Several weeks ago there was an incident involving a person in Clearwater, Florida who used his legal firearm to protect himself. Could this incident been prevented?
On July 30, 2018 the Tampa Times reported the following:
“The confrontation between Michael Drejka, 47, and Markeis McGlockton, 28, took place in a convenience store parking lot Thursday afternoon. According to deputies, Drejka confronted McGlockton’s girlfriend, Britany Jacobs, about parking in a handicap space without a permit. 
“McGlockton went up to Drejka and ‘slammed him to the ground,’ the sheriff said. Drejka, seconds later, while still on the ground, pulled out his handgun and shot McGlockton in the chest.”
So far no charges have been filed against Drejka. Most likely because McGlockton was the aggressor and assaulted Drejka by throwing him to the ground. There are reports of Drejka being involved in in other arguments over the same parking space in the past. Although no charges have been filed against Drejka he still may face a civil law suit, which could have devastating consequences for Drejka.
My point is this. A life was taken. For what? An argument over a parking spot. Just because we have a conceal carry license, it does not make us a police officer. Calling the police to report this parking violation may have prevented the entire incident. And a young man would still be alive.
Our conceal carry instructors have taught over 1000 people how to use a firearm safely. We also stress the importance of de-escalating a volatile situation before it leads to an all out fight. Sometimes it may be better to just walk away. The gun should be the last resort not the first.
As a medic I have had many incidents in which I had an uncooperative patient. I have two choices, de-escalate or escalate. How would escalating the situation benefit the patient or myself? So de-escalation is the only choice.
Another option, if Drejka felt his life was in danger, is to pull the gun and call 911. Hold McGlockton at gun point until the police arrive to sort out the situation.
Pride and ego have no place in the Conceal Carry community. Sometimes humbling oneself and walking away to avoid an all out kerfuffle is the best option.
Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.
Proverbs 20:3
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