Gang Initiation? Highway shooting (DFW)

[Beiruty]

It was on the Fox5 news in Dallas. Night time Highway shooter on random selected car. Gangsta flashed gang signed before shooting. LEO in unmarked police car witnessed the shooting pursed the shooters who sped in hope to flee. Soon after the 5 gangsters' car crashed and all the nice young to the prison here I go got busted.

Here is the news story:

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent ... 01ed6.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[GeekwithaGun]

I saw this on the traffic report at 5:25am today. I am working near the spur 408 and loop 12 split. I'm not in this area too much other than work, but over the past 4-5 years of working down here have seen the area decline and hear about more and more violence in this area.

[casingpoint]

Is there a time before the shooting started whereby the victims would have been justified in opening fire on their attackers in self defense? The perps did what they did, and everybody with their head out of the sand knows what's coming next, it's a given where gangs are concerned.

[Keith B]

Is there a time before the shooting started whereby the victims would have been justified in opening fire on their attackers in self defense? The perps did what they did, and everybody with their head out of the sand knows what's coming next, it's a given where gangs are concerned.

Only once you were truly in fear of your life or serious bodily injury. During the gang signs, cat and mouse car stuff, etc, you can only try to avoid them, call 911 and get prepared to use deadly force if it escalates to that level.

[roberts]

Like Keith said I will call 911 and try to evade them. If I think they have a gun I will tell that to 911. I'm also not shy about calling them gang members on the 911 tape.

[WEC]

I consider gang members and the shenanigans that they pull to be the lowest of the low. At the very least it's terrorism on a community or city level. At the most it could result in loss of innocent lives simply for the premise of a displaced sense of honor and loyalty. The worst part is that it seems to be more widespread and the acts more brazen. Be careful out there, friends.

[KD5NRH]

Is there a time before the shooting started whereby the victims would have been justified in opening fire on their attackers in self defense?

Even if there was, it would likely be a lot easier to justify using the car as a weapon in this situation, and/or exit the freeway, stop and get away from your car as additional evidence of an attempt to disengage. Shooting while driving isn't easy, and unless you have a shotgun, you're not likely to so anything that will stop them while trying to maintain control of your car.

[seamusTX]

I agree. Shooting between moving cars has a low probability of hitting the target and a high probability of an innocent person (including yourself) getting hurt, and all the grief that comes with that.

What I have done a few times when threatened in a vehicle (not with weapons -- just the yelling and gesturing variety) I have simply slowed down. The other guy always kept going. I realize that was luck on my part, but it worked.

Reaction time being what it is, if you slam on the brakes at 60 MPH, the other guy is going to be several hundred feet in front of you even before he begin to come back or make a U turn. In that case, you have some time to prepare yourself and maybe even call 911.

YMMV. I am not a personal defense expert, just someone who survived thousands of miles on the Dan Ryan Expressway.

- Jim

[pdubyoo]

YMMV. I am not a personal defense expert, just someone who survived thousands of miles on the Dan Ryan Expressway.

- Jim

Oooh...I'm too familiar with the Dan Ryan (road rage central). 8 years of Chicago commuting, and you'll see enough road rage and gang initiation activity to last several lifetimes.

Several years ago in Dallas, there was a spree of gang initiations where a gang car would pull up next to another car on the highway and would point a gun at occupants of the innocent car. If someone looked over at the gang car and made eye contact, they would shoot. If nobody looked after several seconds, they would go to the next car and try again. My brother was on loop 12 @ 183 during that time, and had just taken his foot off the gas and was moving toward the brake pedal, as he wanted to changed lanes and could see a car in the lane next to him. His intention was to slow down to change lanes and get ready for an exit. As he looked to his right to check traffic, he saw a gun barrel pointed straight at him in the car next to him. He slammed in the brakes, and the gang car sped off. He got the license plate # and reported it to police. He was lucky!

[Rusty]

A shame we can't get a carry license for 40mm grenade launchers.

[ScottDLS]

A shame we can't get a carry license for 40mm grenade launchers.

Actually, you don't need one. OK to carry, assuming you have registered said launcher (and each grenade) in accordance with the National Firearms Act. $200 tax stamp for launcher and each grenade (assuming they are of the explosive variety). Also, it's hard to find a dealer in "Destructive Devices" (that's how they are classified under NFA and GCA 68), who will sell one to you.

[dicion]

A shame we can't get a carry license for 40mm grenade launchers.

Actually, you don't need one. OK to carry, assuming you have registered said launcher (and each grenade) in accordance with the National Firearms Act. $200 tax stamp for launcher and each grenade (assuming they are of the explosive variety). Also, it's hard to find a dealer in "Destructive Devices" (that's how they are classified under NFA and GCA 68), who will sell one to you.

What if they aren't 'explosive' grenades.. eg, they only coat what they hit in a gelatin, napalm-like substance?
And what if the AR it was mounted it to just so happened to be firing incendiary rounds?
And what if one of these rounds just so happened to ignite this napalm-like substance?
... just sayin'

Really though, a 203, or other launcher is nice to look at, and a nice thing to brag about having... but really not practical, considering each grenade has that huge tax stamp cost.

[jsimmons]

Reaction time being what it is, if you slam on the brakes at 60 MPH, the other guy is going to be several hundred feet in front of you even before he begin to come back or make a U turn. In that case, you have some time to prepare yourself and draw your 1911.

Fixed that for ya...

[C-dub]

Reaction time being what it is, if you slam on the brakes at 60 MPH, the other guy is going to be several hundred feet in front of you even before he begin to come back or make a U turn. In that case, you have some time to prepare yourself and draw your 1911.

Fixed that for ya...

I've always viewed this as a valuable and effective defensive tactic. Plus, it always helps to always be aware what's around you. Is there anyone immediately behind you or is the lane next to you open behind you? Situational awareness is vital.

[smasraum]

Dallas police said the five suspects were transported to area hospitals with non-life threatening injuries

That's a real shame!