Violent crime is rampant in parts of St. Louis, just as it has grown out of control in many urban centers across America during the last eight years. In fact, according to Gallup, crime has risen to a 16-year-high. It affects everyone, too, including as of last night, the wife of Missouri's Governor-Elect Eric Greitens. Fortunately her husband reports that she's safe after being held up by three young males in a St. Louis parking lot in the city's Central West End neighborhood.
She had just left a restaurant and had settled into task fixation checking her phone when one of her attackers opened her car door and stuck a gun in her face. She surrendered her phone and laptop and the trio ran off.
Police caught up with them a short time later in a stolen car and a pursuit commenced. The young thugs crashed and fled on foot, only to be nabbed by fleet-footed officers. The three stooges, ages 14, 15 and 19 now face a host of charges. Authorities indicated the suspects might well be responsible for a series of break-ins and robberies.
It probably should have been a defensive gun use of the day. There's much to learn from the future first lady's unfortunate experience. Then again, if the bad guys had the drop on her, discretion — and giving up her belongings — may have been the better part of valor.
This near tragedy shows, yet again, the importance of situational awareness and that violent crime can happen to any one of us at any time. Carry your gun(s) and be aware of your surroundings.
Dear Governor-Elect: There are plenty of skilled trainers out there who would be delighted to help train Missouri's soon-to-be first lady in situational awareness and personal defense skills – probably at little or no charge. If you need a referral or three, shoot us an email here at The Truth About Guns and we'll be happy to hook you up.
Sounds like somebody needs to get their concealed pistol license.