Jeff Piotrowski Almost Stabbed in Texas

[Brian R]

I have ccw and carry anytime and anywhere it is legal to do so... course living in the Chicago metro area is what caused me to get ccw training and permit. if I am in an unfamiliar area I absolutely will be armed for my protection as well as the peoples protection who are with me.

 

[Warren Faidley]

I think this near tragedy opens up even bigger questions about helping people in general. If that guy knew how to use a knife, of if he was smart enough to get Jeff or someone else out of their vehicle it could have ended a lot differently. I have to admit that over the years I've questioned my attitude towards assisting people at any type of accident or disaster. Just recently, I was on the scene of a multiple fatality accident in CO and now attorneys are calling to schedule a deposition. Although the questioning does not involve my actions as an EMT-T, but rather, the weather conditions involved in the accident, I still have to retain legal counsel since I was involved. Although most states have "Good Samaritan" laws, there is no guarantee you will not require expensive legal counsel to protect yourself. Fortunately, I have access to multiple family lawyers, but it's still a pain.

In this case, rendering aid to anyone who appears to be "out of it" is risky. People can be dangerous for any number of reasons, not just criminal intent. Jeff did the right thing by staying in his car. During Hurricane Andrew, I had some guys flag me down (like there was some type of emergency) then try to hijack my vehicle and grab my photo gear through a window -- but I was ready, with my feet on the brake and accelerator so I punched it and drove off rapidly, running over at least one foot.

 

[Jason Boggs]

Warren, I'll have you know, that was my foot you ran over!!!

Seriously though, you make some very valid points. With me being in a prison environment for 17 years (working, not living there) I have become very aware of my surroundings wherever I go. I've never had a bad incident happen to me while chasing, but there's always a first time for everything.

 

[Nick Copeland]

I'm not really familiar with what was going on in the video, where it was located or if that area was impacted. I'm going to go on the assumption that the area in particular where this happened was impacted shortly before by a tornado. If that is the case, then it is a probability that the guy experienced something that was very traumatic to him and caused behavior that was normal for him. I could be wrong, but I'm not going to be quick to conclude the guy was on drugs.

This happened in Collin Co on HWY 78, which is nothing more than a two lane asphalt road in very rural part of Collin Co just north of Dallas where the tornado touched down in Copeville. I am with the VFD/EMT in this part of Collin Co if that tells you how rural this is compared to just the opposite side of the county where the Dallas Cowboys headquarters is. While it is pretty much just farm land there are some very nice homes and a couple of nice neighborhoods but, there is also a lot of trailer homes and there is some drugs in the rougher areas of those parts. Joey makes a good point above that if a person has mental issues and goes through a traumatic situation their mental state is in shock and they really don't know what is going on. Being in that line of volunteer work we see it happen often, MVAs, domestic violence, etc. and it not be drug related but, I wouldn't rule that out knowing that part of the county. I did hear the call come in for Collin Co EMS to respond and briefly heard the call notes but I was in Rowlett assisting on mutual aid so didn't pay that much attention. I know he was transported to an area hospital for medical treatment as I heard them when they checked out. A good rule of thumb is when in disaster areas proceed with caution as you don't know the condition of people's mental state. The first reaction is to rush in a help which is fine and normal reaction of any caring human being but, it can also be risky when you have a disaster which effects masses.

In regards to carrying, I have my CHL so I carry anyways regardless of the situation as there are some crazies out there. I will tell this story and make it quick. I was pulled over one time and when they run your tags here in Texas it will notify the officer if you are a CHL holder. Officer approached my window and asked the normal questions and stated he was aware I was a CHL holder and asked if I had any weapons in the vehicle. I stated yes I do and proceeded to tell him where it was. Legally that is all he is allowed to ask me but, he asked me if it was chambered. I told him it was not. The officer got irate but, in a father figure kind of way. Gave me this long lecture that if I have been given that right to carry that firearm it needs to be chambered at all times that there are crazy people in this world. It was kind of cool of the officer to act that way to have my safety in his regard. Most just want to know if it is in the vehicle and where and say nothing more about it.