Her mind was still on her job when she stopped for the red light on the corner of Pico and La Brea. She saw the man standing in front of the Taco Stand. She remembered this Taco place was one of the few eateries in Hollywood that stayed open all hours. She thought about how her ex-husband always liked to stop there late night and pick up tacos on the way home. They always tasted so good at a late hour.
She also thought about how she had an early call in the morning and she’d just go home and go to bed. She’d take her shower in the morn…………
The door of her car flew open and the man attempted to get in the car with her. He was screaming at her in Spanish but the sound of her own screaming was all she could hear. He reached in and grabbed her hair and she hit him as hard as she could in the face. He let go and briefly retreated backwards yet still holding on to the door. She slammed down on the accelerator. Her wheels spun and she quickly took a right into on-coming traffic. The few cars that were on the street swerved around her.
He went flying on to the pavement behind her car. She laid on the horn again and again as she went down the street. No police in sight. No one to help her but herself. Her heart pounded and her mind told her ’Keep going! Don’t stop! Drive fast! You can panic when you get home. …when your safe.”
She drove through red lights like they weren’t even there for 10 to 15 blocks and then ..
Actually… I don’t honestly know how far it was. It all happened so fast and I was so frightened. I just drove as fast I could understanding my life depended on it.
Vikki
__________________
Yes- It’s a real experience that I had. I never get into my car without making sure all my doors locked now. Fortunately new cars automatically lock all the doors- but I always check anyway.
I decided to post this because I just got an email from one of dearest friends Tashabud. It was about one of the latest car jacking scams:
The creep puts a piece of paper on your back window. You see it as your about to back out. So, you shift into Park, unlock your doors, and jump out of your car to remove that paper and they’ve gotcha.
Please be careful out there. It happens when you least suspect it. Bad guys just wait for their opportunity.
No painting to go with this. I’ll have something this weekend. Please visit my gallery.
http://www.theredchairgallery.com/
http://www.theartistchallenge.com/
http://theartistchallengeinferno.blogspot.com/
All images and stories in this blog are Copyright 2009 Vikki North. Unauthorized use or duplication -in any form-is absolutely restricted by Law
9 comments:
wow. i sometimes wonder why some of us get the close calls and warnings and others have the bad luck? scary. bet it took a while to stop shaking.
scary! Growing up in the city I was always taught to make sure the doors were locked in the car just in case someone tries to get in when you stop. some might find it stupid, but better safe then sorry
Oh how scary for you but that was great you were able to get away and leave him behind! Good for you and your quick thinking. Figures the cops are not around when you really need them.
Hi Marianne,
I don’t think it’s a matter of bad luck as much as it a statement of our times. Every one of us is exposed to crime when we walk out the door and just live our lives.
Living and working in a city like L.A./Hollywood, which has one of the highest crime rates and largest populations, you can be assured crime will touch your life. All that any of us can do is try to protect ourselves as best we can and go on.
I was fortunate because I had a good network of friends to support me. It made all the difference.
I am so glad you came through that safely. It's too bad you didn't have a Tazer or some Pepper Spray. On the other hand, apparently your right cross is pretty good. I'm glad it is.
Hi Karen! Nice to hear from you girl!
I’ve no doubt that ‘fight or flight’ instinct took over. There’s no time to think. You just react,- but I do have to say, it was like an ‘out of body experience’.
Our L.A.P.D. is the best- but they can't be everywhere all the time.
Hi Jennifer,
You're absolutely right and it's a lesson I learned the hard way. Unfortunately its also the sort of thing that we can think will never happen to us.
It can happen to anyone, anytime- any place.
Hi Lou,
I actually did have pepper spray in my purse- but there wasn't time to reach in get it.
The company I worked for provided self defense classes for women and it's moments like that you're glad you took the time to go. The lesson is simple- 'Yell, hit, kick whatever you can-then run like a bat out of hell.'
I think I hit him in the nose and that's why he stepped back and let go of me. It just happened so quick. I don't remember.
Vikki,
That was a very terrifying event! I'm glad that you acted accordingly and didn't freeze instead, which many people do in that kind of situation. I'm with Maranne, I bet it took a while for you to stop shaking.
Thanks for writing this post to alert others of the dangers that lurk out there and how to act on them.
Tasha
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