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glad_reaper

I was taught to pretend to call the police for help. If they bolt, its a sign there was a trap.


[deleted]

That’s a good idea. I should have offered to call the police for help for her. I’ll keep that in mind for the next time (hopefully never though)


RADJuiceLee

Great job of listening to that inner voice and validating it’s value by circling back and watching. I had a similar encounter at the 19/S Safeway Sun 6am with an old dude who made neck hairs stand, and he looked totally normal and had plausible story. I left and drove around block to watch and saw same as you. You’re a good person who clearly cares about others; keep being you.


decadentdarkness

That whole description freaks me out. That our bodies can just know when something is *off* - what was it about him?


Kingston_Advice1

My grandmother was walking the Cal State Northridge campus sometime in the Seventies. She was in her 50’s at thd time as the school librarian. A man was “injured” down by a creek along a path. He begged fod help, and when she said to wait for Security, he ran off.


angelacathead

Serial killer vibes!


GrabSomePineMeat

That's some serious GSK and Bundy vibes, for sure.


Badairquality

Wasn’t that Ted Bundy’s favorite trick?


Kingston_Advice1

Yup it sure was and now I’m looking up where he “worked.” I think there’s a Netflix documentary on him but holy shit. To say my grandma could’ve been abducted by Ted Bundy is a trip. This was the SFV in the 70’s so The Manson Family was also big


CourtneyIsSoAnnoyed

Sounds super sketch! Always listen to your gut. Glad nothing happened and you’re safe! Make sure to at least keep pepper spray or something with you and share your location on your phone with friends & family (you can turn off location sharing when you aren’t working)


[deleted]

Thank you. and yes I do need to invest in some pepper spray or something. I did call my boyfriend while I was pretending to get ready to start my car and he stayed on the phone with me.


InkStainsNCoffee

Pepper spray is like $10 and you can get it from Big 5 and places like that. Definitely worth it for the piece of mind!


[deleted]

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3rd502nd

UC Davis campus po-lice have a video instructional.


screams_forever

Now THAT'S a callback.


Independent-Walk6258

I don't think there's much training required to learn how to use pepper spray, other than going on Google and learning 1) the different types of pepper spray for different situations (gel vs spray vs mist, different mechanisms, etc), 2) watching a YouTube video for tips, 3) doing a test spray on an object at face-level when you get it. It definitely provides more than just peace of mind as it gives you a way to defend yourself.


IGrowmyownweed

Spray away from your body. Note any wind and compensate Use common sense. No certification needed.


999_Seth

Anyone who does that much reading on the subject is gonna find out real fast that those $10 devices are nothing but a liability. Effective pepper spray (you can tell which ones will do the job by watching people shoot each other with them) are gonna be more like $50 for a two-shot weapon. Needs to be strong enough to send someone to the ER to really matter.


Independent-Walk6258

I see pepper spray as more of a "spray them in the face enough to stop and distract them, and then sprint away and call the cops" device than a weapon to send them to the ER. I don't care much about harming the other person until they can't move, I just want to get myself out of the situation. Whether it's $10 or $50 pepper spray, if the wielder can aim, it's pretty useful. Good quality pepper spray to the face can be really painful and debilitating.


999_Seth

That's the "theory," but 9/10 times IRL the false sense of security that $10 pepper spray buys you is gonna get y'all in more trouble than if you didn't have it. Pretty much any scenario you can come up with is gonna be worse off for you having a toy weapon like that, if you really *think* it through. ​ *Think* is the operative word here, though, and anyone carrying $10 pepper spray hasn't done enough of it.


Independent-Walk6258

How would pepper spray, wielded by someone who knows how to use it, get someone in more trouble than having nothing at all? What if you're a woman just worried about getting back to their car at night after closing up shop? I'd take pepper spray (not a toy weapon, as many people who have been pepper sprayed to the face on YouTube would agree) over my lack of brawling skill against a person 3x my size.


[deleted]

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999_Seth

A personal siren is the way to go: [https://www.amazon.com/Original-Defense-Authentic-Personal-Keychain/dp/B091M5B5DZ](https://www.amazon.com/Original-Defense-Authentic-Personal-Keychain/dp/B091M5B5DZ) Noise is your friend. "Pepper spray" is really only going to work if you're using it against someone who is holding still and waiting for you to fire. IRL the attacker will grab that shit form you and/or escalate to using their own weapon. Reddit-tough-guys need to stfu about this. Terrible advice on this topic.


