I have had a good bit of interest recently in more “topical” self-defense training.  People who have asked me about gun defense, knife fighting, stick fighting or even some of the more traditional weapons of martial arts as applied in more contemporary settings.

I have heard and responded to these inquiries by setting up a special seminar series on Meetup.com.  Note the information and link below where Dallas locals can sign up for this monthly offering.  The cost is simply $20 and the locations, as the subject matter, will change monthly with the cost always remaining the same.  The time table will be two hours, devoted to the given monthly topic.

By signing up on the Meetup.com system for this series, you will receive notifications via the system when and where the seminars are offered as well as the topics.  You may simply then RSVP using the system to note your attendance and pay at the event.  The months where various weapons are incorporated, you will be informed where you can purchase either “the” weapon online or a close facsimile of it locally.  There will not be many of these, so once you own the weapon obviously you’ll have it for future use as well.

Again, this is in response to what I’ve heard while locally speaking, so I hope those out there who have been “asking” will now also be “responding” by signing up on the Meetup.com system.  I am looking forward to teaching these seminars, though I might sometimes also call in various instructor friends of mine in the area as well.

Yet another example of hearing from you and “designing” a response.

The story below is a perfect illustration of how the “Internet Lure” works on MEN as well as women.  Remember, anyone can pretend to be “anyone” (age-wise, gender-wise, etc) online for whatever purpose (sex, assault, robbery, etc).  Guys beware!  You think it’s just “sexual predators” online looking for women?  THINK AGAIN!

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WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah -A Utah driver rammed a sheriff’s patrol car on purpose and officers aren’t even upset. West Valley City police say a man posted an ad asking for a massage.

When he showed up at the appointed meeting place, instead of finding a woman police said a 21-year-old man hopped into the truck, flashed a gun and told the victim to drive.

Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Lt. Jason Johnson said the driver tried to stay calm but saw an opportunity to escape when he pulled up next to a sheriff’s deputy.

Johnson said the man hit the patrol car, jumped out of the truck and started yelling. Officers quickly arrested the gunman.

Johnson said a little damage to a vehicle that can be repaired is better than anyone getting hurt.

As we’re now in the heat (no reverse pun intended) of the Holiday season, I wanted to take an opportunity to share some last-minute Holiday tips as you’re out at the malls and headed to those parties…including New Year’s.   Feel free to share these with friends, family and co-workers to make sure everyone plays it safe out there:

• Be aware of your surroundings, coming from and going to your car.  Most criminals are opportunists.  They are looking for people not looking for them.  Don’t be on your cell phone, texting, looking for your keys or even car and literally “scan” your path as you walk it.  Make sure you know where you parked and how to get back.  If you have any hesitancy as to the distance or lighting, call security or ask for an escort at your party.  Remember, criminals are not “ninja.”  They do not appear out of nowhere, but they do appear out of places you’re not looking.
• Be very careful offering assistance to those you don’t know.  “Assistance” is probably the most-common tactic employed by those trying to lure you.  And it doesn’t have to be a “man” asking for help to set you up.  Women have been used, teens have been used, older people have been used, etc.  During this time of year especially, most of us want to go out of our way to be helpful.  Unfortunately, criminals know this too.  Just be keenly aware of any vulnerable areas where you are giving or receiving assistance.  Also, know your limits.  If you’re not a locksmith, a mechanic, a doctor or nurse, your greatest assistance may simply be calling upon others to lend that helping hand.
• When at parties, WATCH THOSE DRINKS!  Most are now familiar with drugs being slipped into their drinks when not watching.  Those are not “urban myths,” I assure you!   Even if you think you know “most everyone” at the party…do you know “everyone?”  If that open glass is out of your sight for more than a few, quick seconds, find another drink.  If someone brings you an uncapped bottled beverage, go and get your own.  Again, this tip is not just for the “ladies” either.  It’s not always about sex, sometimes people are just stupid, thinking they are giving someone a “pick-me-up” at the party to have a better time.  Be careful on this one!
• BREATHE!!!  Yes, it is hectic at this time of year.  But don’t let your frustration and aggitations get you in trouble.  If that person ahead of you didn’t see the light turn green as quickly as you did behind him or her, give them a few seconds before hitting the horn.  If in line at the cash register, realize there are not only others in front of you, but behind you.  Point being, everyone wants to be on their way, not just you.  Be patient.  If cut off in traffic, give the person the benefit of the doubt that they simply did not see you vs trying to “run you off the road” (which is rarely the case).  Whether it is by counting to ten, the way our parents taught us, or whatever other relaxation technique helps you…BREATHE!

