LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Self defense experts are weighing in after a late night dinner in a fast food parking lot turned violent 2 a.m. Wednesday.
Police say a man and a woman were sitting outside their car enjoying some burgers from In-N-Out. That’s when police say two men approached them and an argument broke out.
In a gunfire exchange, police say the man who was eating In-N-Out shot and killed one of the men who approached him. Authorities believe he acted in self defense.
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“It’s clear that the deceased had a gun in his hand, the deceased fired multiple rounds,” said Lt. Ray Spencer with the Metropolitan Police Department.
Chris Fry is senior director of training for Progressive Force Concepts.
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“Since 1997, Progressive Force Concepts has specialized in personal protection,” said Fry.
With businesses closing their doors, more people may be eating outside or hanging in the parking lot. Fry says that can be a dangerous spot.
“To predatory criminals, a parking lot is frequented a lot by various people and the way they perpetrate crime is they sit and look at different individuals and decide… this person looks like they're vulnerable,” Fry added.
If you’re in a situation that’s escalating, Fry says you should first try to talk your way out of a conflict.
“If I can't avoid it or diffuse it then I want to try to escape, if I can just run away I want to run away. Lastly if I can't do all those previous options, I want to act. That action requires me being proficient with my firearm if I do have a firearm or some other means of self defense,” Fry said.
Fry likes to teach his students this acronym as a reminder to be aware of their surroundings: W.H.A.T.
W- Waistline. Check a suspicious person’s waistline for any weapons.
H- Hands. If you can’t see both hands, be aware a person could be hiding a weapon in one of them.
A- Arms length. Keep an arms length away from anyone you think could be a threat. This gives you a defensive advantage.
T- Temperament. Be aware of someone’s temperament. If they are nervous or angry, that person could be a threat.
You can find class and training information on PFC’s website.
