I was robbed at gunpoint last night, I'm still shaking.

I was working late and left my building around 7:25 or so. I was sitting in my car (the window was open), getting a few things together before I left. He suddenly appeared at my window, grabbed my arm and started saying "give me the money, I know you have the money." He jammed a gun into my ribs (I got a quick look at it, it was small and compact). I only had four dollars cash on me, I gave him my wallet and he took it then looked through it demanding the "rest of the money." He then threw it back in the car, demanding to see my purse. He kept insisting I was lying, jamming the gun in my ribs each time he said it. He pawed through my purse, saw there wasn't anything else of value in it, or at least that he wanted (there were my $3,000 hearing aids, but I doubt if he realized it, or their value), and threw it back at me. He jammed the gun in my ribs again, "give me your fucking ATM card", so I did. "We're going to go to the ATM machine, that's what we're going to do. What's your fucking number?". I told him my old number, which for some reason was what flashed into my head. He moved the gun from my ribs to my neck and demanded that I "quit lying and give him the real fucking number." I thought he was going to get in the car with me and make me drive to the ATM machine, so I told him the real number. He made me tell him four more times, insisting I better be right, that had better be the real number. He then got up from the car, put the gun in his waistband, and took off on foot. I was so frightened at the time that all I could think about was appeasing him, convincing him I didn't have all the money he thought I did, then when he shoved the gun in my neck demanding my real PIN# and I thought he was going to get in the car with me, I gave it to him.

I was shaking so bad that I'm not sure how I managed to drive to the police station, which was very near there. I called the bank from the police station before I gave my statement to report the card stolen and have it blocked and cancelled. This was around 8 p.m. or so. Would you believe that the guy used the card at 12:30 a.m. this morning, almost FIVE HOURS after I reported it and they said they blocked it, and managed to withdraw 700 dollars in three transactions, one right after the other? He took out 300, then 200, then another 200. Boy, was I pissed when I found that out. I had to go to the bank with a copy of the police report and fill out an Affidavit of Unauthorized Withdrawal. They'll then "investigate the matter." I told them I'd better get my goddamn money back since the block should have been in place by then. They told me that since it was both a debit and a credit card that, when I reported it stolen, I somehow had been transferred to VISA International and it takes them longer to block ATM transactions than it does credit card purchases. I said I hadn't called VISA International, but the bank's 800#. They said I "somehow" had been transferred to VISA International. Well, bullshit, I don't care what happened all I know is that they're going to give me my money back or my boss (an attorney) and I will file suit to make sure that that happens! There's NO EXCUSE for it not being blocked almost five hours after I reported it stolen! I know it's more important that I wasn't hurt than that I lost money, but that's an awful lot of money for me that I'm in need of now.

Nothing like this has ever happened to me before, and I still can't believe it happened. I can still feel the gun being jammed in my ribs over and over. At the time, it was like it was happening to someone else. I've found that I'm suddenly a lot more fearful of things I never even thought of before. I didn't even want to get back in my car last night, but I did. I don't want to go back to that parking lot on Monday at work, but I know I have to. And I sure as hell ain't working late anymore unless my boss is working late with me and can walk me to my car. I feel tremendously violated, and I hate it. And I don't want to be fearful of young black men, either (he was black), I know better in my head but I'm afraid it'll be a different story emotionally. And I'm ashamed of that. But the fear and the tremendous sense of violation are what I hate the most!

I'm just glad you're physically ok.

Does your workplace have security that can walk you to your car at night?

except for the bank workers on the first floor. There is no security that can walk people to their cars, although there damn well should be.

...now that the creep has used your ATM card lies in the cameras that banks have at their ATM machines. If this guy was stupid enough to withdraw cash at any bank instead of in a supermarket or other area, the cops and the banks now know exactly what he looks like.

Just be aware that he might have been able to get a girlfriend to make purchases with this card, or been able to do it himself if a buddy works in a retail outfit that sells fenceable stuff. Don't worry, you are protected since you blocked the card so quickly.

