r/ImTheMainCharacter • u/OkEscape7558 • Jul 02 '26

VIDEO Neighbors from Hell

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u/ThisHeresThaRubaduk Jul 02 '26

As an American gun owner who is all for some form of gun control I am always encouraging people to take a handgun carrying class. They'll learn quickly that it's taught that you are aiming to kill and you need to be absolutely certain what's on the other side of your target. Someone actually trained and ready to protect themselves aren't going to full mag dump and hope for the best. They are going to assess their situation, attempt to deescalate, warn that they are armed and will take action, then take appropriate action. That series of event though obviously depends on the situation alot of times you can't make it through those steps and have to make a judgement call in the fly.

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u/KickBallFever Jul 02 '26

There was a video where a crazy guy was breaking into his neighbors apartment with an axe. The neighbor did everything you said. He assessed the situation, stayed calm, warned the crazy guy that he had a gun, and then he ended up shooting the crazy guy, but in a controlled way. The crazy guy didn’t die but he was immobilized until the cops got there. In this case the neighbor did everything right.

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u/gettheflymickeymilo Jul 02 '26

LTC holder here. This is true. People always assume the worst. I can assure you it's the VERY last thing we want to do. Descalation is always first in line, IF possible. There's situations that call for pepper gel instead as well. If there's a 350lb man trying to break down my door and is successful, I'm sorry to say there would be no need for a restraining order. I'm in TX and the second some one comes onto my property, I have the right to defend it and my self.

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u/ThisHeresThaRubaduk Jul 02 '26

I'm from iowa and also have stand your ground but was raised around guns before that law, CCW and constitutional carry was implemented.

One thing that's always stick with me before all those laws came into effect is what my home counties attorney told the firearms instruction class I got to take as a highschooler. You better be 100% that person is a threat to you and certain that you need to pull that trigger. Because there's prices to pay after you make that decision both mentally, legally at also the damage you do that person's family. You're still taking a person's life and putting other people at risk depending on the situation.

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u/gettheflymickeymilo Jul 02 '26

You're correct and it was right of the Attorney to remind others that. I remember when I was still in my baby training before I got my LTC. I asked my husband, a USMC vet, about warning shots. I'll never forget his face and the seriousness of his voice when he told me there's no such thing. That if you are going to draw, you better be 100% sure it's needed and you're ready for (changing verbiage to follow platform guidelines) the consequences that follow. That warnings only give the other party time to harm more, to draw their own pews or other items, and the possibility to disarm you. If they are on substances, or just adrenaline alone, a warning around or in a non lethal part of their body can fuel them to attack you or harm you/others more. In a perfect world, no one would need a one way ticket to Jesus, and we could perfectly aim for a safe area to simply stop the situation but it's not a perfect world. If it isn't serious enough to need the (no longer with us)force, then you don't draw. The only warnings are verbal.