These are just a few, quick strategies, obviously there are more.  But the Holidays are supposed to be a time of friends and family, so the best advice is to surround yourself with those you know and trust.  And keep “everything” in moderation to keep yourself safe in other areas as well (wink, wink).

I hope you all have a great break, wherever your travels find you.  And my hope is that you are Home (Safe) for the Holidays!

Jeff McKissack

CBS 11, November 30, 2009

Jay Gormley, Reporting

Three robbers used a place of worship in Sunnyvale to commit a violent crime against a 77-year-old church deacon Sunday.

Bill Hammett of Mesquite was ordained as a deacon 40 years ago.  He says self-defense was not part of his training.

“I’m not going to go down without a fight, Church is not a place for a fight, but sometimes you have to defend yourself wherever you’re at” says Hammett.

Dallas County sheriff’s deputies say Hammett was beaten and robbed during Sunday morning services at Sunnyvale First Baptist Church.

While 2,000 people worshipped inside the sanctuary, Hammett was locking up thousands of dollars in collections in the church office safe.  A few minutes later, he came across three men, ages 18 to 20. Hammett says he assumed they were members of the congregation.

“The black man had black slacks on and a nice sports shirt. The two white guys had blue jeans on and real nice shirts on.”

The retired photographer says the men demanded money.  Hammett says he believes the robbers were after the Sunday offering donated by the congregation.

“I told them I didn’t have any money and they said, we’ll see about that. That’s when one of the guys grabbed me by the left arm and the other guy grabbed me by the right.”

The determined deacon was not about to go down without a fight. Hammett says he took out one of the robbers.

“I slugged him in the throat with my fist. He went down. About that same time, the other two hit me upside the head and I went down.”

Hammett, who had to be taken to Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas for his injuries, says the robbers struck him several times in the head and neck with a club.

Dallas County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Kim Leach says the robbers only got away with Hammett’s wallet and cash. 

The 77-year-old says next time, his attackers might not be so lucky.  “A deputy sheriff asked me, what would I have done if I had a pistol handy? I said, I would have shot them and I would have shot to kill.”

By Michael Inbar

TODAYShow.com contributor

updated 9:20 a.m. CT, Tues., Dec . 1, 2009

It started as a boys’ night out for two young Americans in Europe. Devon Hollahan took a break from teaching English in the Czech Republic capital of Prague to hop on a train to Frankfurt, Germany, with pal Josh Friedman to catch a concert by American alternative rock group Portugal the Man.

The evening was going well — Hollahan and Friedman downed a few beers, a shot each of Jagermeister, and wound up backstage with the band. Around 3 a.m., the pair left with the band members from the concert venue on the outskirts of Frankfurt toward the city center.

But unable to pinpoint the exact location of their hostel, Friedman turned to hail passersby for directions.

After Friedman was pointed in the right direction, he turned around, but Hollahan, 22, was gone. And in the 10 days since, not a trace of the outgoing, independent young man has been found.

The young man’s father, Jeff Hollahan, has been in Frankfurt since Sunday, working with local authorities to retrace the steps his son took in the early morning of Nov. 21 and organizing an ad hoc group of searchers who pass out fliers.

Speaking via satellite from Frankfurt Monday, the Scottsdale, Ariz., man gave a grim response when TODAY’s Matt Lauer asked him whether he suspects foul play in the case.