You did the right thing with this guy, handing over what you had. Hoever, the best policy if somebody with a gun tells you to get into the car with him is to RUN. Yes, he'll shoot. Yes, you might be hurt. However, if you get into that car, you will be DEAD. Never, ever let a thug pick the place for the crime. If he jumps into your car and holds a gun on you when you're driving, hit the accelerator and run into the first car you see. There's nothing like having his head go through the windshield to deter a criminal from shooting you.

Now take some cleansing breaths, look at your hands, and know you're as well today as you were before this happened. Know also that the thief's life has a real value of four dollars, since that is what he was willing to risk his freedom to steal.

So sorry to hear this from you. I'm just glad you're OK.

((((((((((((((historian)))))))))))))))))

Sorry to hear about your ordeal, LH. And VERY glad you emerged from it physically unharmed! Hopefully it'll start to feel better after the cretin is caught and locked up.

you sound like you're suffering from the post-traumatic stress thing. Of course it's understandable now but if you find that you keep suffering, by all means seek out some counseling. This was a terrible crime.

Maybe the police can vouch for the time you called to cancel the card.. The bank should re-imburse you..

Did they catch they guy??? He would be on camera when he withdrew the money.. Let's hope they did :)

I am so glad that you are safe .

I am so so sorry this happened!

At least you weren't physically harmed. And I hope you get your money back. (hugs)

I've been held up at gunpoint too, but it wasn't as harrowing as your experience (and I lost just a couple dollars; I was a broke guy who just graduated college...I didn't even have an ATM card at the time).

There was one moment where the guy with the gun (he was sitting in a car by the curb) looked me right in the eye and it suddenly occurred to me that he could shoot me. He just nodded and the driver sped away.

I'm terribly sorry to hear that you went through this ordeal.

when he had the gun in my ribs and then at my neck, all I could think about was that this person suddenly had the power to end my life with just one movement. I hope to God I never feel that way again.

I was robbed at gunpoint in Atlanta about ten years ago. I was in a band and we were playing at a club called The Point. I went out to the van to change and a guy grabbed me and made me get into his car. He held a gun at my temple (a s/s revolver) while he went through my stuff. As we were getting a per diem, I had no dough. He made me get out and told me not to look back. I went into the club and told the manager, who poured me a very large gin and tonic. Anyhow, we went on and played a pretty good show.

It's funny, as a musician, I've played countless shows in NYC, LA, Detroit, Chicago, etc. etc. That was the only time I've ever been fucked with.

It is a very weird feeling--one of total violation.

gun at your head, like you did, YIKES!

I am really really glad you are safe. From a professional stand point. You might start experiencing PTSD symptoms, nightmares, paranoia, inability to sleep. Call for help. I have seen PTSD cripple people. If there is anything I can do.

DEMMAN

((((((((Hugs)))))))))))))))) PLease take care.

((HUG)) to help you through your ordeal.

to reduce your fear but also to turn it into wisdom. Being careful and not being alone for awhile is good thing right now. Doing things with other people is very important. And get mad and stay mad for awhile. This was a very traumatic experience that will take some time for you to get through but you will. That is not to say that you will get over it only through it so that you can begin function and enjoy life again. There are no real safe places in life so be circumspect and count your blessings of friends and family and people who care about you. They will be your strength.

sympathy, it helps tremendously! You guys are the greatest!

Thankfully, you're physically ok. I'm sure the mental harm will take time to heal. Big hugs to you.. sorry you had to deal with this.

http://www.nvc.org/

I'm so sorry to hear of this. My ex used to work for the National Center for Victims of Crime and they have a link on their website for victim assistance. Hope it is of some use. Having been burglarized I have a small taste of what you are feeling, but the direct physical violence raises it to another level entirely. Take good care of yourself and know your friends at DU care.

CYD

you can do something about it. Sounds corney but join a program through the police. My mother was robbed at gunpoint in front of me the night before Halloween when I was about 10. My mom took a long time to deal with it, but everyone going to this group counseling thing through the police helped and it was free. Violence has no color anyone could have robbed you anyone. It just so happens he was black so you might be like my mom and freak out around blackmen for about a month until your emotions settle about this whole event. My mom screamed at the top of her lungs a few times after she got robbed at work b/c a black man was walking behind her and she noticed his color! She apoligized and explained what happen to her and he understood, but she was jumpy for a while.

