Self Defense Stories That Really Happened

Article 1.
On Sunday night, I was at Super Target on Roosevelt Boulevard. I was getting into my car at about 8 p.m. when a man attacked me and tried to force himself and me into the car. I had loaded my items, returned the cart, and upon getting into my car, I saw the reflection of the man running at the car in my side mirror. I tried to slam the door shut but it was too late.

He jumped in the car and was sitting on the driver’s seat with me, pushing me, pulling my hair, and shouting at me to move over. I fought back as hard as I could - yelling, shoving him out, honking the horn, trying to key him in the eye, and luckily I had pepper spray on my keychain that I sprayed at him. The guy eventually got back out of the car and took off running. He got in a truck with another guy and they sped away. I was in a well-lit spot in the parking lot - just 3 or 4 spots from the entrance to Target. Despite my honking and yelling, no one came to help.

Thank God that I am fine - just a few bumps and bruises, and I managed to get away, but I hate the thought that somebody else would not be that lucky. This guy is still out there, and I’m sure he’s not the only crazy that would do something like he did. Please be careful and please be aware! Don’t ever think you’re being overly cautious. Had I been less aware, this guy may have accomplished what he intended to do, and I don’t even want to think of the possibilities. We hear of this stuff happening, and I know I sort of had the attitude that, yes, it happens, but it won’t happen to me. I learned the hard way that it can happen to anyone in any place - there are some terrible people out there. Elizabeth (LAST NAME WITHHELD BY REQUEST) Jacksonville, Florida (October 2008)

Article 2
I read this story on Sunday about a woman who saw a policeman struggling with an attacker and grabbed her stun gun and went to his aid.

Tanisha Cross never thought the stun gun she received for Christmas would come in handy so soon.

Cross said she was headed to Wal-Mart in Lithonia with her mother when she noticed a DeKalb County police officer being attacked by a suspect.

“I just told my mom pull over, … let’s try to help,” said Cross.

The 20-year-old mother, who received the stun gun as a gift from her husband, said she kept it in a diaper bag.

Cross said while others gathered to watch, she sprung into action.

“I went straight for my kid’s diaper bag and I got it and asked it if he [officer] wanted me to do it and he said, ‘Yea,’” said Cross.

Cross said the officer had a hard time defending himself because the attacker had taken the officer’s radio and managed to rub pepper spray in the officer’s face and eyes.

Jolting the attacker, Cross’ timing couldn’t have been better. Cross said she stunned the suspect in his arms and legs.

Cross said she stunned the attacker to where the officer regained his composure and fought back until a security guard came to their aid.

“He’s brave,” she said. “He did his best to keep him from his gun. He handled the situation very well. I was just glad I could help him,” said Cross.

Cross doesn’t consider herself a hero.

“I’m just a bystander trying to help do the right thing,” said Cross. (January 2009)