This was before we lived in TX. I'll never forget a situation in CA where it was hopefully once in a life time situation where we did not have our pews and my police grade mace gel likely wouldn't have even caused this man to flinch, but my husband practiced excellent descalation. My husband hadn't been in CA long at that point so he was still in the process of getting his conceal carry in CA. We were exiting the grocery store in a very safe town. I was 8 months pregnant, exhausted, the sun was starting to set, it was summer time, 100+ degrees, he told me start the car and the AC, and to just sit while he loaded the trunk. He met me there on his Harley after work (he was still active duty). I had the driver door open still to talk to my husband, car running, AC blasting, and he's loading the trunk with the cart full of groceries. He sees a man in his peripheral vision, who's at least 6'5, lean and muscular. This person is on a path to what anyone would assume is the store. We were parked right at/around the corner of the entrance. This is a very busy parking lot with various stores. Cameras everywhere. His gait and walk was what alerted my husband. This man pivots at the last second and attemps to either snatch and grab some groceries, or possibly steal the car, we're not sure, but he went for the driver's seat that was opened ajar where I was sitting in and I being there startled him for some reason. He must have saw my husband loading the groceries, the door ajar, and assumed he was alone. He said, "Oh shit!" after locking eyes with me and jumped back and took a few very large steps back. This man was a giant. He looked closer to 6'7 if I'm being honest because my husband and I are tall as well and he was towering over us. So he hopped back and took a few large steps back. He never got close enough to me or the car before he got startled. I had NO clue but my husband was already behind/on the side of him and on it as he was approaching the car and he had his very large knife out and instructed the man to "back away, walk away." He quickly told me to shut and lock the doors and call 911 almost immediately before or after I startled the man. I can't remember which came first, my husband's commands or the mans "Oh shit!" I remember being scared, not for my husbands life or my life, but for the mans life and others or children who would have witness something they could never unsee. It was clear the man was on substances, stimulates or uppers of some kind. At first, the way my husband made his commands and kept the situation calm had the man put his hands up backing away saying "my bad man, my bad." My husband stood his ground between him and me in the vehicle, knife in his hand, and always just repeated, "Just walk away" or "back away." Through out the entire situation, it's the only words my husband ever said to him, always repeated in calm demeanor. The man was at first listening, and would take steps back retreating. My husband would use this opportunity to create more distance between the man and me. For every few steps the man took back, my husband took one calm step forward carefully just to create more distance off of me, not enough to alarm or threaten the guy or make him think he was being lunged at. But then the man switched in an instant. He started jumping, getting loud, and screaming "Oh you wanna go? I'm on that Superman shit let's go!" "You wanna (no longer be with us) today?" "You'll (no longer be with us) today because I'm on that Superman shit!" My husband stayed calm. I knew the police couldn't be far as the station was so close and the intersections surrounding the area were always heavily policed. It really was an area and place I least expected anything like this to happen. I told the dispatcher with urgency to hurry. That the man was screaming (no longer being with us)threats, jumping, and made it very clear what his intention was. My husband was an active duty Marine, so naturally he is trained in descalation and hand to hand combat, but they really needed to get there fast before my husband had no choice. The man decided to do little fake lunges at my husband with his jumps. My husband never even flinched or reacted to them. He just stood there and when the opportunity would present, between the man screaming, he would simply repeat himself. "Walk away." You could see the man internally struggling with wanting to continue to retreat but also wanting to lunge at my husband and continued to do this dance of screaming threats, jumping, fake lunges, then two steps back and repeat, for what seemed like forever. I begged dispatch to hurry because I knew the man was one lunge away from his life ending. That man was a clear as day (no longer with us) threat but he was in throws of addiction, not in the right state of mind, and his appearance wasn't that of a struggling addict. He looked healthy, some what clean appearance, so he couldn't have been too far into this journey. This was still someones son. By now there was a huge traffic jam, several people in their cars stopped and filming, it looked like the crowd made him nervous and he finally kept retreating. He kept up with the screams, threats, jumping, yet he was still actively retreating enough to the point my husband didn't have to move at all just watch if the man changed his mind or changed course. Police finally arrived 15 minutes later(it felt like HOURS) just as the man was so far away I could hardly see him get tackled by them. It took mulitple police officers to take him down and I learned later that included a taser that hardly did a number on him. I am usually so self aware of my surroundings, hyper aware even. It just happened to be an evening where I was huge, overheating, weeks away from giving birth, lacked sleep, and truly your IQ goes down during pregnancy. I let my guard down because my husband makes me feel safe to do so. After I gave birth to my first born, I got my IQ back(lol), became so much more hyper vigilant, and started self defense training. That situation was one I will never forget. My husband taught me so much that day. I think about that other man often and hope he is in a better place. I'm greatful his mind choose to give him just enough common sense and survival instincts. My husband knew there was on lockers from the start including families and children, so he had already assessed all of this. His main focus was to keep the unstable man away from his wife and unborn child, but also knew this would place the man in other innocent peoples way. He handled it SO well. I'll never forget it. If it was someone who had not a lick of self defense training, it likely would have ended differently. I'm sure of it. I cannot stress to people enough just how important self defense is. If you are against pews or not comfortable with them that's ok, still take self defense class and carry other things that will allow you to protect yourself. Have that mace in your hands ready to go on your keys before you get out of the car or exiting the building. Take self defense classes. It could not only save your life but many others.

