Yesterday, I stopped by the local convenience store to grab a few things, when I noticed strange things were afoot at… the 7-11.
At the same time a man in an over-sized puffy black coat slipped out of line in front of me and walked toward the door, a female customer went into hysterics at the check-out counter.
“But I just deposited me a damn check! There is too available funds!”
I raised an eyebrow in interest as her voice got louder, and louder until all eyes were on her. The man in the coat slipped out the door as the woman hollered in a stage voice,
“I ain’t got no damn cash!”
Whatever it was, I thought, the fella in the puffy coat just got away with something. But what? Beer? Slim Jims? It’s 7-11, for crying out loud. I simply couldn’t imagine going to such an dramatic effort to get away with a package of Twinkies and some Keystone Lite. But these are tough times; people do what they feel they have to. I shrugged, paid for my items and went out to my car.
They were next to me at the light when I pulled out – the hysterical woman, the man in the big black coat. They honked. I didn’t so much as turn my head. But when I got through the intersection, they were behind me, the black Kia filling up my rear view mirror. My stomach turned to lead.
I’m not prone to paranoia, but I try to be aware of my surroundings and never second-guess my instincts. And right then, my instincts were telling me that something was very, very wrong. I turned onto my street; without signaling, they followed. The next turn into my parking lot, they took, too. I reached for my handbag and realized with a sudden panic, that I had left my phone behind at home, charging on the counter.
All I could do was stay in the car where I was safe. So, instead of slowing near my apartment, I sped through the parking lot. They followed. I’ll spare you the turn-by-turn I gave my brother last night on the phone, but say that ten minutes later, after some seriously reckless driving on Greenville Avenue, I lost them at a red light.
I don’t know what had made me seem a likely target. Dressed in saggy cargo pants I’d painted the apartment in, and a ratty gray sweatshirt from college, I hardly looked like a cash cow. But I drive a new car. And I carry a nice handbag. I suppose it was enough.
When I got home, I got out of my car and ran. Up the stairs, into my apartment, where I locked the doors, and crawled onto the sofa and waited for my heart to stop racing.
Holy hell. I’ve always thought I should plot out my local/neighborhood police stations should something like this happen … I’ll be doing that TODAY.
Glad you are okay.
Whoa, SCARY! But why would they honk if they didn’t want you to know they were following you??
I just watched Oprah, and the show was about a book called “The Gift of Fear”. The book talks about our instincts, and how all too often we second guess our instincts or talk ourselves out of things, much to our own detriment. It’s good that you never ignore that voice, because it obviously kept you safe.
Everyone should check this book out, it’s pretty interesting.
I’m always afraid of the trap where you get rear-ended to make you stop and get out and then you’re robbed or whatever the plan was. Glad you’re ok.
I feel like they were probably just trying to scare you because they suspected you saw something. If they were trying to rob you they probably wouldn’t have followed you around honking and causing a scene.
Although, this does remind me of one of those silly parables you read in elementary school that turn out to be useful later on – The one where the baby rabbit is chased by a fox, and runs back to it’s burrow, and the mother scolds it because now the fox knows where they live. If I feel like someone is following me, the last place I head is home. Even in my own building, if I get off the elevator and someone else gets out on my floor, I walk in the opposite direction of my apartment and stall until I hear them enter their own door. (There’s some social/political nastiness going on in my neighborhood and I’m always afraid it will be taken out on me – an unsuspecting yuppy in my harlem apartment complex.)
You just lived through one of my worst nightmares.
Oh my gosh, how scary! Something similar happened to me a few years back. A guy in a red civic followed me from the Starbucks parking lot, to the bank, then to the water store. He just sat in his car and waited until I would leave, then follow me again. I decided the best idea was to not go home (in case he decided to take note of where I lived) and instead went to a crowded shopping center where I went inside the grocery store and called up a big guy friend of mine to walk me back to my car. The guy following me was parked right across from my car, but he booked it when he saw my friend. It was definitely a scary experience. Good for you for being on the alert!
that is super scary – and I am super paranoid – so even when someone follows me for a few blocks, I freak out. Glad you listened to your instincts & that all is well.
Always trust your gut—better safe than sorry. My mother always told me to drive straight to the police station if I was ever being followed. You might want to give that a shot if something like this ever happens again—which hopefully it will not!!
It’s interesting; part of me wonders if there was a benign reason for their following you, but as the other people writing show (esp red civic), it’s probably better you followed your instincts. Besides, as a guy I probably have less sense of danger (and as an idiot, I know I have less sense of danger).
Wow I’m glad you trusted your instincts!
I’ve been reading your blog for about a month. Girl my eyes are burning because I started from the beginning. But you’re worth it, you make me think!
“But I just deposited me a damn check! There is too available funds!”
LOL, that sounds like something right out of In Living Color.Remember that skit “Hey Mon”.
Very scary & good for you for not leading them to your home. If you choose to pursue this matter with the police, wouldn’t 7-11 have them and possibly their car shot by security cams?
oh fish (and everyone else): NEVER go back or near your own home next time!! i was once stalked by a stranger’s car and i raced my way home and parked into the garage thinking i was safe. Days later the same guy broke into my house and raped me!! So again, NEVER go back or near your own home when you think you’re being followed!! Instead, pull into the nearest police station parking lot, get out of the car, stare at them (so they know you know) as you walk into the police station. They will give up on targeting you right there right then!