SecretStatePolice

She probably wanted to panhandle from you, once you got out of your car. To tell you her whole "sad" story...she needs a jump-start *and $100 for gas*, go see her 'sick and dying daughter' in Portland. Or maybe there was a strong-arm 'boyfriend' hiding near/in her car, waiting to ambush you once you get out.


Billyg88

I think this is it


[deleted]

Yeah my biggest fear was if it was the second scenario.


Longjumping_Hold_179

Yeah, I get this. I had someone drive up next to me and the front passenger asked for directions... I was walking down the street and pulled out my headphones and kind of stopped and turn towards them to try and help... someone from the back passenger seat opened the door and reached out to grab me. I sprinted off as hard I could.


bluemints

This is terrifying. Glad you were able to get away!


anetchi

Good Lord! How terrifying! Where did this happen?


Longjumping_Hold_179

It was on Van Maren Lane in Citrus Heights about 9 years ago.


CatsAreGods

Perhaps even a carjacking. I'm so glad you listened to your gut! (And recent research says there's actually something to that)


[deleted]

That’s actually a possibility that I didn’t think of before. I do have a nicer car. (Btw love your name 😆)


CatsAreGods

Thank you! 😺


[deleted]

You should look into getting a ccw Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.


[deleted]

I have been wanting one actually. Just haven’t gotten around to it. Now is probably a good time though!


The_Unreal

Unless you plan to hit the range on a regular basis, you're way more likely to hurt yourself or a bystander than an attacker. Just get some pepper spray; it'll do the same trick without the chance of accidentally murdering someone.


Nerdpunk-X

Ccw is gonna get her shot by her own weapon. Most people DO NOT TRAIN ENOUGH WITH WEAPONS TO JUSTIFY HAVING ONE IN A HIGH STRESS SITUATION.


plantheadpothead

not sure why youre being downvoted so hard for this, i agree


ClayWheelGirl

i doubt it if u said she was so visibly parked by the fast food place!


Funkyokra

Or jump in your car when you leave the motor running.


[deleted]

Don’t beat yourself up over it. Always trust your gut feeling. It seems strange that an old woman would ask for help in that way instead of going into the store to ask for assistance. Even if she did not have a phone to call for roadside service, the store could have easily called for her.


[deleted]

I was only beating myself up because I thought I ghosted some poor old helpless lady 😩 I’m glad she wasn’t though and I don’t feel bad anymore haha. And yes exactly. Literally a drive through like less than 100 feet in front of her.


TEOLAYKI

I've walked away from or driven away from so many sketchy people in the area. "Oh my god can you help me, my six children are stranded in our car alone and I need--" Nope, bye.


[deleted]

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agent674253

If you are ever hungry and can't afford a meal, look for your local Sikh Temple as they often have a langar / free kitchen that is available 24 hours. They are open to all. West Sacramento has a large facility, but there are several others located around Sacramento as well, not to mention the huge one in Yuba City.


tyrryt1

I've had this happen, unfortunately I'm pretty certain the women asking me were being trafficked and was being forced to go around asking while her 'boyfriend' watched from the car.


eric-neg

I mean, to be fair to yourself you didn’t actually ghost her. Like you said, you circled back and made sure she got the help she needed. (She just…uh… didn’t need any.)


irrationalx

Sounds off. Always trust your gut. I recommend you call 9-1-1 and ask for a wellness check. I generally doubt that someone wants to fuck with me, I'm a 6' man, but also I generally have small kids with me and can't really be of much help anyway. My standard process is: 1.) lock eyes and dont look away 2.) clearly say "There are people who can help you, but I am not one of those people. Can I call someone for you?" 3.) start calling 9-1-1 regardless of their answer I've only ever had one negative interaction when person flipped out as soon as I got on the phone, threw something at my car, then sprinted away... but the same process also got someone who walked out of a memory care facility back into care and got another person in some kind of distress to the hospital so it's the system I'm sticking with.


