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Trust your instincts – A True Story

You Won’t Believe This…

Just heard a harrowing story from some close family members that I need to share. I’ve changed the names for the privacy of those involved in the incident. While enjoying a nice Easter Sunday barbecue with family, two relatives (we’ll call them Joe and Sarah) proceeded to tell me about a very scary encounter they had at a local shooting range a few days back.

This story gave me chills thinking about what might have happened if these two street savvy relatives hadn’t been there.

A Day At The Range

Their trip to the range started out normal. They showed up, picked an empty lane, put up a target—you know the drill. On this particular day, Sarah decided not to shoot (a life changing decision, although she didn’t know it yet). She normally enjoys shooting, but just wasn’t feeling too well and was just going to stand back and watch Joe shoot.

Being the observant and alert person she is, Sarah noticed something weird about the guy two lanes over. First off, after they’d been there 20 minutes (this other guys was there before them), he’d only fired 2 rounds. Very strange since he was standing right up at the bench and didn’t seam to be dealing with any sort of malfunction.

Sarah took notice of this and continued to watch Joe shoot, but her instincts told her to keep an eye on the other guy, something wasn’t quite right.

A few minutes later the guy picked his pistol up off the bench (this immediately grabbed Sarah’s attention). As he held the pistol he was visibly shaking. Sarah thought “Hmm… maybe he is disabled or something”. She certainly didn’t want to be rude or embarrass him by asking if everything was okay, but at this point she was on edge. She discretely brought it up to Joe and they both went to the range master.

After voicing their concern, the range master pointed out that he too had noticed the guy’s behavior as odd, but went on to say that “his shots are very on target” as if this somehow made up for all the odd behavior!!!

Shocked at this response, Joe and Sarah went back to their lane, still concerned, but wondering if they were just being paranoid. Paranoid or not, both Joe and Sarah kept a very close eye on the suspicious man 2 lanes down.

The Disturbing Behavior Worsens

Minutes later, after having not fired a single additional round, the suspicious individual (gun in hand) turned his head around to look at Sarah.

It was the kind of look someone gives when they know they are being watched. As his face came into full view, Sarah described him as looking right through her with cold piercing eyes. It gave her chills. This was too much. She could no longer explain away this guy’s suspicious behavior. Way too many red flags at this point.

As the guy turned back around, Sarah grabbed Joe and signaled to him that they needed to talk to the staff again immediately.

Once again confronted with a reluctant and not very pro-active staff, they explained that the staff needed to intervene and talk to this man immediately. This time the staff could tell from their tone and sense of urgency that something was clearly going on.

Joe and Sarah decided to keep a safe distance while the staff casually but cautiously approached the man and engaged him in a distracting conversation to assess any issues.

A Frightening Discovery

At this point one staff member was able to see an odd looking hand-written note on the shooter’s bench, while another staff member was talking with the man.

After a closer look, the note revealed a list of emergency contacts and an ominous line that changed the whole situation. The line read, “I’ve left a note at home explaining why I did this.”

The range staff finally realized what Sarah and Joe had picked up on. This guy was going through a suicidal crisis and was an extreme danger to himself and everyone around him.

The Resolution

Joe and Sarah were happy to say that from this point on, the staff’s actions were professional. The authorities were called and the man did not put up a fight, but most importantly – the situation ended with nobody getting hurt.

An event that could have ended with a traumatic suicide (no doubt leaving everyone at the range and the man’s family with some serious sh*t to work through), or worse, an active shooter or murder suicide, was averted by the observations and actions of two regular people.

Joe and Sarah aren’t former special ops soldiers and they aren’t psychologists or mental health professionals either. They are regular folks who were simply smart enough to pay attention to their surroundings and who weren’t afraid to act preemptively when they noticed something suspicious. Sarah especially listened to her gut.

She saved that man’s life and potentially the lives of several others that day all because she had the courage to listen to her gut instincts, even when it went against what others thought.

What I found most shocking in this encounter was the range staff’s willingness to rationalize suspicious behavior (something that is all-too-common in the imagined cocoon of safety many people live in).

