A Violent Encounter
For the most part the RV lifestyle is extremely safe, especially in terms of personal safety. I have always told new RVers that they have more to fear from an RV fire, or the idiot coming at them at 60 miles an hour riding three tons of steel, than they do from a criminal. An incident last night has proven to me just how wrong I have been.
We have been parked at an RV repair facility in Elkhart, Indiana having some repairs and upgrades done to our motorhome. Yesterday afternoon we picked up the fellow who flew in from California to buy our bus, and a friend who came to help him drive it back, at the airport in South Bend.
By the time we drove back to Elkhart, showed them the bus, got them checked into a hotel, and took them to dinner, it was almost 9 p.m. when we drove back to the repair shop, where our motorhome was parked in their small camping area. It’s a pretty dark place, and ours was the only occupied RV there. As we arrived, Terry said “Someone broke into our rig!” Sure enough, there was a softball sized hole in the door window. As I got out of the van and went up to the RV, Terry yelled “He’s still inside!” and I found myself face to face with a husky young black man coming out the door.
Now, I have been in the military, saw combat, I was a firearms instructor, have owned and carried a handgun most of my adult life, and have concealed weapons permits from two different states. But this lifestyle has made me complacent, and I seldom carry on a regular basis. And, when going to an airport, that is a big No No. So I wasn’t armed.
Our burglar, on the other hand, was armed with one of my own handguns, and as I yelled at him to show me his hands,
he raised one of my Glock 9mm pistols toward us. The smart thing to do when we first spotted the broken window was to back off and call the police, but this all happened in a matter of seconds.
When I saw the gun in his hand, my only thought was to keep him from using it, so I slammed the door shut on his hand, with him inside the RV and me outside, and then slammed it a second (and maybe third time), shattering the rest of the glass in the door. He dropped the gun, then ran past me to get away as I recovered the weapon. My first thought was to shoot him as he fled, but I’m not going to kill anybody for a few material possessions, and the threat to us was over.
Meanwhile, Terry was in the van and on the phone talking to the 911 operator, and I stayed outside, because I didn’t know if there was anybody else inside the RV, and I have other firearms on board. Terry handed the phone out the window to me because the operator wanted to talk to me, and about then I saw the same guy poking his head around the corner of the building. Not knowing if he was armed, I pointed my pistol at him and told him if he took one step toward us I was going to kill him. Fortunately for both of us, he backed off and ran away.
The police used a dog to track him from the RV around the building to where he came back, and then off to a service road, where the scent disappeared. He must have had an accomplice who fled when we pulled into the parking lot, because he appeared empty handed when he ran, but we are missing a flat screen LCD TV, netbook computer, my Seiko wristwatch, the cable for my Silverleaf engine monitor (which was plugged into the computer), and we won’t know what else until we take a total inventory.
Inside, the motorhome, there was a big pile of things in the entryway, including a couple of handguns, our Wii, DVD player, digital SLR camera and other stuff he had ready to take when we interrupted him.
He, or they, also trashed our RV. There is broken glass everywhere, they cut a big triangle into the driver’s seat and pulled out part of the stuffing, ripped down the day/night shades in the bedroom, and threw stuff everywhere as they ransacked the place. The police dusted for fingerprints, and left a mess of stubborn black powder that is almost impossible to clean up.
But at least nobody got hurt. We are shaken, we feel totally violated, and I’m pissed off, both at the thief or thieves, and at myself. If they had to steal something because they are too damned lazy to work, okay, do it. But why vandalize our home in the process?
As for myself, I have become complacent in this lifestyle, and I let my guard down. Getting ripped off is one thing; almost getting shot with my own gun is unacceptable. You can bet that the next time I leave my motorhome, I’ll have more than my empty hand to point at whomever might be waiting for me when I come back home!
With the window busted out and temperatures down in the 20s overnight, there was no way we could stay there, and we were not about to anyway, in case they came back. I called our friend Michele Henry from Phoenix Commercial Paint and explained our plight, and even though it was late at night, Michele came back to the shop and opened it up so we could pull the motorhome inside and stay out of the worst of the weather until we can start dealing with things Monday morning. In the meantime, we are safe, and just coming down off the adrenalin high the incident gave us.
Thought For The Day – Count not what is lost, but what is left.