First, always listen to your gut. Second, if you ever think you’re being followed, drive directly to the nearest police station or fire department.
Fish, please alert the police. Even though you didn’t stop at your apartments, you did go through the parking lot. If they took note of the vehicle and tag number, they might be able to find you. I don’t want to scare you, I just want you to be safe.
I’ve been followed two different times and both times I drove to the nearby police station. I think the guys here are crazy. One of the many reasons I have such bad luck with dating! LOL
Jesus, that’s scary. Do you know where the local police station is? If you don’t, find out. Drive there if you ever feel like you’re being followed.
I’m so glad you’re ok.
Sorry for the long comment in advance.
Something very much like that happened to me once. It was 5 a.m. and I was in the car alone, going to give a friend a ride to the airport. A battered Toyota pick-up truck in front of me (the only other car on the road) pulled to the side of the road and put on its hazards. When I passed it, it took off the hazards and got behind me. I turned, it turned. I turned onto my friend’s narrow one way street and (stupidly) took the last parallel spot. I looked up and saw the very same turn into the street after me. A very large man was driving. I didn’t get a good look at his face, but he had big hands and no neck.
I don’t think he had planned out what he was going to do. If he had been smart, he could have parked his car right next to mine, in the street, and trapped me. As it was, he just drove by me very slowly, watching me, and then stopped a little past me – so if I was going to drive away, I’d have to get out of the spot and reverse up a hill the wrong way on the one way street – and waited. I called my friend – a guy – in a panic for him to come down, hopefully with a baseball bat. Luckily, a parking enforcement guy drove up then and the guy in the pickup had to pull forward to clear the road. My friend came out about then, and we took off.
I had no doubt that guy wanted to hurt me. I am not ordinarily scared of anyone, even stereotypically threatening people. The feeling of danger I had was nothing like anything I’ve ever felt before, and I absolutely trusted it. (I second the recommendation to read the Gift of Fear. Every woman should read that book.)
I come from a family full of hunters, and I know my way around guns and have a concealed carry permit. After that incident, I keep a handgun in my car. Calling the cops would not have gotten help to me in time if that guy had been a quicker thinker. I know that a lot of women don’t know how to shoot and aren’t comfortable with guns, but I’d recommend having mace or a taser or SOMETHING in your car besides just a phone. Knowing the way to local police stations is also a good idea. In my case, I know I also should have taken “Maybe that guy is following me” more seriously before I turned down my friend’s narrow street and parked.
I’m thankful that I got away okay, and I’m really glad that you did, too.
I always forget you are in Dallas! I’m probably at that same 7-11 all the time… I’ve always wondered why they let the panhandlers hit up every customer.
AH!That is terrifying, its always smart to follow your gut- its always right. Especially in situations like that, where you LITERALLY FEEL IT in your gut.
Ive defintiely had those moments- one time my mom’s business was unlocked when we stopped by really late at night….I istantly started crying, naturally everyone thought I was acting like a freak, but I was pleading with them to no go in because something felt wrong….turns out….there was an intruder IN THE BUILDING when we got there, hiding in the backk…the enxt morning she returned to work to find it comepletely trashed, money stolen, equiptment stolen…very scary and my gut knew.
I’m glad you’re okay – you must have been terrified. I sometimes do second guess myself (with thankfully few ill effects so far), but this is making me re-think that. Thanks.
There’s nothing scarier than people that drive Kias.
Seriously, driving to a cop station (or, alternately, somewhere that has a lot people around) is the thing to do.
Carrying an ugly handbag? Oh, but you wouldn’t!
Glad you’re O.K.
Okay, yes, scary story, glad you’re safe, all that, but:
Kudos on the Bill and Ted reference. No one seemed to pick up on that!
Wow, very scary. So glad you’re all right.
That is so scary. If someone was following me, I’m not even sure I would notice. I think I need to be more aware of what’s happening around me.
Good for you – way to follow your gut!
The Gift of Fear, which Michelle mentioned earlier, is an awesome book. It explains how women are taught not to trust their gut instinct (or made fun of for doing so), but they should.
It’s amazing the survival instincts that kick in. I’ll bet you could have lifted a 10-ton truck with all the adrenaline you had after that episode!
That is creeeepy. I’m paranoid all the time, especially when I’m alone. Once I was foolish enough to walk down a dark alley all by myself and I nearly wet my pants looking over my shoulder the entire way. Never again. Stay safe Fish!
This reminds me, I should buy pepper spray…
Scary! I’m glad you’re safe though. When I first started reading, I thought that you were in the midst of a robbery. I’m glad you were able to lose them!
I’m so glad you listened to your instincts. You really should pinpoint the location of the nearest police department to your neighborhood. Always a good parking lot to turn into in a pinch.
Holy **** – that is insane. I’m glad you are okay.