A range master’s job is to keep everyone on the firing line and any others in the area safe. To see something that looks suspicious and explain it away is gross negligence when it’s your job to keep people safe.

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Trust Your Gut!

Gut instincts exist for a reason. Have you ever had a gut instinct about something like this and been wrong? I know I haven’t.

When something bad is about to happen you almost always get that uneasy feeling. There is a lot of communication that goes on between the lines (body language, eye movements, and other non-verbal cues) that our subconscious mind is extremely good at identifying as “DANGEROUS.”

In polite society and the comfort of a relatively safe first world country (depending on where you live in the US), there is a strong tendency to explain away strange behavior. We’ve been trained to suppress our instincts by rationalizing strange things we notice. Sometimes this is good, but often it can be really bad. For example, it’s politically incorrect to cross to the other side of the street when you see a guy walking toward you who “looks a bit off“.

But having that uneasy feeling about an individual is almost always based on the body’s intuitive ability to pick up on non-verbal communication, signals the worrisome individual probably doesn’t even know he or she is sending. You may not even be able to describe what was worrisome. You just know that you’ve got an uneasy feeling.

You Aren’t Always Just Being Paranoid

Listening to those feelings is not paranoia, it’s street smarts. Ignore these feelings at your own peril.

Talk to people who’ve been mugged, attacked, beaten, robbed, raped, or kidnapped and I bet 9 out of 10 (if they weren’t taken completely by surprise) had some uneasy feeling right before the SHTF. It’s universal. I’ve certainly had that feeling before every dangerous situation I’ve been in.

Paying attention to those primal instincts is something you can’t afford to learn the hard way. In fact, tapping into those instincts is something you should actively cultivate.

Final Thoughts

I hope this story can be a reminder that gut instincts are there for a reason, and maybe someone out there reading this can avoid a dangerous situation because of it.

And I hope it also serves as a reminder that even in places where there are designated safety personnel, you can’t afford to totally let your guard down or ignore a gut feeling because “nobody else seems worried.” Our safety and the safety of those around us is our responsibility.

Let me know your thoughts…

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327 thoughts on “Trust your instincts – A True Story”

  1. I have always trusted my instincts about people. I can easily pick up on a persons intentions. Have extra sensory perception,a good thing.

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  2. Excellent article. As you said, we have gut instincts for a reason. We just have to be brave enough to listen to them and not worry about what people may think of us.

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  3. I trusted my instincts once while serving. While running a qualifications range I noticed one soldier was more agitated than even the worst day at the range could cause. I called in two of my line NCO’s and just as they were moving on her she pointed her weapon straight at a male soldier with all intent to fire. The NCO’s got the weapon in time, but it turned out she was pregnant and he had said he wouldn’t help. If not for my instincts he and several other soldiers may have been harmed that day.

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  4. I also have had times where certain people just didn’t hit me right an ive been told your just being paranoid an on several occasions I had my best buddy with me (my jack Russell or put bull mixed they seem to have a second sense about those certain guys or gals that for some reason rub us the wrong way maybe its my training or the little voice in side my head that tells me something isn’t right am every time you ignore that little voice is usually when you should’ve listened any way seems that way to me ive learned not to ignore it or your 4 legged best friend

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  5. Who has not had a feeling like a slight headache for those that never have a headache or some other unusual feeling that camnot be explained away immediately. Later that same day something very serious happens to self or someone close. Then ee say “I had a.feeling someting is.going to happen”
    Now, in stead of.waitimg for.something to happen, start being pro – active smmd look out whete something might be goimg to happen.
    The word here is.” Be Pro-active”

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  7. Often when you are aware of something like your incident your better half or companion will talk you out of any action by stating it’s none of your business. Like child abuse in the grocery…….some times it’s the other way round…

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  10. L.s.,

    The six sense is hard to explane. It saved life several time. Nou, I am 73 old, it left me alwas with a arrange feeding. Was I Lucky or had just a Lucky star?

    Kind regards.

