my vehicle uninvited, I will be fearing for my life and I wont be pulling the OC.

Yes OC is painfull and I have had someone that it DID NOT effect.
I was also at an outdoor party with about 30 ppl. Someone sprayed a can of OC and it sent 14 ppl to the ER.

When you think about using OC you to ask yourself first...can this effect me too and put in a position to be futher injured from BGs.


I should change my first post to....I would not use OC to defend myself.

I believe the OP did the right thing.