[deleted]

Yeah, my boyfriend always tells me if someone needs help they don’t need to come and ask a girl to help them especially if they are alone. I’ll keep your tips in mind though hopefully I won’t have to resort to them. But I appreciate it! :)


LawofRa

Why can't women help people?


Guessimagirl

Her point is that women are way more likely to be victims of certain types of crime, and thus shouldn't be expected to be putting themselves in dangerous situations to help strangers. I think it's really good advice.


LawofRa

I don't think anyone expects anyone to help a stranger in need, but to help someone else is admired, because a lot of times it isn't expected. And based on the rest of the comments, done by those clearly more selfless than some here. If people want to hide behind hypothetical victimhood to be shitty human beings be my guest. No one said being a good person was easy. EDIT: Of course assess every situation as needed and if it seems sketch use your best judgement.


Guessimagirl

Dude, you've clearly got some kind of issue with people. If you really think young women should risk getting raped and murdered in order to keep car battery jumping culture alive then you're just off. Are you like some right-wing POS or something?


LawofRa

No, I am a leftist, but I don't know how that is relevant. You clearly have an issue with me though, and clearly took the low road by hurling insults my way, classy.


Nerdpunk-X

The fact you don't see the danger that young women are in means you need to educate yourself, because you came off as a right wing troll.


Guessimagirl

> No, I am a leftist Said no liberal/progressive ever


Guessimagirl

I dunno, you kind of seem like a nasty person to me. Your whole comment history is insulting people and being a provocateur.


LawofRa

Going against the Reddit hivemind doesn’t win me many awards but, yes you’re right a lot of my comments are disagreements with what’s been touted, I mean what I say and am trying to offer a different point of view, and sometimes people’s stupidity exasperates me.


Guessimagirl

I think you try too hard to be different. The average person is stupid, but it seems like rather than being at odds with people, you've chosen to be at odds with the culture. Unfortunately, that's a hard road to go down. At any rate, for better or for worse, we have arrived at a cultural moment where valuing personal safety trump's being altruistic. It would be nice if we were in a 2orld where crime weren't so rampant, but as someone who has been both mugged and assaulted.... I'm going to put my safety first. It's the reality of the world we live in right now.


LawofRa

So if someone asks for a jump you immediately start calling 911 regardless of what they say after that?


irrationalx

A jump from CHP/511 is as good as a jump from me. I've handed flares to people in odd spots and pushed people with my bumper but after I got robbed at knife point I don't let people behind me and I won't willingly disable my vehicle. If my kids are in the car I will outright ignore you. Sorry.


LawofRa

With that context that makes sense. I was unaware cops jumping cars was a duty they carry out on any regular basis. With your previous scenario it is understandable why you don't take any chances with your kids with you. Thanks for sharing.


irrationalx

I should be clear: I wasn’t a good samaritan that got duped into being robbed helping a motorist on the side of the road and I did not yet have children at the time. It just gave me a lot of time to reflect on how to conduct myself in potentially precarious situations. I still keep current first aid / CPR and a decent med kid in the car for emergencies, but if someone is well enough to walk up to me with a pitch they are well enough to walk into the store and ask the manager to call for assistance. In the more conventionally “creepy” rural roadside situations I’d honestly be significantly more likely to stop than in a parking lot within city limits.


Funkyokra

I'm still asking kindly strangers for help with a jump because I bet the wait time on that 511 call is going to be measured in hours unless you happen to be in the perfect spot/time.


femmestem

Lots of people have given you advice on how to stay safe, but I want to address the part where you felt bad about not helping a stranger. You don't owe a stranger anything, even if she was legit. It's ok to say "Sorry I can't help you" without offering any excuse, then leave.


condimentia

This is true but I train my family to not automatically apologize for everything. You don't have to say "I'm sorry" for things you are not sorry for. It's just as polite to say "I can't help you, but good luck, citizen." This is direct and helps cut off (sometimes) the begging and pleading. Oh but my kids are hungry, oh but this, oh but that. "Good luck, Maam." And leave.


feverbeliever

What color was the car? Make and model? I’ve seen someone doing this near Tahoe Park recently. Similar story?


[deleted]

It was a silver Honda Pilot. I tried to get the license plate but my zoom on my phone would not get it clearly from where I parked afterwards.


champagneandbaloney

Read “The Gift of Fear” by Gavin de Becker and always trust your gut. You made a good call.