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  12. Wow what a sad situation. So glad it didn’t escalate into a tragedy! Today in society we have been acclimated into this politically correct exsistance as not to offend! It’s like we knowingly forfeit our 1st amendment right because we don’t want to offend any certain group who chose to be that way! Now I’m no saint but if i see someone who appears to be in emotional distress i will gently aproach them and ask if their ok (i was raised by good people) i have never put myself in parrel by doing so and maybe some would concider this a bad idea,and if it is and this becomes my demise atleast when i face the pearly gates ol saint pete will pat me on the back and say….”bad idea but good job…come on in!”

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  13. Thank you for that guys. It reminds me of a time about 15 years ago when I was invited to a friend’s party. This friend of mine had been with a woman for over 3 years and caught her cheating on him in his own house. None of us heard what happened at the time but we noticed at the party that he was acting extremely strange and eventually secluded himself in his room. To make a long story short, myself and two others had a really bad feeling and went into his room. One more went out the front door right outside the men’s bedroom window as we walked in, our friend was sitting at the end of the bed with a shotgun barrel to his head and the handle to the floor. His hands were not near the trigger they were just holding onto the barrel and he was leaning against it. We found out that he had thoughts of suicide in the past. We entered the room, he didn’t put up any kind of fight. I reached over and grabbed the shotgun which thankfully was not loaded. I still have that shotgun to this day. Our friend is now married and seems to be having a good life. Just thought I’d share that with everybody

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  14. Hay Bob – You said – A reporter once asked a celebrity, “What is life?”. The answer was “Life is what’s happening while you’re thinking about something else.”

    Please accept respectful correction, the quote is from John Lennon “Life is what happens to you when you are making other plans” – cheers Sam

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  15. This reminds me of the time my wife and i went to a Bears night game. We got a hotel and decided to walk the few blocks to Soldier Field. We didn’t realize there were 2 or 3 blocks of sketchy neighborhood to go through first. Sure enough my radar goes off and there are 3 unfriendlies gaining on us from behind. I warned my wife and told her to be ready. Crossing the street wasn’t an option, too many lanes of traffic and a construction zone with no sidewalks across the street. They were getting right up on us as i balled up my fists and my girl was ready to swirl around and strike with her bag or something and out of nowhere 2 cops come out of an establishment right in ftont of us. I glanced behind me the unfriendlies had already darted into the street and away from us. What beautiful timing and karma or whatever on behalf of those policemen cuz it was about to go down. Needless to say we took a cab back to the hotel after the game.

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  16. Thank you, I work as a range officer/safety officer at Guns 4 Africa shooting range,Cape town South africa and this story re enforces the vigilance and attentiveness to a gut feel that something might not be right,that we practice every day,thanks and regards

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  17. I’m glad to read that no-one was hurt. And I totally agree that those gut instincts cannot be ignored. It might cost you your life! I too have been saved on numerous occasions simply by listening to my body’s mood, as at that point in time there was nothing to warn me of any impending danger. On One occasion I missed a bomb explosion and on another occasion I missed a rebel gang attack, simply because I decided last minute to change my routine due to a disinclination of feelings.

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  18. That was really great at your friend’s wife I had managed to avert a major disaster and I’m also shocked at the range staff disregard for the guys on Behavior even though they had noticed it your two friends were very smart and trusting their gut instincts

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  19. I really applaud both Sarah and Joe for the consideration for the other person, that is an attribute lacking in our society these days, .
    everyone just wants to be in this world for themselves .
    Thanks to the people that work in the field of safe gun handling, it is slowly moving back in the right direction !
    It would be great if everyone had to go through the same training course as we do,
    The things taught to you in these courses are the same traits we were taught in school and church back in the day (pre-70’s) , consideration ,compassion, thoughtful behavior for your family and neighbor,as well as ,just plain COMMON SENSE, the one most important virtue lacking today ,WE NEED MORE, of both sides of the training, and THANKS FOR WHAT IS BEING TAUGHT !