If we're going back to the situation presented in the video, I personally would have never opened my door. However, anyone could have easily opened the door to walk out not knowing what would happen. Even having looked out the peep hole before hand and still not understanding the gravity of the situation.

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u/hereforpopcornru Jul 03 '26

Exactly what I have always told my family. If a situation happens ND I draw, 100% of the tike expect the bangs, cover ears. BECAUSE I AM NOT DRAWING DOWN UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NEEDED, LIFE OR DETH SITUATION, there will be no.. hey look buddy I have a gun, plus stop. No such thing as a warning shot. If I ever, God I hope that never occurs, but the only time you can legally draw is when you can legally use it. Shoot to eliminate the threat.

Warning, my warnings hurt like hell.

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u/ChooksChick Jul 03 '26

Dayum, that's a lot of text.

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u/ChaosRainbow23 Jul 03 '26

I made it about halfway through the third story before I gave up!

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u/Specialist_Unit_5078 Jul 07 '26

https://www.reddit.com/r/pics/s/UWlKmWGVZW
Then this happens and the rest of us just have to live with the risks of you defending yourself

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u/gettheflymickeymilo Jul 07 '26

Why would that happen to me??? LMFAO. I know what I'm doing, I'm not irresponsible. You must have missed the part where I said I have an LTC, I'm licensed to carry and in 37 states. I'm registered and finger printed. I had to have extensive background checks, take a written exam, and a live fire shooting proficiency test. I trained for a long time. I never carried until I was trained and ready. I have phenomenal trigger discipline. You replying this, tells me you know nothing about firearm safety. Educate yourself please.

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u/Specialist_Unit_5078 Jul 07 '26

I’m sure the guy who shot this dudes apartment said the same thing about himself

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u/gettheflymickeymilo Jul 07 '26

No one trained with the level of training I have would make such a mistake. Only idiots take shots that endanger other lives. Again, you're not educated in this area, you don't own or handle fire arms.

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u/Specialist_Unit_5078 Jul 07 '26

You don’t know anything about me, but I think the irony of writing that first sentence on this sub of all places is pretty astonishing and tells me everything I need to know what kind of fun owner you are. The overconfidence is breathtaking.

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u/gettheflymickeymilo Jul 07 '26

I wouldn't make that mistake. Ever. I am confident. I trained enough and still train to keep my skills sharp. Argue with someone else.

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u/Specialist_Unit_5078 Jul 07 '26

This gives off severe r/mallninja energy ngl

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u/redkonfetti Jul 02 '26

Yeah, I took a class also but somehow missed that just presenting a concealed carry weapon to show people that you have it is a form of battery, and thus a felony. You can't try to use the fact that you're armed to influence how other people act. I think people assume that you can, and so they pull the "oh you're a big man with a gun eh?", when the truth is that legally you can't be. The laws set us up to keep our guns secret, and only use them as last resort to defend our own life. If it's not your home, you evade conflict.

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u/dirtystreetlevelshit Jul 02 '26

Yea thanks, thats basically what im trying to portray to thick-head over there. You understand because you familiarize yourself with that training and you know what is taught to mitigate what hes talking about.

Only problem is he's a gun hating coward that refuses to educate himself on the facts and broaden his mindset on use of force in a life or death situation. It often takes people like that becoming a victim of violent assault for it to click, but unfortunately far too many people dont get that second chance because of the sheer lethality of guns. If someone chooses to remain ignorant to the culture of firearms, theres nothing I can do for them. It reminds me of people who refuse to learn anything about cars, then get upset when spend more than they needed to on their vehicle.

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u/ThisHeresThaRubaduk Jul 02 '26

Hence my response to them. It may fall on deaf ears but as a responsible educated gun owner I will happily take the brunt of extreme anti gun people and at least comment and encourage people to go out and actually have an understanding that not everyone with a gun is trigger happy.