I am certainly glad he didn't shoot, I hope you get your money back!!

http://ohiobwc.com/basics/guidedtour/generalinfo/generalinfo2.asp

Given that this occurred in the parking lot of your employer (? I presume by your post) you should read this site, contact an attorney and if you feel you need the services of a mental health professional to help you deal with the situation, this should be a covered benefit.

I am not suggesting you file a claim if you are fine, but if you are not, there are timeframes that one must file within to avoid undue prejudice to their claim

You already had plenty of crap to deal with in your life, and now this. Life really isn't fair, but I am very glad you made it through this without being physically hurt. You sound like a very tough lady, and I'm sure you will handle the trauma much better than I would.

Possessions can be replaced but don't let them steal your soul. I saw where someone posted a website for victim's assistance - check it out and help get this out of your system. You said it was a black person and you don't want to go around being afraid. But remember that there are millions of African Americans in this country and probably 99.999% of them mean no harm to you or to anyone else out there. (For that matter 99.999% of the world is probably the same way - no matter what their background is).

When I was mugged, I reacted with fear and anger - and pity for the drug'e that needed the money - and anger at the cops who felt it was no big deal.

But time heals -

good luck.

my prayers are with you.

:-)

Emotionally it will take a long time to heal from this. I am not sure what more I can say. We're lucky you're still with us.

Take a deep breath and vent your fury at the bank. Try not to let this experience condemn young African American men and boys as a whole. This was one guy. It could just as easily have been a white kid, or a Hispanic, or Asian.

You got robbed by one guy, just one guy, don't forget.

All the ATMs I know have a camera installed in or near them. Is there a chance that the bank has, in thier possession, a picture of your armed robber?

If your card is stolen and you reported it you are not responsible for the money. The good news is, since the bank is out the money they will be MUCH more eager to catch the perp.
Armed robbery is the main offense but using the card will make things a hole lot tougher for him, especially since the bank has his photo.

If I were you I'd sit back and wait for him to be apprehended it should happen soon.
When someone steals from an individual it's a shame, when someone causes a bank to lose money it's a crime.

I despise violent crime. And though I am against the death penalty I am for life-time sentences for even a first offender who uses a gun. I was robbed once at gun point and was almost murdered for only having 10$. Lock these cretins up and throw away the key.

LH - I felt anxiety just READING your story. It was so scary. Listen, you may feel fine now, but you should talk to someone about post-traumatic stress. You could start having nightmares and everything.

I kept putting myself in the situ (I never carry cash, never). Always have my ATM/Debit card. I cannot even imagine what I would have done.

Make sure that this story gets spread all around your building and maybe people will lobby for security.

This is just awful.

Hugs to you. :scared:

Thank God you weren't hurt.

Thank goodness you weren't hurt!

I can't believe they couldn't cancel the card quicker than that...That's disgraceful!

On the positive side, if you gave a good description to the police, and they have pics of him withdrawing money, they ought to be able to catch the guy pretty quickly.

I'm so sorry you went through this...
~hugs~

I can only imagine. I only had my house broken into once through a window the burglar broke. Glass was everywhere. I also felt violated, but how much worse you must feel.

but we're glad that you're still here. Stay strong and get any help you need. :thumbsup:

I'm sorry that happened. It sounds like you did everything right, from the point you were approached with the gun.

You filed a police report and reported the cards as stolen. It might take a little time, but you shouldn't be liable for any loss.

Fear and trauma are irrational; it's normal to be a bit more apprehensive (for a while, anyway) about people who might somewhat resemble your attacker superficially. Don't beat yourself up over it.

If you don't mind, may I make a couple of recommendations?

1) Seek counseling. It'll help you feel yourself again sooner.

2) See if there are any self-defence classes available nearby. I'm not talking about combat training; I'm talking about situation avoidance and control. The police may offer such a class. If they don't, I'd suspect either they or a counselor could suggest one.

What a terrifying ordeal. I'm so glad that you're okay, physically, at least. You wrote that your building doesn't have security guards to walk people to their cars; well, it might be something they should look into! Talk to your atty. boss and see what he can do.

