“A Tulsa man fighting for his life in the hospital after confronting two men who may have been breaking into cars at an apartment complex near 41st and Garnett,” newson6.com reports. “Tulsa police got to the Creekside Apartments around 4 a.m. Saturday and learned that two men shot at several neighbors at the apartment complex.”
Before we delve into the details, an important point to remember: nothing good happens after 1am. While partying like a rock star into the wee hours of the morning is one of life’s joys, the later it gets, the more dangerous the world becomes.
Neighbors told police there have been several car break-ins there so this early this morning a few of them went outside to see if anything was stolen.
The neighbors started talking with the two men when one of the men pulled out a rifle and started shooting at the neighbors, police said.
“The victims were being vigilant and trying to protect their property is what it sounds like, and suspects produced a weapon and began to fire,” said Tulsa Police Sgt. Jeff Edwards.
Officers used a tourniquet to help stop the bleeding [ED: something you should always have in your car and/or at home], but they said the injury is life-threatening.
Vigilance is good. Going out to “talk” to thieves? Not so good — regardless of whether you’re packing or not.
If you see a crime (or a potential crime), call the police. It’s their job to take care of it. Not yours. That said, there are times when you might decide to act before the boys and girls in blue can respond. Say if you’re in a rural area. Or if a woman’s being raped.
Even if you decide to investigate or intervene to protect property or innocent life, call the police as soon as humanly possible, preferable before you act. The call makes you the good guy. An absolutely critical factor if push comes to shove.