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Tags: burglary, California, concealed weapons permit, digital SLR camera, dusted for fingerprints, DVD player, Elkhart Indiana, firearms, firearms instructor, flat screen LCD TV, Glock 9mm pistol, gun, handgun, home invasion, K-9 dog, motorhome, netbook computer, Phoenix Commercial Paint, pistol, police, RV day/night shades, RV fire, RV Lifestyle, RV repair facility, RV Repairs, RVers, self-defense, Silverleaf engine monitor, weapon, Wii
66 People have left comments on this post
Glad to hear you are OK. I’m sure that would keep me rattled for days. I expect camping in an RV park is a lot safer than anything out on the street.
Just a reminder: if you had any financial information on that netbook computer, make sure you call your bank. Identity theft on top of what you’ve already been through would be just too much.
Nick,
We are thankful you and Terry were not hurt. From the sound of it you handled yourself well my friend. When the guy came back the second time he was as bad as it gets. I fear this type of situation will continue to happen more offen as the times get harder. These type don’t work/earn a living and most are involved in drugs.
We can not begin to know how you two must feel after seeing the inside of your dream coach. I know you two will handle this like all the other things you’ve faced together.
Your in our thoughts and again we say thank goodness you were not hurt.
Dear Nick and Terry,
Our prayers and positive thoughts are with you. Thank heavens you are OK. That is the first and most important item. Stuff is stuff. It can be repaired or replaced but you two are precious. Your guardian angels were working over time.
It is a shame that people have to steal from others. Most of these people are serial criminals and have not only done this before but will do this again. The reasons are usually money for drugs and a lifestyle of take from others because they don’t want to work. I hope you really damaged that fellow’s hand. Maybe he will have to seek medical help and the police can catch him and his helper/s.
To everyone, if this happens to your coach, DON’T GO IN to your coach. Call 911 and get the police there ASAP. The intruders might just still be in the coach as happened to Nick. The shock makes you want to go in and see what has happened but your safety is the most important thing. A nice big barking dog helps too.
Call you insurance company, get stuff fixed and continue on with your life. I know you feel violated but always count your blessings, the glass is half full not half empty, etc. We know you will come out of this OK. You are in our prayers. Love ya, Connie B.
Nick, We are so glad that you are both OK. At times like this, there is very little positive to see, but your ability to share the experience with others is a blessing to us who may also be growing complacent.
It is a wake up call for all of us.
Thank God, you are both OK. We keep you in our prayers, my friend.
God bless you both.
Ed & Marilyn
Thank God you and Terry are safe! You handled yourself well Nick….I think all your training and experience may have saved you and Terry additional grief. No one knows how they would react under pressure. You guys are in our thoughts and prayers. The RV Community is certainly hoping you are able to get back on the road soon. God Bless.
Paul and Marsha Weaver
Wow, what a horrific thing to go thru. We are thankful that you weren’t hurt and that you were able to act so quickly to protect yourselves. Remember “stuff” is “stuff” which can be replaced; but we can’t replace you or Terry. Thank God that you are both safe. Remember, “and this to shall pass”. our thoughts and love are with you both.
Nick and Terry – You are both still upright and walking. That is a good thing. Everything else can be fixed. With the massive unemployment, people losing houses, jobs, sorry to say but it is part of the desperate times. And Elkhart, with the really high numbers……. Glad you guys are safe. This to shall pass. (Probably would have been safer in a Walmart…. ouch)
Nick and Terry,
I am so so sorry this happened to you and yours.
Temproarily turning a joyful event into damage, anger and frustration. On the good side you are in a great spot with people that know and love you for help and support. Should be able to find replacment parts close. We have had our home broken into and I know the feeling of violation one experiences. Nothing like the military training to flash back into your mind and response. Your CCC permit might be reciprical in more states just check the CCC site for that info.
PS our house is under contract should close 12-28 then we will rent it back for the month on Jan. Then be into the MCI.
