I know this topic has been talked about before, but I want to relay something that occurred this weekend. The AZ crew went out to their normal shooting spot this weekend to let some rounds loose.
I arrived fashionably late as per SOP. I was looking around with the binos when I noticed a something at the base of a hill southwest of our location. It appeared to be a vehicle- nothing unusual.
After everyone parted ways my curiousity got the best of me so I went over to look at the vehicle. I was able to drive to within about 200 feet of it and then I had to walk over by foot.
I knew something was wrong almost from the get go. The vehicle looked as if it had rammed into a rock, sustaining damage and some windows were broken. I looked in the area and didn’t see any other signs of life or anything else. I snatched the plate laying on the ground and then contacted to local S.O once I got to cell phone range.
A few hours later a deputy showed up and I guided him as best I could to the area (it was pitch black because of cloud cover and our full moon was on vacation).
It turns out that the vehicle was stolen in the Phoenix area at the end of October and the indicators were that the vehicle was more than likely used for a drug run. It was then dumped either because they damaged it or some other issue. Curious to note that the rear seat had been removed which is usually an indication that the back seat area was loaded up as well.
The area where we shoot is near an area that is a well known smuggling area and the back door to I-8. Poeple often go out in the area to shoot and ride outdoor vehicles.
So the moral of the story is be aware of your surroundings even places that you may have been dozens of times. Even though Janet, Barry and Eric Holder want us to believe that the border is safe, we all know the reality. It is quite possible that we could have run across a group of human or drug smugglers. Make sure to keep your vehicles locked up if you aren’t in the immediate vicinity. Know your legal rights and what you can do should you be put into a situation.
Interesting read. Reminds me of No Country for Oldmen. Up here in the Midwest we don’t have issues like that, we have other problems (mainly meth cookers). In my best Obi Wan Kanobi voice, “always mind your surroundings”.
Good looking out. I have been making a conscious effort to maintain a higher level of situational awareness on a daily routine, but I am lucky enough to be on the safer border.
My friends and I go shoot in roughly the same area IG. You never know who or what you’ll find, and it’s a good idea to keep an eye out. If it gives you a bad vibe, there’s probably a reason.
Best to shoot with a buddy or three. Always maintain guns in ready condition for unwanted guests, two or four-legged. I spend a lot of time in backcountry, and am no longer surprised by the people and things I find there.
Thanks for the reminder. I like the SoCal desert, the beauty, and the freedom, but I try to keep a keen eye out for approaching trouble. I am usually just out there with my wife, and children, and help is far away.
There was a story out of Irvine, Ca just south of where I live. Super low crime stats. An employee at a Ralphs supermarket came in the store with a samurai sword, and hacked three shoppers to death. I thought to myself, you can’t let your guard down anywhere, period.
You don’t have to be near known illicit activity either. Here’s a recent attack similar to the Platt/Mattix MO at a gun range here in Oklahoma. Bastard bushwhackers nearly killed a retired vet out for his morning range session! :mad:
WAGONER, Oklahoma - The Wagoner County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a shooting of 73-year-old retired veteran at a gun range near Wagoner. It happened around 7:30 Thursday morning.
The victim, Kenneth Payne, was shot multiple times and taken to a Tulsa hospital. Sheriff Bob Colbert said he is expected to survive his injuries.
The Wagoner County Sheriff says it appears Payne was leaving Toppers Gun range and walking back to his truck when someone shot him multiple times in the head.
Payne was seriously wounded but managed to grab his cell phone and call his family for help. His family called 911 and alerted authorities.
Authorities say four guns were taken as well as a portable tool chest. Colbert said no money was taken during the robbery.
“We got a 73-year-old veteran that was shot, left for dead. He’d served his country and basically, somebody tried to snuff this guy out. It’s terrible,” Sheriff Colbert said.
Sheriff Colbert says Payne is an avid gun enthusiast and practices at the range every day. Payne retired from the Air Force and lived only a few miles away.
The Sheriff is asking the public for any information regarding vehicles or anything that might have been seen during the timeline. OSBI is also investigating the incident.
Our local shooting forum took up a collection to replace his stolen firearms and equipment. I sold a milsurp rifle and donated half the proceeds. We’re almost to our goal and will be presenting the stuff to him soon. It pisses me off that criminals are bold enough to target a shooter at a range! :mad:
It was so dark that I had a hell of a time leading the deputy to that sight. The moon was being covered by those clouds. And what the hell is up with the rain at the moment?
I was patrolling one time out in the desert in North Phoenix and came back to the station with a bullet hole from a rifle in the back of my truck. If you’re going to go shooting out there someone should always be on watch with a loaded rifle. Too much bad shit goes on out there. I know I don’t have to tell you that, but others here need to learn that lesson. If they’ll shoot at police rigs for shits and giggles, they’ll shoot at you.
Did you bring your rifle/gear with you? Did the Deputy object?
… No way I’d wander around in “no man’s land” near the border at night without a rifle and gear. If the Deputy had a problem with that, well, he’s welcome to go find it on his own.
No way I’m trusting a cop to protect me from the cartels/smugglers.
I was reading down this thread to see if anyone would post this story from Oklahoma before I did. Glad to see you did so. It’s a very sobering reminder of situational awareness and, more importantly, the fact that the presence of a weapon won’t always stop attackers.
My SBR was in my vehicle with me as we drove out. When he pulled up behind me and I went to meet him I was wearing my Glock. His concern factor jumped up about .000001 percent.
On October 5, 1985, Platt and Matix murdered 25-year-old Emelio Briel while he was target shooting at a rock pit. The pair stole Briel’s car and used it to commit several robberies. Briel’s remains were found on March 1, 1986 but were not positively identified until May 1986.
On March 12, 1986, Platt and Matix robbed and shot Jose Collazo while Collazo was target shooting at a rock pit. The pair left Collazo for dead and stole his car, a black 1979 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Collazo survived the shooting and walked three miles to get help.
