I used to be the kind of person who was oblivious to everything in a store. I used to wander aimlessly, just enjoying the time alone in the store while I “window” shopped. That stopped when I was assaulted in Target a little over a year and a half ago. That man is now in prison serving, hopefully a full sentence, but my carefree window shopping days were over.
Today Zachary and I were in Target (what is it with that place and wackos? And people talk about Walmart lol) getting a prescription filled. As we walked around waiting for it to be filled, I noticed a man wearing army green colored snow pants and a camo snow jacket. It seemed like every time we turned around, he was right there. Zachary and I left Target and went to Meijers to pick up something that Target did not have and as we were getting out of the car, that same man in the army green snow pants and camo snow jacket was walking down the SAME parking aisle that we were in. By this time I was thinking “WTF?” and pretty nervous. Zack and I ran into Meijers, headed straight to where we had to go and so did this man. As we walked up to pay, I was searching around me to see where he was, I couldn’t see him. So I started to relax a bit thinking that maybe, just maybe, my overactive imagination was at work…especially since I started reading the new James Patterson book, Cross Country. But lo and behold, as we walked to our car, he fell in step behind us. I got Zachary in the car and waited to see what this guy was going to do. He never got into his car. He just started walking to the main road. I headed home.
I don’t even want to think about what this person was after. And while I would like to believe it was just a coincidence that we just so happened to be in the same places at the same times at both stores, I don’t think it was such a coincidence. Just be aware of your surroundings. Walk out to your car holding your keys in your hand so you don’t have to fumble in a purse or pocket for them. If you notice someone following you via car, head straight to the police staying while calling them to alert that you are on your way and what the situaion is. And finally, if all else fails, start screaming your head of like a lunatic! 🙂
Definitely walk with a purpose, keep keys out and if attacked yell, honk if you are in your car and fight.
Since you noticed he was following you, though, maybe you should have stopped a store security person or gone someplace with security rather than heading towards your car. Or even asked someone to help you to your car. I’ve had someone do that for me before, walk me to my car from a store. He was quite nice.
You’re right. I don’t know why I didn’t do that. I didn’t see him as I went to pay so then I started to doubt myself.
HOw scary for you! Sorry to hear about what happened! Something like that happened to me at Wal-Mart twice in the past 2 months. That’s why I hate to take all 3 of my kids with me by myself to places. It’s too hard to watch all your kids, get what you need and STILL watch all your surroundings!
Be safe ladies!
Well I’m glad you’re ok. That would have freaked me out.
It helps to carry your bag over your head and one shoulder, as opposed to just having it over your shoulder. Also, keep you keys in your hand, and it helps to have your keys in between your fingers, so if they attack you, you have instant “claws” to slice across his face. Always park under a light if it’s at night, and never go out to your car alone if there is a van parked next to you. Try to find a store security guard to walk you to your car.
That was definitely not a coincidence. I’m glad things came out okay in the end. It’s times like that I wish all states had a concealed carry law.
I would have had a heart attack or had them call the police. I am so glad you were both okay and he left. It is very important to be very aware of your surroundings. That is what scares me about working until 1 a.m. I get so nervous walking out to my car
I am so glad that you are your child are safe! That is very scarey
oh lord! that is SCARY! very scary. Thanks for the heads up and glad you guys are alright!
That is so scary!! I had something similar happen to me and Hunter once, only i was completely oblivious and the store security came to me and told me i was being “followed” and “watched” by a man. The man left the store and was sitting in his car waiting for about 15 min. Security walked me out when i was ready to leave!
Ya know what else works, press the alarm on your car. That usually always grabs peoples attention and the “stalker” would end up walking away.
I totally do the “claw” thing. Especially if I’m by myself. Always have. This is where I’m thankful to live on a secure Army post. If anyone is following me in a car, I think they’ll stop when they see the armed guards at the gate. It was a little unsettling at first when I first realized our guards had actual guns, but I’m glad they do.
Wow – that is really, really scary. I would’ve freaked out. I never walk out of a store without my keys in my hand, but I guess sometimes that wouldn’t even matter. I’m glad you two are okay. It kind of makes one paranoid to go out, huh?
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