Prayers for your mental as well as property repairs
CYA DN TH RD
LeRoy & Anne
Hi Nick & Miss Terry We are glad that the two of you are OK, like they say calling 911 is the first thing , but I would have done the same thing but as he was running I would have put one in his leg . But then that could be wrong , and what you did was the right thing to do and Thank God you both are OK and we will keep you in our Prayers my Friend. It’s good that you have friends like Michele Henry to out in the night and put you in her shop is something , I’m sorry that it had to happen but I know you two will handle this and face it together and get that Dream Coach back,and your safe R.V.lifestyle back in no time . We both hope God bless you both : Sal & Bonnie
P.S. Can wait for “”Bad Nick’s Comment”" on this one O-boy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My heart goes out to you. I’m so glad you were not harmed.
I’m in Ft Wayne, Indiana and if I can be of any help let me know, I can be there in an hour or so. Stay safe.
Chris in Ft Wayne.
Dear Nick and Terry,
I am so sorry you had to go through this–I’m shaking just from *reading* about it! It sounds like Nick’s fast reaction with the door was the perfect response, and it all could have been so much more tragic! But please be careful–that guy must have thought he hit the jackpot with electronics, jewelry and guns! Really very scary. Take care of yourselves.
Debbie
Thank God you and Terry are okay. When our truck got stolen last year, our first reaction was shock, then we were pissed. I had some really ugly thoughts about the thieves – what right does anyone have to earn their living that way, at our expense, both financially and emotionally? Hang in there!
Lu & Larry
Nick and Terry,
We are so sorry this has happened. Every RVers nightmare. So thankful you were not hurt and so sad thieves are so petty they not only steal but destroy another person’s possessions. They are real losers. I hope they find the idiots who did this.
Dale
Wow. Diane and I are happy the two of you are OK. What a mess, they must have been looking for hidden money and jewelry to tear things apart like that. When we were parked at Duncan we had plenty of company, but I wouldn’t feel safe there being the only one. Of course it has to happen Friday night. We know you will work through it all, but the two of you did not need this new experience.
Wow nick, for a stocky old guy, I’ll bet you sure surprised him with your quick response while disarming him in the process. We are really glad to hear that you and Terry were not physically injured. No doubt the perpetrator is known to the local police, so now thanks to you he has a sore and swollen wrist. Get that rig fixed pronto and head towards the warmer states where you belong at this time of year.
Cheers
Pat and Jim
Nick,
We were shocked to read about this this morning. We are both thankful you and Miss Terry were not hurt physically. You will be in our prayers as you recover from this horrible event. I wish we were closer to lend a hand.
Lenny & Janis
We’re glad to hear that you and Terry are OK. Your training and fast action obviously saved you and kept the loss to a minimum. I also have a CCW permit and go nowhere anymore without my weapon. I’m making a quick trip to CA today and have been debating whether to take it because they’re ‘carry’ laws are so much stricter than AZ. This incident has made my decision!!! I will deal with any consequences should something happen but my family and my safety are my primary concern. It’s a say day when honest citizens have to do this but until our laws protect the victim more, or at least as much as the criminal, it’s necessary. Be cautious and stay safe my friend.
Joan and I are glad you are ok. Being pissed is better than being dead.
hugs
harry and joan
So sorry for this incident in your lives. But really happy and relieved you are both okay. It will be a while before you feel safe again. It’s a sad situation to work through. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both as you get through this new “experience”. Hang on to the good thoughts.
Nick and Terry,
Words can’t express what I am feeling. I am not sure what I would have done and it is scary just to think about. Thank God you are safe..things can be replaced. I am a firm believer that all things happen for a reason, it will be interesting to see where this goes.
Nick and Terry, Nancy and I feel so very badly for you. . . neither of us has ever experienced anything like this. The sinceless violence is what REALLY makes me want to get my hands around the necks of those worthless thugs who invaded your home. What a close challenge. . . to be face to face with my own Glock, I may have wet myself! Your quick thinking in slamming the RV door on this idiot’s hand exemplifies your years of training. I’m juct thinking here now, but in taking your Silverleaf connector he MUST have had some experience with the RV industry to know how valiable that one part was. . . maybe this knowlege could help in his eventual capture. I bet you’d like to get your hands on him before the law does. I can visualize just where I’d stick my cane right now. All kidding aside, we’re most grateful that you two are at least physically OK. I know that you won’t let this dampen your love for the lifestyle. Get some rest and we’ll be in touch later. As always, oRV
I can’t add anything that hasn’t already been said, but just wanted you two to know that Don and I will keep you in our prayers for recovering, both emotionally and in the repair/replacement for things damaged and loss. My house was broken into in the mid-70’s, and I’ll never forget the feeling of personal violation. Our hearts go out to you both. May God bring you peace and a bit of warmer weather as you put things back together.
