Florida Dollar General Attempted Kidnapping - Lessons Learned

Earlier this month, a 30-year old man tried to kidnap a teenager by dragging her across the floor of a Dollar General in Florida while her mother desperately tried to save her.  The video is unsettling and frightening and I believe there are a few lessons, or at least reminders, that we can learn from it.

1.  Always be aware of who is around you and have an idea of what they are doing.  We get so focused on what we are doing and what we have to do next that we forget to pay attention.  Peripheral vision and instincts are key here!
2. Just because it is the middle of the afternoon in a public place does not mean you have nothing to worry about or that nothing can happen.
3. Do not rely on bystanders to help you.  Some will.  Many won’t – out of fear, hesitation, confusion, or apathy.
4. Sometimes that handgun or stun gun in your purse or pocket is not your best option.  The speed with which everything happened in the Dollar General video made for a chaotic scene. Would it have been possible for this mother to retrieve a weapon quickly enough and, more importantly in this situation, do so while also holding onto her daughter?  Taking the time to retrieve a weapon might have given the offender the seconds needed to succeed in taking the girl away.  It’s also important to be aware of issues that arise when attempting to use a weapon in close quarters.  Would there be a clear shot of the offender – without putting yourself, bystanders or, in this case, the woman’s own daughter, in harm’s way?  I am certainly NOT saying not to carry a weapon.  I encourage that for protection.  I also encourage knowing the weapon, practicing, and having multiple options available.
5. Be prepared mentally – think of scenarios in your head and imagine how you would respond.  How would YOU have responded in this situation?  (Take this seriously and be realistic).  This is not being paranoid.  This is being prepared.  Studies have shown that your brain cannot tell what has been imagined and what has actually happened when recalling events.  Therefore, having already thought of a response can cause your brain to recall those imagined reactions causing you to respond more automatically.
6. Be prepared physically by being aware of your ability to use and having practiced using your personal weapons (hands, feet, elbows, head, voice, etc.).  We can help with that!!  Send me a message for more information!  melissa@prepdef.com. 
7. This mother saved her daughter by reacting immediately, with determination and with the tools she had available – her own hands and body.