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Has Anyone Ever Been Assaulted While Metal Detecting? I Was Yesterday Evening:blink:

John-Edmonton

John-Edmonton

Moderator
Staff member
Although I was fine, the event was nerve wracking. It did end with a sort of an amusing ending. Here is the short version:

I went detecting yesterday to try out a new set of headphones. I went to a nearby school, and was searching a hill, and while squatting to pinpoint a possible coin with my screwdriver, I felt a sudden "pain" in my lower back. I had been punched/kicked in the back for absolutely no provocation or reason. I turned around to see a tall male, 18-20 years old running away. I stood up and went after him for a moment yelling some choice words at him, then stopped , realizing he could easily outrun me. He was also attempting to drop his pants while running! High on meth maybe? I went to a different part of the school yard to continue detecting, when I saw the same gentleman from a distance coming towards me, only with two other buddies. This did not look good at all. I grabbed my digger, pretended it was a cell phone, punched in some numbers then put it up to my ear. When those guys saw that, they figured I called the cops and took off real quick! I had decided at that point that I had had enough excitement, to call it a day and went home. Luckily, no physical harm done.

So, my digger may have saved me from a most terrible situation! I think I may now consider seriously getting a cell phone.

I typed up a long report, and dropped off a copy to the school, the day care center and the nearest police station. The police opened up a file for any further issues related to this complaint. Life is so short.......
 
Be careful John. Thankfully you have quick wits.
Glad it ended well.
Mike
 
When I go out its with a partner-and I let people see my 10" butcher knife when I dig.
I have a 5 ounce pocket cannister of red pepper/CS-in case (dogs are a bigger problem.)
Another friend carries a S&W Airweight in an ankle holster.
(I have a 1911A1 in the car)
 
Even with conceal carry laws , schools are a problem so I often slip one of these on my belt. You can also use it to heat hotdogs while you're taking break.
https://www.amazon.com/ZAP-Stick-Volt-Stun-Flashlight/dp/B06XC913VF
 
What the heck is wrong with people these days?? Carry some bear pepper spray in your pouch or take and grab a handful of dirt and throw it in their eyes then take your shovel or hand digger to them they will wish they hadn't messed with you.
 
wow need a swivel head hey, its a bad position when down retrieving a target, glad you are ok and wish we were allowed to carry a stun gun that would be nice.. but we live in a nanny state...

AJ
 
Defend yourself with the screwdriver as it's recognized as a tool and not a weapon, will look much better for your legal defense .. Although I kinda like the mace spray idea better..
 
I like the stun gun doesn't pierce the skin and puts them on their a$$ , alas I cant have one here :cry:

anyway lets up none of us need to use a weapon that's not a place I want to live in...

AJ
 
That's a very unfortunate event John. I'm glad you are OK. Kneeling down to retrieve a target puts anybody in a vulnerable position. That coupled with sound deadening headphones can put anybody at risk.

Interesting suggestions. As far as I know stun guns and firearms as carry weapons are strictly prohibited in Canada. I thought about carrying pepper spray for the longest time. This might be a good time to finally buy some.
 
I get a lot of folks coming up to me. But only one guy ever scared me. Just was babbling same thing over and over. Good your ok.
 
I know Canada is a different story, but in the US we have concealed carry and it's a blessing to be able to carry legally in some of the places I detect. I also carry pepper spray on my belt in case I ever need it with a 4 legged animal. Knives, shovels, pepper spray will do you no good if someone pulls a gun on you. But even a handgun is ineffective when caught by surprise.

That's why situational awareness is so important. It's easy to get caught up in your own little detecting world and forget about the big outside world.

When I had a F5 from 2008 to 2011, it would EMI chatter like crazy when still but the coil moving across the ground would quiet it right down. That got me in the habit of removing my headphones during retrievals. I also periodically rotate my body in a 360 degree radius when checking a target and I haven't had anybody pop up on me in years.
 
I think Detector Pro makes the Rattler headphones that leave one ear open to the outside. I guess to hear a rattlesnake? Might need to have one of those for urban detecting now.

ROBOCOP
 
I carry a 300,000 watt taser , knife for digging and a 30" screwdriver so I can pinpoint finds without getting down on my knees. Crankster gangsters are EVERYWHERE. Err on the side of caution always and be aware of your enviroment-John
 
Sorry John that you had to experience that. You are such a class guy. I'm spoiled living in rural west Texas. Most folks are real friendly, for those who are ignorant, we can carry an "equalizer" that can remedy their ignorance.
 
I would have to say almost, this was a few years back and I was hunting the Ohio river bank. I know there are some people that hang out there and could give me some trouble. Anyway I was there and nearing a wooded area and this guy came out and started for me. I was hunting with a hip mount detector so all I had in my hand was the shaft and coil, which it went to full draw for a home run. He had a sudden change of mind and he turned away.

Now days I have a carry permit and I have a small 5 shot .22mag that I always have with me.

Late last year while detecting I found a bag of drugs under a fallen tree, so I got the cell phone out and called 911 and they said they would send an officer to meet me at my truck. That day I had my 38/357 so I had about 1/2 mile of woods to walk back to my truck, so the revolver was out in my hand all the way to my truck.

Just be careful out there.

Ron in WV
 
Thanks much for the kind word txquest , must be great to carry open and free. Used to be able here till you exercise your right then your wrong and carry permit adios. O well me/kid still alive so I do what I can. Anyhow lots of luck to ya in the Golden star state-John
 
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