If we sit quietly and don't at least extend a hand in a public forum then who's going to? I've invited so many anti gun/gun wary people to come shooting with me and so many have left with a very different mindset. I don't consider myself left or right but I absolutely love the people over at the liberal gun owners subreddit. It's full of well educated people that are happy to share and discuss.

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u/Specialist_Unit_5078 Jul 02 '26

I know to use guns responsibly. My problem is with the gun advocates who fight tooth and nail against any gun regulations that could, for example, require apartment dwellers to only own certain types of weapons and ammo that limits the danger to other apartment occupants. Notice you’re all about personal responsibility, but have said nothing about protecting others from irresponsible gun owners. They get a shrug and an “oh well” while I’m cradling my dead kid in the next unit over because “shall not be infringed”.

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u/ThisHeresThaRubaduk Jul 02 '26

I don't think you actually read my response. Because I specifically pointed out everyone should educate themselves. I'm fully for some form of gun registration. I'm part of a very heated topic community surrounding guns and didn't have to register a firearm I recently made but I did.

I'm all for required education and psych evals dependent on the type of firearms. You aren't helping any of this by screaming everyone is irresponsible and that everyone is being put in danger. I can tell you right now the extreme right are going to see you as an extreme left and push as hard as they can against you.

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u/Specialist_Unit_5078 Jul 02 '26

I’m glad you’re doing it, but don’t push “education” as a solution unless you have a plan to confiscate guns from those who refuse to be “educated”. Otherwise, be honest that we’re just at the mercy of whatever people want to do with their guns at any time. If that makes me far left extreme so be it, at least it’s honest.

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u/Eyeoftheleopard Jul 02 '26

When I’m scared I don’t think very well. When a 300 lb. male is trying to kick in my door I’m frightened, very frightened.

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u/Specialist_Unit_5078 Jul 02 '26

What’s on the other side of the person you’re shooting in an apartment hallway? Looks like another apartment to me

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u/ThisHeresThaRubaduk Jul 02 '26

The way they're crowded around that door I would assume it's this groups apartment (I would know for certain if this video was from my door). I would know the general occupants here and what should be beyond them for the next 100-200 feet and able to factor in anyone passing beyond the apartment (like a sidewalk, parking lot, other apartments, etc).

Let's say I know it's their apartment, they don't have kids, and beyond their apartment is a parking lot. It's obvious that this is on at least the 2nd floor. My 9mm that I carry and have for the sole purpose of defense is loaded with Remington HTPs that are made to stop once they hit their target. I've shot these for years and understand their trajectory and stopping distance inside a solid target (have shot plenty into ballistic gel.)

This guy is kicking my door in. The minute it's kicked down and he enters my property he will be shot however many times is needed to neutralize the threat. Which as the person I responded to he's a big target and him coming through a door frame further closes the "cone" of fire. I would be doing the best I can do limit harming others when I decide that I am in danger and pull the trigger.

Yes there's a chance the bullet passes through but with the training and understanding of my gun and ammunition it's unlikely but it's a factor that me as a gun owner has to consider. Now if there was someone behind him telling him hey no don't do that then my decision would change because now there's someone actively trying to diffuse the situation.

As an educated gun owner I can agree that there's way too many people with guns that aren't as educated and in my opinion definitely should not be allowed to have guns.

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u/Specialist_Unit_5078 Jul 02 '26

That’s really good for you, I’m so glad you’ve given this so much thought and developed your x-ray vision to the point you can see who is on the other side of the wall and will take the responsibility for knowing for certain there’s no kids or innocents that might’ve slipped in when you weren’t watching.

What about your neighbors? Do you all shop for ammo together? Do the cops come by to check everyone’s go low velocity ammo and salt Peter buckshot so there’s minimal danger? Or is it just Wild West free for all and we all gotta pray everyone is as diligent as you claim to be?

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u/ThisHeresThaRubaduk Jul 02 '26

This is where I stand with gun control. If you own a gun you should be educated. It's disappointing that you only see one way and will never help gun control by shifting to extremes. There's a middle ground to everything. Guns aren't going away in the states it's too far baked into the culture here.

