Harassed while driving.

tpower22 · #1 01-27-2007, 07:25 PM

Today has been one of those strange, and unnerving days. I took the 360 out for an afternoon drive and I'm driving down a busy street and notice a old Ford Explorer on my ass. It then passes me and I slow down to see what his deal is and he slows down to the point that we're both going about 20 in a 35. I then speed up and pass him. He follows and again is riding my ass. After maybe 10-15 blocks he pulls up beside me and I look over. Inside the SUV are these two gang banger types giving me signs and gesturing. It looked like one of them was using his hand as though it were a gun and putting it in his mouth and then pointing at me. I'm no gangoligist, but I figured that that meant he wanted to kill me. I then turned off the road and let them go on their way. I have no idea what I did other than to be driving a nice car.

I then went to a Borders and had the usual people by the car when I got back out. They were all nice and I talked to them for a few minutes. They then dispersed and as I was getting into my car another guy comes up quickly and says, "I gotta see the inside of this." I'm taking up the whole doorway so have to move as he comes up or else I was afraid we were going to bump into each other. He then says sorry and continues looking into my car. He has his kids with him so I entertained his questions and then was able to leave.

All in all, today was the first day that I was glad to be parking my Ferrari. The rude guy at Borders was okay, but the gang bangers really got me pissed. I actually thought they were going to rear-end me they were following so close. I wish I had got their license plate, I would of had one of my cop friends see who they were.

Anyway, just felt like sharing my day with you all.

AML225 · #2 01-27-2007, 07:37 PM

I'm sorry that had to happen to you. Normally in a situation like this I would've pulled over but something tells me that would've further escalated the situation. I would've either gunned off or took a turn real late to lose them, not sure what kind of atmosphere you were in but I'm glad you're okay. I'll bet you didn't mind the annoying guy at borders nearly as much. ;-)

When I see a Ferrari on the road I usually get behind it and give it some space all the while wearing a huge smile on my face. :-)

**jungathart** · #3 01-27-2007, 08:37 PM

Tom,
I've found that an NRA sticker on the back window is enough to put a doubt in the mind of these types of punks. Since you live in the Southwest, you might consider exercising your Second Amendment right and get a concealed handgun permit. You do have the right to defend yourself. A good rule to remember is to drive to a police station whenever you are followed.

PSP · #4 01-27-2007, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jungathart

Since you live in the Southwest, you might consider exercising your Second Amendment right and get a concealed handgun permit.

Pretty difficult to next to impossible in California, depending where you live.

SrfCity · #5 01-27-2007, 10:03 PM

My driving routes are pretty predictable so I'm usually driving at a faster rate then other traffic with a minimal fear of cops. So I've usually come and gone before any dicks get a chance to try to do some stupid stuff. Plus I avoid any "riff raff" areas to avoid any stupidness. Luckily living here an exotic is really not that big of a deal so it's not too much of a problem. It would certainly be unnerving to have experienced what you did today. Good thing you made it back safe.(although I would have lost those bangers in heart beat

)

**PhilNotHill** · #6 01-27-2007, 10:17 PM

Driving to the police station is a great idea.

Guess you better KNOW where the police station is before you get in your car. If you are in a strange town, maybe you'll have to call 911 and get directions.

PNH

**WJHMH** · #7 01-27-2007, 10:37 PM

If you can try to get a plate number next time & head to nearest police station. I've had that happen to me long ago & I took that as a serious threat.

**BigTex** · #8 01-27-2007, 11:01 PM

Two different armed robberies here this week...over nice pickup trucks.....both guys shot...in one case they got the truck and his gf....she turned up later, hands bound and traumatized........one driver still in hospital....

...and that's for a King Ranch FORD pickup, man........

Glad you are home safe..........times are indeed hard at the lowest levels.

**FasterIsBetter** · #9 01-27-2007, 11:11 PM

Tom,

Glad you are okay, but encounters like that with the Ford can be very dangerous. I've had situations like that a couple of times while on the road and the best thing you can do is get away from that as soon as possible. And hitting the gas to try to outrun them is not the answer. As soon as they passed you and slowed down, at the next intersection, you should have slowed down a bit as they coasted through and made a quick right and taken off. By the time they see you've turned, you're gone. On the highway, get off the first exit you can. If they are tailgating you, drive at a normal speed and don't make any sudden moves or panic stops or they might end up on top of you.