Best,
Rebecca

I've had a very similar experience, and it affected me for weeks. I kept going over it in my head. I shudder to think of it now.

I'm sorry it happened, and I hope that awful feeling passes quickly.

On edit: God, your story sure parallels mine, especially the shame you felt because the robber was black. I went throught the exact same thing, constantly quelling thoughts that I knew were wrong.

but please don't hate all black men because of this. i'm white, and i had a home invasion a few years ago (no weapons involved, thankfully). the teens who broke in (one was a black boy and the other a white girl) had stolen my stereo, etc., and had almost gotten what they wanted (my tv) when i discovered them. they escaped out my front door after i tried to stop them (by shoving me). the police were not really interested in investigating it although i had a good idea of who the perps were.

i agree, the violation is what stung the most. hang in there, friend...

I may be a liberal, but nothing justifies such a barbaric act. There is nothing to rationalize or justify or be sorry for. This creep hurt you and he should be caught and dealt with.

If people are down and out, it's either their fault or the government's or the "business community's". People should attack themselves or the government or the corporate conglomerates and deal with them that way. Indeed, it's the business industry or the government which plays a big part in how people eventually act. Society's got a big problem. We can lock up all the creeps we want, but they are the symptoms. The problem MUST be dealt with. But the conservative morons simply don't think anything's wrong. Of course, they don't ever think either...

Violating innocent people is wrong, pure and simple. (of course I'm biased, I was violated often as a child. Strange how I in turn don't violate other people like lots of other people do when they were violated as children...)

And go after those bastards at the credit card companies for every penny possible. They want people who use them to be responsible, and they damn well be doubly responsible. They're even more vile than the creep who assaulted and violated you. Definitely go after them.

I'm so glad you're not hurt! I've never experienced anything like that and I hope I never do. I can only imagine - and I imagine pretty well - what you've gone through.

I hope you're able to feel safe again soon.

physically okay.

No guilt; if he were white you would probably end up scared of white men for a while. I confronted a robber (whit) in my mom and dad's house once. After that happened, I took the stairs at my work for 2 months--and our elevators azre glass.

Be good to yourself. Maybe this will help:
((((liberalhistorian))))

Laurel

can linger for a while. As you mentally 're-live' it, the mind and body can respond as if it were happening again, 'right now'. As a person who's been there, I wanted to mention the effects of the 'days after' and hope you won't find yourself placing blame on your own actions leading up to this event.

It's important to remember that you didn't do anything wrong...you're not to blame. Likewise, your feelings now (they probably run the full range, from sadness to rage) are as they should be -- you can sort them out later. Please don't judge yourself too harshly for having them.

If you have access to counseling please take advantage of it. And, as silly as this may sound...a massage (at least once a week) for a month or two can be very 'healing'. It did wonders for me!

Sorry to hear this happened to you. (Hope my 2 cents didn't sound too patronizing.) I wish you peace of mind and a renewed sense of security and strength. :hi:

dreadful experience, very frightening. One of my brothers was shot in a similar experience, so I'm pretty paranoid about getting into or sitting in my car. Be very aware of your surroundings, and keep those doors locked and windows up from now on; it sounds like that parking lot's not as safe as it ought to be.

Your employer does have a responsibility to make the parking area safe for employees. They need to provide some kind of security in future.

I'm glad you're physically okay. Hope the mental trauma eases soon.

It sounds like a perfectly rotten, terrifying experience.
{{{{liberalhistorian}}}} :( Hope you can get it behind you quickly.

i am so glad you got through this in one piece, at least physically. your employer must definitely do something about security. i purchased a stun gun a year ago, and thankfully i haven't had to use it, but i feel safer having it.
(((((((liberalhistorian))))))) i wouldn't blame you one bit for being fearful considering what happened to you. i am so very sorry, and i trust you will recover your money; you did the right thing in giving him what he wanted. and please keep us posted.

I'm glad you're okay. This will stay with you for a while, I'm sorry to say. When I was in banking, I was robbed at gunpoint, too. I said to my co-workers later that during those five minutes, I was more scared than during my whole time in the Gulf. I still have nightmares about it occasionally. That was over two years ago.

