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!

================================================================

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.”

UPDATE TO STORY: Devon’s body was discovered in the Rhine River on December 15, 2009.