Situational awareness and a kidnapping in Texas....

Another forum member with no "spidey sense" asked what you can do to rationally avoid a bad situation? Here they my logical thinking steps;

1. be aware of your surroudings
2. think like a perp

These two thought processes have saved my bacon many times. Here's a recent event:

I was getting off of work at 10:30 P.M. I have to walk through a large empty parking lot to get to my car. I noticed a van with blacked out windows parked next to my car (situational awareness). There is no legit reason to park next to my car at the far end of the lot when there are spots nearer to the entrance. I also did not recognize the van as one belonging to one of my fellow employees. The only logical reason I could think of to park like that next to my car is.... (think like a perp) to kidnap someone. So, I take out my Surefire flashlight and shine it into the van. You need a really bright flashlight to do this because the windows were heavily tinted. I saw a head trying to get lower and hide from my flashlight beam. So, I walk back inside the building and call over a cop who was hanging out in the lobby. We both go back outside and as we approach the van, we see a guy running out of the van and fleeing on foot. The crazy thing was, if he was in the van, why didn't he just drive away? I just finished working a 12 hour shift and was eager to go home and sleep so I ask the cop if he needed me anymore and he said, "no." So, I got in my car and left as the cop was radioing in to see if the van was stolen.

Very smart.

Good story. Thank you for sharing. Since I began doing research into personal defense and situational awareness (before I actually even started carrying a gun) I've made an effort to consciously ingrain into my thought process the Cooper Color Code. Most everyone on a board like this should be familiar with this, though it's always a good read.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Cooper_(colonel)#Combat_Mindset.E2.80.94The_Cooper_Color_Code

An interesting read - story and link. Thanks. There are everyday things that I do without even thinking about it... When pumping gas, I keep my back to my vehicle. I never sit with my back to the door in a restaurant. I make sure my vehicle doors are locked especially while stopped at red lights... and I try not to get stuck in traffic so tight that I don't have an exit if I need one.

Been doing the same stuff as long as I can remember.

I often go on walks alone. Always alert, from time to time turning around just to see if someone is following. Just doing that could be enough to avoid the appearance of a soft target, which is even better than proving I'm not.