Nick and Terry,
We are so glad that you are both okay. You both did a great job of quick thinking. Sorry that you had to go through this and now have to deal with the aftermath. Please stay safe and warm! Hope to see you on the road soon. Bob and Denise
Hi Nick and Terry, I just read your blog to my hubby (Art Knapp) and we’re sitting here in Livingston, Texas, numb with the news…..but also grateful that you both are ok. We are sorry this happened to you. Thank you for sharing your experience so eloquently. By sharing, you’ve probably awakened most of us from a casual attitude to our own safety as we travel. We send our wishes for good days ahead for both of you as you process this experience. Nancy Cullinan and Art Knapp
Nice to know you leave your guns unlocked. Would really suck to get shot with one of your own guns.
All we can do is echo everyone else’s comments. We love you guys, and would be devastated if anything happened to either of you. Stuff is stuff and can be replaced, but the caution about your financial information is crucial.
Dearest Nick and Terry,
Please know that we are praying for you and hope that everything works out as it should. Thank goodness you were not hurt but the violation is hurt enough. Big hugs go out to you both. Take care.
Russ & Patty
This is the very reason Texas passed a right to carry law and Second statue that allows you to use a gun to defend yourself and your property.
You should have shot the SOB then his friends would understand the price you may have to pay when you steal someone’s property. Better for him to be dead than you…
I’m glad you two are OK. I’m saddened by your loss. This is not the way to find out how good your insurance is, but I hope they cover you losses. The incidence will be with you for a while, I’m sure. Good luck to you and Miss Terry. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
I’m in tears.
Is there anything we can do to help? Make phone calls, get you replacement software, anything? I wish I was close enough to hug you both.
Linda Sand
So glad you are both ok, mentally will come in time. For many years we traveled with a well trained German Shepard dog for our own protection and enjoyment but like you we have become complacent and now just have a small dog that at least will bark at strangers. Not much protection but at least something. “stuff” can and will be replaced but the violation you have endured will take a long time to heal. As I have recently found out Nick, you have many friends to lean on if need be so please don’t hesitate to call on them/us if we can help.
We are sorry to hear about this but very glad you are both OK.
Glad you and Terry were not injured.
Not sure what I would have done.
Too bad the cops did not get him. Not sure I would have had to control to not use the gun on him.
Nick & Terry,
So sorry this had to happen to such nice and giving people. It’s just wrong. If only they knew you…
We are lurkers that met you once years ago at Life on Wheels and have been following your blog all along. We have always enjoyed your adventures and this morning were totally shocked at your news. As fulltimers, this is a wakeup call because we too have become complacent with our security and safety. Thanks for the warning and we are soooo glad that you are both safe.
Nick & Terry The call last night scared me “a lot” I’m so glad you two are physically OK. Nick, you and I coming from almost the same background I know the anger you had. I’m so glad you had the training you’ve had which kept you two alive and out of the courts. We all know the ACLU would have had a field day with this one.
You two are among my best best friends and I can’t have anything happen too you guys.
See ya soon
Mac
We thank God that the two of you are safe!! What a horrible thing to have to go through. I agree with you, why tear everything up? Just remember, things can be replaced and repaired but your lives cannot. It just gives me chills and leaves me speechless.
You and Terry take care and be safe my friend.
Mike and Gerri
I am confident that Nick will turn this into a learning experience for us all, those who carry and own weapons and those that may not. There is some silver lining in this, somewhere, and I know Nick will find it and share with all his readers!
Wow….we are speechless….we spent almost eight weeks there in 2009 and about 3 weeks there this Fall….there were many other RVs there too, and there are signs everywhere saying “This area under 24 hour video surveillance-you are being watched”, so I felt pretty safe!!! Just goes to show you how blatant people really can be….and it is truly terrifying to us!!
Hugs to both of you, glad you are OK, and if there is anything we can do for you, please yell!!! (Maybe Vinnie will let you park in the paint booth at night, until you can get the rig fixed!!)