“At this point, I do,” Hollahan told Lauer. “It’s really the only logical explanation that I see, because left to his own devices, we would have [been given] some indication that he was around and well. We would have had phone calls.”

Devon Hollahan could take care of himself, but he wasn’t planning to be away from work so long.

“He had some cash with him, not enough to survive 10 days in Frankfurt or anywhere else in Europe,” his father said. “He had means on his credit card, but he’s not used that. I can only assume that there’s been foul play of some sort, although at this point, there’s certainly no proof to that effect.”

Yet another local example of another lure, the “Jobs Lure” in which victims are lured by the promise of jobs or services to remoteor isolated locations at odd hours (in this case the spa/salon afterhours).  The lure of a free massage also speaks to the “Bribery Lure” as well.  Being the spa/salon owner also speaks to the “Authority Lure” which can also apply to those in positions of authority who misuse that authority to gain access to would-be victims.  Thanks again to the local NBC affilate for covering this story.  You guys are on the ball!

SPA OWNER ARRESTED, CHARGED WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT

A salon and spa owner accused of taking advantage of a woman during a free massage session was arrested Thursday and charged with sexual assault, Little Elm police said.

The owner of Juliet Salon and Spa, was arrested after being indicted on suspicion of sexual assault, Asst. Chief Ric Sadler said.   

“(The) Little Elm Police Department was made aware of an alleged sexual assault that had occurred when an individual offered free massage services to a female,” he said.

Workers at the salon in Little Elm said they were shocked to see police take Antonelli away in handcuffs.  

Spa Owner Accused of Sexually Assaulting Woman

WATCH

“We’ve known for a few months about these allegations, but I mean, even last week, I kept sitting there thinking, ‘No it can’t be right,’” one worker said.

Investigators said the owner inappropriately touched a woman after offering her a free massage after the business hours. 

“He said that he was working towards a massage license or certification and that he needed to practice the craft,” Sadler said.

The worker quoted above said she has never seen the owner give any kind of treatment offered at the salon.

Police said they are interested in hearing from other women who may have received a massage from the owner at his business.

The owner bonded out of jail Thursday, but could not be reached for comment.

Below is a shortened version of a local NBC news story from this week.  It is a text book example of both the “assistance lure” as the man/attacker offered the jogger his help, and the “authority lure” as he pretended via signage on his truck to be a city employee.  Unfortunately it is that simple sometimes to gain people’s trust.  But of particular note is the woman’s mention of “Something wasn’t right” which facilitated her escape.  Read on…

Police said a man attacked a woman during her afternoon jog Tuesday.

It happened at about 1:30 p.m. along Roselawn Drive.

“We don’t know if he was trying to sexually assault her or kidnap her,” Officer Ryan Grelle said. “We don’t know what his intentions were.”

Police said the man pulled up next to the woman when she stopped to catch her breath and asked if she was OK (Assistance Lure). Investigators said the woman felt like something wasn’t right (Great work on tapping into her instinct) and started to jog off.

“He grabbed her by the head - she had a headband on - and he pulled the headband off,” Grelle said.

Police said the woman had to punch the man in the face in order to get away.

Denton police said they are hoping someone can lead them to the white truck the man was driving.  According to the victim and several witnesses, the truck had the words “Denton Services” in stick-on letters on the door (Authority Lure).

“We don’t think it was a real city truck,” Grelle said.  “We don’t know of any Denton Services around here.”

Click here to view story

Registered sex offender, Anthony Sowell, elluded the attention of probation officers and others during the last several years he preyed upon women in his area and even neighborhood.  Striking similarities to the crimes of John Wayne Gacey years ago, Sowell lured women to his home where he raped and murdered them.  Some were even buried under the house, again calling back memories of the 33 young boys who Gacey murdered years ago.

Fortunately for one woman who escaped and went to local law-enforcement, she was not only the “one who got away” but consequently the one responsible for law-enforcement entering Sowell’s home to discover the gruesome crime scene.