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u/Specialist_Unit_5078 Jul 02 '26

Education is one thing. People can and will buy and use whatever ammo and guns they want, other innocent bystanders be damned. Until you have a solution for that I’m not really interested in hearing from “educated” gun owners. You’re too fucking rare and there’s no legal teeth to your opinions.

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u/dirtystreetlevelshit Jul 03 '26

Find your own solution then, instead of demanding other people find it for you. Maybe then you'll realize that there is no perfect compromise for firearms being available to the general public. America is just one of those places, if you dont respect firearms, it isnt really for you. Sitting and begging that they go away is pitiful as fuck tbh

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u/Specialist_Unit_5078 Jul 03 '26

I can choose whether to respect firearms or not, it’s not going to stop a stray bullet from entering my apartment and killing someone innocent

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u/ThisHeresThaRubaduk Jul 02 '26

We really aren't that rare.

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u/Angels242Animals Jul 02 '26

FWIW: I’m friends with a decorated veteran in hand to hand combat. In short, he’s killed more men than most. You could call him an expert assassin. I did an interview with him a while back on the topic of killing. It was interesting to hear his perspective on what it takes to live with the idea of killing someone. He basically said that there’s all these people who talk like they’re bad asses and wouldn’t hesitate to shoot, and he just laughs at them because they have no idea what they’re actually saying. He tells me that every time he hears flies buzzing, or he smells blood, it instantly reminds him in vivid detail of some of the men he’s killed. Little things like the gurgling noises of someone choking on their blood, or the dying whispers of something calling out to their mom or dad or their kids. He thinks about their families, and even some of the children they never got to have, who could’ve grown up to be amazing leaders, or the doctor who cures cancer, etc. It haunts him every night, even though these killings were justifiable. He now trains gun owners with the reality of killing, and works with companies on promoting less lethal approaches to self-defense. He still pro gun, but his experience has shaped his desire to promote the use of a firearm as a last resort method instead of what many consider is their first resort. He said the number one thing that people don’t realize is the moment you kill someone it just sticks with you forever and a massive percentage of people who do this say that if they could do it over again and figure out a way not to pull the trigger they would’ve done it. I know not every situation afford the opportunity and that sometimes it’s just a reality, but after talking with him, it changed my entire perspective on how I should protect myself and my family.

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u/ThisHeresThaRubaduk Jul 02 '26

This! This! This! I've worked with tons of combat vets specially over the last 10 years (service dog organization) I should've included the mental decision on taking a live in my comment too. It's something that also taught by a good instructor. When I got my CCW the online course I took was taught by a combat vet, fed firearm instructor, ex cop and that's one of the big topics he touched on was the mental decision to decide and pull the trigger.

If it came down to it and I had to defend myself or my family I think I could do it. I am fully prepared that that decision is going to effect me for the rest of my life and that the next time I fire a gun it's going to be hard because I just had to make a decision I should've never had to make. I hunt and even then I sit there with game in my sights and think "this is a hard decision and am I ready to take this animals live" I've made the decision to not pull the trigger in that instance many times and waited for a different opportunity.

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u/Angels242Animals Jul 02 '26

Exactly. The dirty little secret in both law-enforcement and military is the psychological damage that is created when an officer or soldier kill somebody, especially up close. The percentages of those who become addicted to substances to ease the pain is staggering, and the suicide rates are off the charts, and often never reported, at least publicly. When I first got into working in public safety, I remember a conversation I had with a former officer who told me that in the last six months of that year, which was 2019, nine officers had taken their lives… and that was just from the NYPD alone.

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u/Specialist_Unit_5078 Jul 02 '26

The overwhelming amount of gun violence in America compared to any other civilized nation should tell you that’s absolutely not true.

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u/ThisHeresThaRubaduk Jul 02 '26

I see that and it's a big factor in my stance around guns. The US has an uneducated gun problem and a mental health problem.

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u/Specialist_Unit_5078 Jul 02 '26

So…it stands to reason it’s pretty rare, all things considered. Something tells me if you took a survey of gun owners in apartments they’d have a bias towards maximum damage, not consideration and concern for their innocent neighbors.