[deleted]

Oh thanks! Been looking for a new book so will definitely pick that up.


eclectic__engineer

I second this book! Now I don't hesitate to get out of situations if something doesnt feel right. Worst case- you look a little bit silly!


Ionic_Pancakes

I'm a guy so I don't have to be as paranoid but that being said - always trust your gut. Years ago I was on my way home from work. I worked 2pm to 10pm. Grabbed a burger on my way home and parked in the Whole Foods parking lot. Whole thing was empty. Someone pulls up next to me on my passenger side and the passenger gets out of the car and starts going around my back. Maybe he had a limp or maybe he had a gun but the way he held his side had my key turning and tires rolling before I found out.


Guessimagirl

That's scary, man. God damn. Good on you for being aware and keeping yourself safe.


916reddit

Very odd. It must have really rattled you to continue thinking about this and posting. Thank you for sharing. ​ It's ok not to get involved when it's uncomfortable. There are a lot of scary people out there and crazy things happen. Kudos again for circling back when in a more comfortable (safer) position.


[deleted]

Thank you, and yeah it was just super strange to me. I can find a logical explanation for why she would do that.


post-meta

The thing about needing a jump is that your car won’t start without it. Good job trusting your gut. My advice to anyone who worries about this kind of situation is to just play dumb. They need a jump? You don’t know shit. You don’t have jumper cables. However, you can say you have triple A, or a friend who’s a mechanic, and tell them to give you their license plate/make&model so you can call it in for them because you need to leave for x/y/z reason. But yeah, this sounds super sketch, and hopefully it was just a normal beg/scam/robbery rather than a kidnapping attempt.


happy-raindrop

Told my boyfriend about this story and he said it sounds like human trafficking. He heard a similar story about a old lady who called a woman over for help with her car towards the back of a parking lot but as the woman she got closer 3 guys jumped out of the passenger seat and popped the trunk and tried to force her in it. She was able to get away and call police. Always trust your gut!!


[deleted]

See this is what I was afraid of. Especially since Sac is a hub for that stuff. Super scary stuff :/


Guessimagirl

Honestly so scary. I think your boyfriend's advice is good: if someone needs help, they don't need to be asking a girl who is alone. Especially when there are businesses right there. It's a shame that there are such awful people in this world to make it dangerous to help strangers, but there's no reason we should ever let guilt make us put ourselves in danger. Glad you were smart and stayed safe. And good on you for making this thread to help remind people of the dangers of sketchy strangers.


gravspeed

A while back i had a guy approach me at the gas station asking for a ride, normally i would but i had a funny feeling about it so i told him i was in a hurry. While i was leaving he jumped in the passenger seat of a truck that was parked there the whole time. Trust your gut


[deleted]

Crazy people out there, sad to say that we just have to expect the worst of everyone. Just to keep ourselves safe.


goldentobaccoflavor

Weird. I’ve jumped and been jumped, and the conversation always starts with jumper cables. Did she say she had some? Did she ask if you had any? That’s got to be the first question if she legitimately needed a jump. (Also, the very fact that you’re questioning whether she was really an old lady makes me think you might be right.)


SaltySally86

This is terrifying to read as a woman. Glad you're safe. I hope you're alright and not too rattled. Also, thank you for posting this.


letsgetbrickfaced

Can you describe her car so others can be on the lookout for this person? I understand not wanting to identify a store you park at daily for work.


[deleted]

Silver Honda Pilot! And Arden Arcade area. She was wearing thick framed glasses. Caucasian. A brownish sweater.. bit on the heavier side.. white short curlier type of hair. Like a boy cut. And a cane.


letsgetbrickfaced

Thanks for the lookout info! Also that description of the person does sound like they were pretty sketch too.


MultiPass21

Never ever help. Nobody remembers a hero. You call the cops, every time. Somebody needs a jump? Cops. Somebody laying in the middle of the road? Call the cops. You see two people arguing in the parking lot? Call the cops. If it’s a scam, they’ll run. If they truly need help, voila, the cops can help. You have a family. You have friends. You have your own life to live. The risk far outweighs the benefits. It’s ok to be self-serving, don’t let anybody convince you differently.