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  20. You are 100% rights wet you gut feeling you hat two act that wast reely grey this guy’s duct somthing and noting happen G. B. T. G.

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  21. BRAVO ZULU. for you, this story and other pertinent and very useful information and advisory/admonitions that you disseminate.
    Keep `em coming! Much appreciated.??
    P.T.

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  22. Good article! I am a single woman and can definitely benefit from this information and it doesn’t hurt to have reminders every so often. Thanks!

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  23. In light of recent events, very good advice…. In the morning news today it was even noted that Steven Winn had noticed the odd behavior of the Las Vegas shooter, he never drank anything at all while there, and I was just wondering if anyone else noticed anything odd as well…

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  24. Hi Bob I live in Sydney Australia we have tough gun laws making it very difficult to have guns & concealed weapons like knives so I’m not really interested in weaponry my best defence is some forms of marital art like Judo etc,

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  25. Yip got to agree strongly follow the gut feeling when the hairs on the back of the neck start standing up then your on red alert mod

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  26. I agree that your personal safety is your responsibility. Security may be provided and measures taken in places both public and private to keep people safe, but that doesn’t mean we should let our guard down if we see danger staring us in the face.
    That’s when you need to move away, calmly warn others and notify owners, managers, and those guys we refer to as emergency responders and law enforcement. They always appreciate a heads up and cooperation from citizens.

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  27. I spent time in the military so I’m use to looking around always. I know that a lot of people don’t pay attention to there surroundings and that’s what gets them into trouble. Constantly pay attention to our surroundings will keep us safe. Thanks for all you do for us.

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  28. This does make a person wonder, how many times have I had these type feelings and rationalized them and moved on. What was the cause, the result. I do know that my gut has been correct most often, just never know what to expect.

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  31. Excellent,compelling and eye-opening article. God Bless Sarah. I work in the addiction-recovery field,and am familiar with the “gut-feelings” you talk about. It’s taking action that is the hard part.We all [usually] sense something is “off”, but are afraid to look stupid by moving on it.
    So make that call.Talk to authorities.Or,if safe and sensible, talk to the subject.Let him/her know somebody cares.But I’ll tell you,it sucks how you feel after the trigger is pulled and you did nothing.Know your limitations,but DO something.
    Peace,through 2A

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  32. Gun ranges, gun shows, and similar events can turn dangerous very quickly. Situational awareness is most important.

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  33. This isn’t about guns, but rather about cars. Which I believe is a weapon in it’s own right. Years ago, while I was still working.I had just stopped raining outside,and my shift was over. On my way home,it was very dark.Even with the high beams on. I had that GUT feeling that you are talking about. You know how deer like to come out of the woods after a summer shower. Well, something told me to get on a different road, and go very slow. When I came to a cross road, a car came spinning around the corner, and almost me.Yet, he never stopped, until he was about 50, maybe 60 yards ahead of me. My GUT told me to get on another road, and go slow. What I witnessed was a man that nearly killed himself in a 2 ton car who hit a huge buck, caught the horns right in his radiator. I never did get that chance to get on the other road,but I was driving a small station wagon then.It never would have held up to the force of that buck.Whether it is a pistol, a rifle, or a car,it makes no difference.Luckily that man lived,if it weren’t for him cutting in front of me. I would have been the one in the hospital. All that I can say is that GOD for GUT FEELINGS.

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  35. Thanks for that I always look at different Peaple when I walk in park or on beach just to see who’s out there there are a lot of strange things out there Call me perinoid or what but you just never know

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  36. I hope this wakes up a lot of people. I am all the time telling my love ones an other,s. Beware of all thing,s and people around you. No matter we’re you are .Church mall Minnie mart getting gas. Anywhere . These thing.s don,t just happen on TV. Cause when it happen,s on your door step it,s to late. So THANKYOU for caring .About you love one your self and other,s. THANKYOU.