HUGS!!!
So glad that neither you or Terry were hurt.
Your post reminded me that I have become too complacent. Time to once again start wearing the “fat” pants.
Nick and Terry: Thanks so much for sending me your blog and I am so sorry you had to go through this. It would also make me very angry but like the others, the fact that you are both o.k. is the most important thing. It also makes me feel very blessed that with over 20+ years of solo full-timing wherever in N. America, I never had a safety issue (that I was aware of!!). If these thugs who put so much energy into stealing and destroying other people’s hard-earned rewards, worked toward the common good, wouldn’t it be a magnificent world! Prayers first, Hugs next, Love always, “Charlie”
Nick & Miss Terry we are all glad your safe as it could have been worse. Just hope you can put this experiance behind you both. Sure make you wonder how safe are we out on the open road. This has changed my mind about carring while traveling.
Good Luck Wayne
Stunned! We’ve read you for several years and feel like we know you. Thank GOD neither of you was physically hurt. We applaud your attitudes as reflected in “it’s just stuff” and “count not what is lost, but what is left”. We’re not on the road YET, but look forward to meeting you folks and getting to know you. If there is ANYTHING we can do from Texas we’re ready!
We are very saddened by what happened to you and Terry. Our prayers are with you both. It takes a true journalist to report something like that. Stay safe.
Nick, and Terry, I’m so sorry that you were robbed and your items stolen. At the same time, I am grateful that you came out of it physically unharmed.
Like Carol said, you are going to turn this into a learning experience for us all, and I will definite pay attention when you do. You have much to teach us, and I have much to learn. I don’t handle guns, YET, but I suspect the time is coming soon when I will take the necessary steps to get a carry permit.
Wow! Just reading your blog to Forrest has sent my heartrate soaring and the adrenaline pumping! So very thankful that the two of you are okay! Blessings as you deal with all of the mess and the insurance and the police this week! Your are much in our thoughts and prayers!
Forry and Char
Hi Nick
Glad that you are both safe. That is the important thing. The rest can be replaced, fixed or whatever
Jim Mossman
Dear Nick & Terry,
That is so scary! I am sorry for you and the big mess the thieves left. When I saw the pictures I felt so bad. ‘Glad you two are ok.
Jan
I was horrified to read about what happened and you both have been in my thoughts in the hours since. I understand completely how easy it is to feel that nothing will ever happen to you because it is so rare in the RVing community. My husband & I never carried a weapon and, thank God, never needed one in the six years that we full-timed. You both will be in my thoughts and prayers during the coming days as you deal with the aftermath. Ultimately, you will be able to put this behind you and head back south and enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation. In the meantime, maybe it would be wise not to broadcast your exact location in your blog. And I hope the police catch the b***ards.
Words are insufficient to express the outrage and shock we felt when we read your blog.
Thank God for your safety. Whatever you may need, please don’t hesitate.
Terry and Nick, Jinny and I were sickened to hear about the motorhome breakin. We are so glad that both of you are safe, and we empathize with your feeling of violation at the breakin. Our ‘97 Airstream was in a locked, gated, video-recorded storage area in St Paul 10 years ago before we took to the road. One night, our trailer, along with many of the other ones there, was broken into and robbed. The thieves were never caught. To add to the feeling of violation, the next day, we were able to watch the video tape of these thieves’ breaking into all the rigs, including ours. GAKK! Joe and Jinny (from Life on Wheels ‘06).
So sorry Nick & Terry…how awful! Thank God you’re okay, and the stuff will just get dealt with. On many occassions, we’ve heard and read that often people’s own guns are used against them and we’re thankful you weren’t hurt. I may be ignorant on the subject, since we’re Canadians and as you know, carrying guns is not something that we do easily….but is it not possible for you to leave your “extra” guns, locked up in your rig somehow so that they’re not so easily taken? Obviously I know you will be carrying when you go out, but you can’t carry them all at once…..anyway, again, so glad you guys are okay. Best of luck and everything with dealing with your insurance. Stay safe!
Nick I’m impressed with your instant reaction to the perp and thank God he didn’t squeeze off a shot before you got your gun away from him! Miss Terry is blessed to have had you there .
To better times ahead!