I'm sorry you went through that. May it never happen again. Can I give you a hug?

(((((liberalhistorian)))))

I don't know what to say other that I am glad you are well.

You so fortunate that nothing Worse happened but I can imagine that after you were able to pull yourself together to get to the police station and do all that ..the least they could have done was Block your freakin' credit/debit cards! You will get your money, by God!

I'm so Glad you're kinda okay! It will take time and lot's of talking and Hugs ..hope you are getting some!

I was mugged when I lived in Miami years ago. Two guys. I didn't have time to think. My first reaction was to fight back, and then when I started to think (did they have a weapon), they were able to overpower me and knock me down.

It took a while for me to feel safe again. Have someone walk to your car with you for a while. Don't sit in your car with the window open or the door unlocked.

take some time to do some deep breathing and relaxation stretches to get rid of tension.

it will get better, honestly. time helps. if you'd feel better by taking self-defense, do that because there are health benefits, too.

I'm sorry you had that scary experience. the randomness isn't fun.

hugs to you-

All sympathies and best of luck getting your money back.

us. Money is replacable, a human being is not. But I do hope those idiots at the bank get your money to you, so you can begin to move on. I don't know what I would have done, but I am so glad you are okay.

Hugs, Laura

for late Tuesday afternoon some "scumbag" of what I found to be a young white guy on a bike had the audacity to steal my totebag, just as I was getting home from taking the first steps towards signing up for a course for fall.


I guess I could say I was lucky in the sense that the "scumbag" decided to dump most of my stuff in an alley since he decided it wasn't worth taking,I got through the experience relatively unharmed and my bank and the library automatically "froze" my cards when I reported them stolen (and I found both cards and got them back BTW) and I had the presence of mind to report the incident to police and make inquiries about similar incidents to the University of Calgary Campus Security division (though I was not a university student and just lived near there.).


Did have to have things like the lock to my PO Box changed and new keys issued as a precaution (since my original keys were stolen too) and I found the whole thing about the incident that really "burned my butt" was that I found that I couldn't replace my bus pass that easily and my only choice in that regard was to buy bus tickets on an "as required" basis since I ended up paying $65 for the bus pass and didn't get to really use it that much.


Aside from doing things like carrying my stuff in either a bag that is HARDER to snatch (I can only HOPE)or in a back pack that I will add PADLOCKS to so it wouldn't be as easy to open, I was deciding to be as determined as possible to live my life normally if only as a symbolic way of giving a "middle finger salute" or an "up yours salute" to the SOB who did this to me.

You are still here and you are stronger. What can't you survive now? There will be tough times and you will suffer panic, but you are a survivor and I am proud of you.

:-(
I'll bet that as soon as you got home, you hugged your son as if you would never let him go.

I'm glad you weren't physically hurt. Don't be afraid to seek counseling if you feel that you need it.

I'm just glad you're okay...

You got through alive and unhurt, which I'm very glad about.

Be good to yourself! I've been attacked, too, and the fear really does go away, and sooner than you might believe. Hang in there, and be proud that you were brave and smart enough to get through a terrifying experience.

I can only imagine what a traumatic experience that must've been for you (and still is). I'm glad that you are alive. :)

That said, I hope the police nail this guy. Hopefully, the ATM had a surveillance camera? He can't run forever if they've got his face on film.

What a dirty lowlife bastard.

Your ordeal sounds truly frightening and you have my deepest and msot profound thoughts, prayers and best wishes at the present time. Be well and stay safe

You are one of my favorite posters here at DU, LH. I'm concerned for you at the present time. Once again, be well and stay safe

And very sorry this happened! I hope you aren't too shaken up by the whole incident!

HUGS!

let me just say right off that, i am extremely relieved that you were not harmed, at least physically.

i am shock. but you are handling it well--you seem to be anyway.

i'm sorry that this happened.

take care of yourself.

Sorry for all the scary crap you had to go through last night and today, you need a big hug and some sleep. I think it'll take time to get over that fear, and maybe you never will but you have to keep strong.

That sounds terrible--but you survived it, and I hope you're recovering okay. It'll take a while I guess.

And I hope you get your money back!
Dang, banks.