Seems living in NYC taught you a thing or two, darling. Glad your instincts were paying attention and kept you safe!
Oh.My.God! That is terrifying. One of the hazards of being a single woman living on her own, sadly. It also pisses me off that some of your commenters here are trying to scare you even more. You obviously have good instincts and are self-aware enough not to ignore them. You’ll know better – going straight to the police instead of driving through your lot – if (God forbid) there is a next time. Don’t let this incident scare you from the outside world. I know you believe in karma and those two are going to get what’s coming to them.
I hope you’re ok! I third/fourth? the recommendation to read the gift of fear. I just read it and think everyone (not just women) should read it…
Feel Better!
Glad you are safe. ALWAYS trust your instincts. We are basically animals – we know when something is up. Society/manners tries to smother many of the signals that we need to pay attention to.
It happens, especially if you are female. Cradle to grave, we are an easy(ier) target than a man.
Again, glad you are okay.
Holy hell indeed. Jesus, fish. I swear you’ve had way scarier sh*t happen to you in Texas than you ever did in NYC. Be careful. You were absolutely right to listen to that voice in your head telling you something was seriously amiss. I hope you filed a police report. Yeah, I know, not a lot of information, but they should still be aware of it.
Good freakin’ lord. I’m so glad you lost them – that is too scary…
I’m glad you’re okay Fish. That’s a very scary thing. Everyone has pretty much chimed in with advice. But I’m sure you’ve got it covered. Take care of yo-self.
what if they were just trying to bring you your cell phone that you left on the counter?
Wait, didn’t I just say that my cell phone was in my HOME, charging?
I’m sort of loving that you have an Alex P. Keaton tag.
Thank you. I figure, if I have to have tags, they’re going to be funny and totally unhelpful.
oh i would of **** my pants. forreall.
You will stop living in fear when you buy a gun and learn how to use it.
Also besides the police station, you should go to the most crowded possible place nearby (busy store parking lot?) and blare the horn and make a ruckus.
sca-ry. glad you’re ok!
That’s terrifying! I would have liked to hear the play by play.
I hope once you pulled yourself together you contacted the police to report this…
Damn – crazy story. Nothing wrong with having a touch of paranoia about these things (especially since you seem to have been correct in this instance). Nice Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure reference to kick it off!
I was at a gas station near my home which is about 35 miles north of Chicago when I was seriously hit on by this guy. I hate to mention race, but it’s somewhat important to the story. He’s this typical looking, almost cute caucasian guy and I’m an average looking black lady. I was already weirded out because he was OPENLY and aggressively hitting on me at the gas station. I was getting right onto the highway so I didn’t think he’d bug me once he saw me getting on there. So, he follows me all the way to the city! I didn’t have a cell phone at the time and got so scared once he had already followed me half way there. I figured he’d definitely stop following me once he saw that I was getting off on the West side – not a great area. This guy was persistent. I got to my destination, jumped out of the car and ran up the stairs. I’d never been so afraid in my life. I even ran a light to get away from him. I saw him drive by and luckily he didn’t wait to bother me and I haven’t seen him since.
You have GOT to drive to a police station if that ever happens again. Northwest Highway and Easton is one. There may be ones closer to you, but that is the one closest to me!! Scary shyt.
Hey, if they’re crazy enough to steal from the 7-11, no telling what they would have done. That would have given me the creeps too! I’m glad you got in your apartment okay.
Maybe your brake lights were out…
That is creepy. You did well to trust your gut feeling. Glad you escaped.
Also a good idea is to never flash your lights at night at a car driving with their lights out. A reporter at a paper where I worked did that, in Midwestern American friendliness, and the guys in the car followed him and beat him up. Turns out it was a gang initiation that they would beat up whoever flashed lights at them first.
There are definitely evil people out there.
Dave
That is very frightening! Poor you! Luckily, you had a funny enough feeling to pay attention to what was going on around you. Wonder whether you should have driven to the closest fire station or police station and started honking your horn until someone came out to help you. It’s hard for any of us to be level headed with our adrenaline pumping hard so don’t beat yourself up. From now on, it’s probably a good idea to have an emergency plan, actually several of them (ie: 1. being followed in your car, parking lots, garages, shopping and 2. someone trying to “help” unload your shopping cart to steal your wallet, car or worse, force you in with him/her/them.) What did the police recommend?
Julie for WOW!
I would have completely freaked out! You did good by not stopping!
I can’t stand Dallas, for reasons such as this. I felt much safer in NYC than I do here! I’m so sorry you went through such a horrible experience.
Where is a cop when you need one?
iheartthirty nailed it. know your local police stations, and avoid driving even close to your house. once they realize where you are going – after all, they probably know the locations of police stations better than you – they will disappear. still go inside and ask to be escorted back to your home, police are better trained to see if somebody is following you. happened to me twice, once in my car, once on my vespa. the vespa incidence was much scarier, since they can easily knock you off that thing. but i drove like a wild hog, and police followed me home. i was save, but the next morning the vespa was gone. guess they followed us anyway.
and michelle, even if she had realized her phone wasn’t at home but at the 7-11, do you really think this is typical behaviour of good samaritans?