Nick & Terry,
I read your story in terror. I can only imagine how you both felt and are still feeling. Your experience has put us all on notice and we thank you for relating this difficult post. So thankful that you are both ok physically and we pray that the incident will remain only as a warning not a permanent blot to your security and peace of mind.
Wow. Scary event and I’m glad everyone was okay. My husband and I are just getting ready to go on the road next spring and he was just talking about a concealed weapons permit. I think maybe we’ll look into this further.
Terry & Nick,
So glad you both are ok. I agree that sometimes training and instinct take over without concious thought. Nancy and I are really glad neither of you were hurt. Everything else can be repaired or replaced. We’ll keep you in our thoughts.
Cal & Nancy Hall
I think you’re wrong. You were unlucky, but wrong. RVing is still one of the safest things you can do. The odds are in your favor. There are more people killed every day on the highways in automobiles, more killed as pedestrians, more burglaries of houses and autos than RVs.
I’m sorry you had to be one of the few. Since we’re such a fearful society you’ve just added your unpleasant experience to the fears. We’re already a paranoid society, so lets just go ahead and make every more paranoid. Encourage more people to carry guns so they can kill or be kill because of the gun. GOOD JOB.
The ODDS are always in your favor….. FEAR NOT.
I know people who have been victims of burglars, and it can be emotionally very hard. You have my sympathy.
If you had a gun with you the RV would still have been trashed but someone – maybe you – could be shot, possibly killed, in the armed encounter that you would have created. That’s an improvement? The guy was even caught in this case.
This thief was not armed until you introduced the gun into the situation by obtaining it then improperly storing it (must have – the guy was able to get it). Please make the world safer, and get rid of it.
This sort of thing happens to people’s residences all the time; the fact that this residence is an RV is almost irrelevant. I think you were right in the first place… the big risks are from fires and on the road.
That’s nonsense, Brian. By your reasoning, if somebody broke into my home and raped me, would I be at fault because I have a vagina and did not wear a chastity belt?
The burglar well may have had a gun when he went in. Who knows? Or a knife, and used it to kill or injure Nick and Miss Terry.
How do you know the gun was improperly stored? He ransacked the place and tore it apart to find it. We have been in Nick’s RV and never saw a gun in plain sight.
In your opinion, how should an RVer store a firearm? My brother has a gun safe the size of a refrigerator. No room for that in any RV I ever saw.
Let’s keep in mind here that Nick and Moiss Terry were the victims. The criminal is the bad guy. HE chose to break in. HE chose to rip the RV apart. HE chose to slash the seats. HE chose to go on the attack rather than kick out a back window and run away. How was that any fault of the victims?
Getting rid of the gun will ony make Nick an easier victim next time. Unless you have some magical way to first get rid of the criminal element in the world?
Glad you guys are all right. Thanks for sharing the details. Sounds like you handled things perfectly. But the main thing is that you are safe. Hope things get settled back down quickly.
I would like to thank Linda Maynard for her posting. Obviously, we are greatful for the safety of anyone (Nick and Terry). There are those people who don’t realize the number of people who are alive and well due to the safe and correct use of firearms against those that would cause them harm. (Byron and Brian) Imposing gun control on the law abiding citizen will ensure only the bad guy has a gun. Thank you for letting me vent. Glad all is well with you, Nick and Terry, even though I don’t know you.
that is so scary! I am glad no one was hurt, other than the thief when slammed his hand in the door.
My house was broken into one time long ago–they broke out the window in the kitchen door. All they took was me stereo and a Billy Joel album that was on the turntable at the time. I wonder, too, why they have to tear things up and trash the place when they steal from you? Why not just take what they want and leave the rest alone?
Nick YOU saved your and miss Terrys life, I was attacked once when I was 16 years old on a dark street in Dallas Tx. by two men, it was so dark I did not see the punch coming,
But as I got up and saw the two punks running away under a street light a couple hundred feet away,
I found out that night I could kill someone, as I stood there thinking I would give 2 thousand dollars for a gun,
I was so mad I could see myself shooting them.
I stood around for two hours with my little 2 inch knife out in case they came back.
Keep the gun, ON YOURSELF !! Good Work and had you not had the gun, the guy was looking to come back, so what does that say to the no gun people,
Thanks Goodness for your quick thinking. Ed
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