My job is not one that allows me to carry a defensive firearm. Based on the influence of INGO I decided that a good flashlight might be an option for me. Even though it cost a bit more then my original budget I decided to purchase a Surefire E2D LED Defender. It fits in the pocket of my work pants very well and I think it is quality light. In addition to being bright it should be rugged enough to offer other defensive options.
I often work late and today is no different. Right now I am the only one in the office. About 45 minutes ago I exited the back door to get something out of my truck. About 40 feet away from the back door were two unfamiliar vehicles, one with hood up. Two men appeared to be working on the cars. Our parking lot is behind the building and completely out of sight from any people passing by. The lot is lit, but dimly and has dark spots behind vehicles. Strange they would be back there instead of out front were the lighting is better. I immediately stopped and asked the two men at distance "Can I help you gentlemen". The reply is that they were simply working on the vehicle. The response was not threatening but certainly not polite. (Hard to be cheerful if your car is broken down I suppose) So, I immediately light up the area with the Surefire to identify the situation. Man can that thing throw a beam. The response is then "Sir I hope it alright if our car is parked here". To which I respond that it is. Then I used the light to look around and under my truck before approaching it.
I have no doubt that the two men were merely working on a broke vehicle. I did find it interesting how the response changed when I shined the light on them. At that point I had control of the situation. Best of all this was all done in a non-threatening manner. I also liked the fact that I could evaluate the situation at distance.
Every Person Should Carry a Good Light!
I often work late and today is no different. Right now I am the only one in the office. About 45 minutes ago I exited the back door to get something out of my truck. About 40 feet away from the back door were two unfamiliar vehicles, one with hood up. Two men appeared to be working on the cars. Our parking lot is behind the building and completely out of sight from any people passing by. The lot is lit, but dimly and has dark spots behind vehicles. Strange they would be back there instead of out front were the lighting is better. I immediately stopped and asked the two men at distance "Can I help you gentlemen". The reply is that they were simply working on the vehicle. The response was not threatening but certainly not polite. (Hard to be cheerful if your car is broken down I suppose) So, I immediately light up the area with the Surefire to identify the situation. Man can that thing throw a beam. The response is then "Sir I hope it alright if our car is parked here". To which I respond that it is. Then I used the light to look around and under my truck before approaching it.
I have no doubt that the two men were merely working on a broke vehicle. I did find it interesting how the response changed when I shined the light on them. At that point I had control of the situation. Best of all this was all done in a non-threatening manner. I also liked the fact that I could evaluate the situation at distance.
Every Person Should Carry a Good Light!
I prefer to shoot out their tires and dance around in a mocking manner. 
The Seymour PD gets ticked whenever I do this, but I remind them that it is my tax money that pays their salaries and they back off. 
)
Thanks for sharing. A good light is a great tool to have. Glad all went well
in then leaving it be.
Wow. Hitting the guy that hard probably would have cracked his skull. Sure it didn't kill the guy? If not I bet somebody has to chew his food for him and change his diaper.