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  37. Thanks for the post. I consciously try to be very mindful of my surroundings however I believe each of us, after a period of time, can become relaxed. It only takes once. Never sit with your back to the door, look at people’s eyes, look at their waistband, look at their ankles, watch their hands, and watch their mannerism. It’s the mannerism that will often give someone away. When I’m at the range if I’m uncomfortable with someone else shooting I holster my weapon, still loaded ready for action, and go talk to the staff. Unfortunately, in today’s world everyone is a potential threat. Those who don’t know any better call this paranoia. I call it the first step of being prepared to respond accordingly.

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  38. An exellent article….i know only too well aftrr yrs of fighting war in ireland my gut feeling kept me alive ….once i ignored it and i nearly was killed …i play this incident over and over 19 yrs later and wonder why i was so daft not to listen to my gut instinct

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  39. That’s why it always pays to follow the Cooper Color Codes and to always be in condition Yellow, and to pay particular attention when the other two and especially Condition Red flare up! REMEMBER: YOU’RE NOT PARANOID YOU’RE PREPARED!

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  42. Had an experience a few months ago. While in a mall, i saw these two guys busy on their cell phones. To me they looked suspicious as they were both standing next to wheelie suitcases. It looked out of place. A short while later i saw only one in a different location of the mall, standing close to a place where people were eating. He was just milling around (loitering) close to this area. The second guy not in sight. I felt uneasy and approached a security guard standing close by and explained my suspicions to him. It seems the person in question realized i had gone to make the security guard aware and almost immediately walked away disappearing into a restroom and emerging a very short while later. He then made a bee line for the exit of the mall. the guard trailing him at a distance. It came to nothing but i feel that i may possibly have averted something like a terror attack. At the time (well constantly) there were threats made of certain individuals wanting to target malls and the like. Johannesburg

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  44. As a Vietnam veteran with a lrrp team in recon 1/7 cav I like your website but now being 100% disabled I have to live on a very small budget that doesn’t leave me much to spend on anything.I like everything you offer and will continue to be a long term member.nice work!

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  45. Agree 100%, and this political correctness is getting way out of hand a lot over here in the UK. Maybe sound bad, but why take the chance with your and loved ones lifes.

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  46. I knew something was wrong when hubby came home and insisted on showing me how to switch out mags while firing at someone…something in his voice. Even though I was in bed ,reading and having a drink, with my nightgown on, he insisted it would only take a minute. I sat on the couch and watched while he showed me, and I noticed he was actually AIMING at me, and TRACKING me when I moved my head. He got closer as he dry-fired, dropped the 1st mag out, slammed the second mag in, stepping closer, and I remember “click”for the first “shot” of the new mag…..and then I opened my eyes, he was all the way across the room, looking at me like I was Chuckie and just wouldn”t die. He shot me at point blank range with a .40 cal hydroshock, right in the throat. Everyone was amazed that I lived. I had a trach tube in my throat for a year. Gut instinct knows when something is wonky. If I hadn’t kept moving my head, I would have been dead.

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  47. It is so true. How we go through each day without the situational awareness necessary to stay safe. The gut feeling we have is part of our life. We should most certainly pay attention to this. Good article. Thanks.

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  48. Good one Bob.I too have just about always listened to my inner voice and it’s ALWAYS been right one way or the other.we forget to listen sometimes so your reminder was helpful.to me and I’m sure a ton of other folks.people just don’t realize how important that gut feeling is man.a lot of the time more important than our conscious thoughts.

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  50. I noted the part about being polite and that people don’t want to interfere and possibly upset or offend anyone. The way this couple handled their situation was done respectfully. The staff might have made it awkward, but luckily everything worked out.

    On the flip side of civility, we seem to have people in our society today that have lost or at least will suppress their manners and throw good behavior and respect for fellow citizens to the wind. In particular are these people who attack and hurt others at political rallies and events like schoolyard bullies. And on a more extreme level are those who resort to violence and vandalism, yet hide their faces with masks and are often found to be from another city or town and often from another state.

    Since it became cool to “fight the power” and “stick it to the man” and stand up for the rights of the people by acting like a thug or misguided freedom fighter, I worry about people’s intentions and how easily they might resort to violence rather than communication and discussion.

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