Strange encounter at diner with family: what would you do?

[mpan72]

When I walk into a restaurant or other public place, I make a quick look around at everyone. It only takes 3 seconds, and I take note of anyone who looks unusual, or more likely to be a threat if something goes down. Probably 70 percent of the folks in that diner (which was quite crowded on a sunday morning breakfast) were over 70 year old. Many had walkers. There was a family to the far left with a large party, with a few younger men, whom I noticed. And then i noticed the black haired man, 50-60, with a goatee, who watched me for a second or two longer than normal as we were seated.

I do this routine everytime I sit down in to eat. It really only takes 2-3 seconds.

I don't bother with that I already know where any threats will come from.

[streaker69]

Did you take the "gunfighter seat" at the table?

[jthrelf]

It's hard to make an assessment without seeing the man's body language and demeanor. It's a fact of life that some people are just more creepy than others. I wonder if his hands were visible would you not have been as heightened?

I think you did the right thing overall.

[Justin///M]

Did you take the "gunfighter seat" at the table?

It's funny, because when a bunch of poofers went to Smokey Bones once, I thought it was going to be a gunfight over who got the gunfighter seat.

[74_dart_sport]

Situational awareness is a good thing till it starts to border on paranoia. Take note of the approaching person's body language. Rapid breathing, sweat on brow, unwillingness to make eye contact or tense body posture all are red flags. He may have noticed you when you came in merely because of his situational awareness. Now every situation is different and sounds like you handled it ok but I don't immediately think of my gun Everytime someone comes near me.

[Sgt.K]

It's funny, because when a bunch of poofers went to Smokey Bones once, I thought it was going to be a gunfight over who got the gunfighter seat.

Went out to dinner for my birthday 2 or 3 years ago - me, my folks, MIL, and Junior.K #1 (the cop). The older folks didn't even notice Junior and I seating them such that we got the gunfighter seats. Of course, we were both CC that day, and I'm fairly sure MIL had no idea I was carrying at all, but the single look between Junior and I as we sat them was sufficient to indicate to us both that we both knew exactly what we were doing. Fun stuff...

[brewguy]

you misunderstood: my father was more disturbed that the guy could have killed us all, right there, and that's what he was worried about after it all happened.

If I weren't carrying a gun, I'd probably be more inclined to over-react knowing I wasn't armed. Being armed allows us some realm of options of staying quite, that being unarmed precludes.

I wasn't trying to single you out. I don't normally carry and I almost never feel myself getting into such a defensive mindset. Mostly because around here nothing ever happens. I wondered if I did carry would it put me in a different mind set. Sort of how it seems that police are constantly on edge that your going to shoot them even though there is no reason to feel like that.

[streaker69]

It's funny, because when a bunch of poofers went to Smokey Bones once, I thought it was going to be a gunfight over who got the gunfighter seat.

Then you have to wonder, is it because they really wanted to be aware, or just not to be caught in a crossfire.

[FJW]

Was is a paper bag or a hoodie? Could've been Trayvon Martin's cousin coming home from the candy store.

Paper "lunch bag" bag. I couldn't see the guy too well, but he appeared to be a full grown, white person. He was looking all around with the bag over his hand. Even the cop obviously got my drift. I'm not usually one to go around pulling alarms and claim the sky is falling. I generally mind my own business until something is made my business, and I don't like to involve Big Brother if I can help it. I really had a strong feeling that guy might have had a weapon. It didnt look right, and if there was some innocent person about to become a victim I wanted to prevent it.

[theduke]

Did you take the "gunfighter seat" at the table?

When the wife and I go out, She knows where to sit.