I've been finding lately that every time I take one of the sports cars out, some idiot in an SUV has to ride my a$$, trying to prove what I don't know. The jerks in the ricers who want to race are just, well, jerks. But the guys in the SUVs who insist on playing chicken can be downright dangerous.

Enjoy your car, but be safe out there.

**tatcat** · #10 01-27-2007, 11:39 PM

down here in the great state of florida practically everyone has a gun in their car and our solons have given us the right to shoot first and ask questions later. needless to say not too much foolishness while driving goes on.

Five · #11 01-27-2007, 11:50 PM

I think you gotta learn your signs, they were probably saying "nice car".

**TestShootCom** · #12 01-28-2007, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jungathart

....you might consider exercising your Second Amendment right and get a concealed handgun permit. You do have the right to defend yourself.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSP

Pretty difficult to next to impossible in California, depending where you live.

Since 9/11 getting a permit is next to impossible. Unless... you go and get a "guard card" and work one token day per month as a "security consultant" for a delivery company. My friend's father is a jewler, he arranged for a guard card so he can transport the raw goods to his father's shop. Personally, I will not say how I got mine other than my father had something to do with it.

There are a few things to keep in mind here, insurance will cover the car, not your life if you are gone, surrender the car and wallet willingly, live another day, because if they want to take your car they will, don't give them a reason to shoot. They are better prepared than you are to take it and a reactionary defense is very hard compared to experienced car-jackers. If you really feel like this is going to be an issue, like parking in a structure that may have hidden dangers, I will say having the gun concealed (permit or not) gives me a better state of mind.

gatsby · #13 01-28-2007, 12:13 AM

If you are in a neighborhood where the cars parked outside are more expensive than the houses, move.- just kidding. Be careful out there.

**TestShootCom** · #14 01-28-2007, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gatsby

If you are in a neighborhood where the cars parked outside are more expensive than the houses, move.- just kidding. Be careful out there.

pfft, in the housing projects you will find Escalades, Rovers, Lexus... Wait, I think that *supports* your statement

cig1 · #15 01-28-2007, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSP

Pretty difficult to next to impossible in California, depending where you live.

permit? .... I don't need no stinkin' permit

G

Snapper323 · #16 01-28-2007, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AML225

I'm sorry that had to happen to you. Normally in a situation like this I would've pulled over but something tells me that would've further escalated the situation. I would've either gunned off or took a turn real late to lose them, not sure what kind of atmosphere you were in but I'm glad you're okay. I'll bet you didn't mind the annoying guy at borders nearly as much. ;-)

When I see a Ferrari on the road I usually get behind it and give it some space all the while wearing a huge smile on my face. :-)

Pulling over is probably what they wanted him to do. Smart manuver to have kept in motion. Do what is required to protect yourself, your family and your property. There is an old saying...It's better to be judged by 12, than carried by 6!

**TestShootCom** · #17 01-28-2007, 12:48 AM

Ok I have a third response here to support the above.

1) A moving target is harder to car-jack.
2) You have the power and vehicle to evade them. If you have open road, do so, but be wary that in traffic, you blast out and get caught, their adrenaline will be pumping, not good.
3) remember everything, license plates descriptions of the driver and passenger. also see #5
4) If it looks like you are looking at them AND talking on the phone, they may believe they are being reported to the cops and will make themselves scarce.
5) Camera-phones may save your life or get your property back. Fear of being identified positively or a good shot of the plates can help. having a friend that you know will not delete what you send them will help. My bro saves everything and i do the same for him. Sort of a digital security box.

exproject · #18 01-28-2007, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cig1

permit? .... I don't need no stinkin' permit

G

Is that what was said right before they took your avatar pic? :P

PSP · #19 01-28-2007, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cig1

permit? .... I don't need no stinkin' permit

G

If you're in California and things don't go well and you have to use your weapon without a permit, there's a good chance you will do some serious jail time even if you are simply defending yourself....

**BigTex** · #20 01-28-2007, 01:48 AM

Yea...a short piece of pipe or a metal bat is effective, IMO..

I prepaint mine with some red 'blood' splatters....

They'll have to throw out or haul azz.......!!!