Ernie S.
Diamond Member
Yup a good chance of that happening in a domestic dispute. The facts remain that you did prevent more harm to the woman, but put yourself in danger.I've used my fists to stop an assault as well, but a gun is far more effective and poses less personal risk.Um..
New York City employs over 40K police. This "hero" who probably had an illegal handgun could have just as easily used a cell phone to summon police, who would have been there in minutes.
In any case..there were other less lethal and legal means available to him..like using his fists. Something I've done in a similar situation..
As far as calling 911: Are you insane? in the time it would take for police to arrive, the bastard could have taken a knife to the woman's throat. Hind sight is 20/20 but when you have to make a decision to possibly save a life, you MUST act.
I know it's absurd, but let's place you at the scene with a .357. A woman is being beaten buy a man far larger than you. You would leave your weapon holstered and call police on your cell and stand there watching while waiting for help to arrive.
Not ask yourself how you would feel if while you watched feeling all warm and cuddly, confident that you are doing the right thing, the assailant pulled a knife and slit the woman's throat. Don't forget that you're a witness and there's a reasonable expectation that you will also die. What then? Another call to 911?
Well I didn't finish my "fists" story. I got in a lot of trouble for that one. The woman in question started hollering at me that I should mind my own damned business. Bottom line was I should have called the cops.
And in NYC the response time is very good.
Yup the NYCPD does usually have a good response time, but I could pull a knife and kill the woman and you in about 5 seconds. Are they that fast?