Nothing was really on the radar of local neighbors as to Sowell’s activities, he lived alone and was a loner by all standards.  While he was on probation, there was no “probable cause” for law-enforcement to enter his home until last week when the one intended rape victim escaped his home and reported the incident.

Again, this goes back to basic instincts and training.  You can never take your safety for granted, even in your own neighborhood.  While it may not be a neighbor, it could still easily be someone you know, just as Anne Li knew her murderer several months ago on the Yale University campus.  At home, on the job, on the go, personal awarness and safety must me a 24/7 and 360 degree mindset or it doesn’t work at all.  The minute we compartmentalize “where” we need to be safe (i.e. on campus, shopping mall parking garage, etc) we lose sight of all the other places we frequent where we can just as easily be lured or attacked (concerts, sporting events, churches, schools, etc).  This is not a life of paranoia, but one of awareness.

Did Sowell use the bribery lure, the assistance lure, the love/affection lure, the jobs lure, etc?  We may never know, but certainly it would seem that every victim at least willing went into his home, so some form of enticement was obviously at work in these cases.

How many other homes are there in the U.S. like Anthony Sewell’s who have yet to be discovered?  It is not a thought we wish to really entertain, but one thing is for sure — we never wish to be found (or have a loved one found) in such a home.   That means we don’t take our personal safety for granted.  BE MORE AWARE!

Jeff McKissack

I have had the pleasure of working with many companies over the years, and many impressive companies.  Last week, however, was one of those rare opportunities to be bowled over and impressed. 

Perot Systems, founded by billionaire Ross Perot, hosted me last week for an employee “Lunch ‘N Learn” onsite at their 1 million square foot corporate HQ here in Dallas.   I gave my “Predicting Violent Behavior” seminar with tremendous feedback from the employees.  Of course, living here as long as I have the Perot name and reputation is well known and well respected.  Having now visited their operations I know “why.”

This is a company with INCREDIBLE heart!  Along the walls was a museum you literally have to see to believe, mostly of war and military note, but also all of the humanitarian work its founder as well as the company itself has received recognition for over the years…and it is astonishing.

After my presentation to the employees I was given a tour of the facility by my host, Monica, that was simply unbelievable as she guided me down the hallways of their corporate “museum” that could almost be considered a branch of the Smithsonian!

But again, it was the people I met there that really impressed me, both in professionalism and in personality.  Throughout the building you see the phrase repeated again and again, “Eagles don’t flock; you find them one at a time.”  Well, I don’t know where Mr. Perot does his hunting, but he sure found a LOT of eagles (leaders) to work for him!  While next month Perot Systems undergoes a transition with Dell Computers coming in, I can only hope that those hallowed hallways will never change as they truly represent all that I was raised to believe is good and honorable about this country.

Bravo, Mr. Perot!

Jeff McKissack

Click Photo to Watch Story

By Mike Celizic

TODAYShow.com contributor

updated 1:11 p.m. CT, Mon., Oct . 26, 2009

It has been more than a week since a 20-year-old college student called her friends at a Metallica concert to say she was outside the arena and would find her own way home. Now the famed heavy-metal rockers are participating in the search for her, adding $50,000 to the reward for information leading to her whereabouts.

Morgan went with friends to the concert. Sometime between 8:30 and 9 p.m., she called her friends to say she had gone to the restroom and ended up outside John Paul Jones Arena on the University of Virgina campus in Charlottesville. She told them she wasn’t allowed back in and would find another way home.

The next day, her phone and purse were found in a parking lot near the arena. Morgan, who never went anywhere without her cell phone, hasn’t been seen since.

“We have a purse and we have a cell phone. We have a missing girl,” Lt. Joe Rader of the Virginia State Police, told reporters last week. “We do not know whether  if she is alive or has met some ill fate.”

Signing her words in American Sign Language, the mother looked in the camera and said, “Morgan, we are trying to shine our heart to you as a beacon to come through wherever you are. Come back home.”

Boosted by the $50,000 pledge from Metallica, there is a $150,000 reward for information that helps find Morgan Harrington. Police ask anyone with information to call 434-352-3467.