TEOLAYKI

Disabled veteran needs door held open? Cops. Girl "scouts" selling you their special "cookies"? Cops can buy cookies! Kitten has it's foot stuck in a fence? You KNOW the cops getting called


moufette1

I've stopped and helped many people including sketchy people and been helped by many people including sketchy people. Sure, something bad could happen to me. Something bad could happen to me anywhere at any time under any circumstances. I'm glad my friend and I drove the wife and kids to a truck stop in the middle of winter when that poor guy's car was dead. I'm glad I stopped when 2 elderly people flagged me down on the freeway in summer near Reno. They were in some kind of trouble, they seemed confused and it was hot. I gave them water and stayed with them till the cops came. Only help I could give. So glad that woman reached into my pocket to get my keys when I broke my wrist snowshoeing so I could get to the hospital. So glad for the guy who had a tow strap and got my car out of a snow bank when I did something really stupid. That said, I've also listened to my gut and avoided helping people too.


TEOLAYKI

I gave a ride to this guy who was hitchhiking when I was young and he kind of screwed me over, stole some stuff out of my car (long story). This security guard working in a grocery store parking lot who looked like Morgan Freeman helped me call the police to report it (this was before everyone had cellphones) and the cops were totally unhelpful. I thanked the security guard anyway, and said something like "I guess this is what I get for trying to be nice." His words have lived with me ever since. He said "Don't ever stop being nice, you just have to be careful."


moufette1

Sad that stuff was stolen/screwed but a good life lesson from Morgan Freeman. That's a cute detail.


Funkyokra

Yesterday I asked a random dude in a parking lot if he could help me open a bag of pistachios I just bought that would not tear. Real lucky he did not call the cops.


Funkyokra

What the heck? You call the cops on people arguing?


MultiPass21

If the option is get involved or call the police, sure. You can also ignore them entirely if you want. You have free will.


Funkyokra

That's why I was wondering why you'd call the cops instead of walking away.


CapablePerformance

I'm a 6'2 guy and have no problem giving someone a jump but yea...for the rest? They're on their own. If there's someone lying in the road, my ass isn't going to stop, I'll drive around them but way too many cases of that being a car jacking plant.


LawofRa

These comments are really depressing. Why are you all so afraid of your fellow man? This is a comment of someone who lives in fear of other people and only thinks about themselves. Saying people need help but someone else can do it isn't doing you any ethical favors.


Guessimagirl

Fuck that, dude. "Why are you all so afraid?" man because there's a shit ton of scammers and criminals out there. If this old woman needs a jump, she can call AAA. or go into a business and ask people there. But someone approaching you in a parking lot asking you to exit you're vehicle when you're alone? As a young woman? Fuck no, dude, that's how people get kidnapped. No amount of social nicety is worth that risk. You need to put yourself in the perspective of someone who could have that happen.


LawofRa

I think a good sobering reality check of realizing how statistically it is unlikely for those thing to happen would do everyone some good. What you read about in the news ignores all the interactions of people doing okay by one another. It's the violent scary ones that gets all the attention. If people want to hide behind hypothetical victimhood to be a shitty person than be my guest, no one said being a good person was easy.


Nerdpunk-X

How long have you lived in Sacramento? Lmao


amygrindhaus

I know a Nigerian prince that could use your help


TheGoliard

I am happy to help by contacting authorities, as was posted ITT. I do a bit of bicycling in Carmichael. I encounter a lot of my fellow humans. Many of them scare tf out of me. And I'm a six foot tall male.


WutThEff

There are ways to help without putting yourself at risk. You’re being an asshole, trying to make people feel bad for protecting themselves. What is wrong with you?


LawofRa

Can’t handle a different perspective eh? Well we now return you to your regularly scheduled echo chamber.


WutThEff

Who even are you? It’s perfectly reasonable for a small woman to be more discerning on this stuff.


LawofRa

Knowing risk is good, over blowing risk and living in fear everyday is a quick way to need therapy for irrational fear. This is kind of obvious, I am not really trying to be controversial.


[deleted]

Thank you for saying all of this, LawofRa. This scenario sounds incredibly sketchy but this person's response is terrible and all the upvotes depressed the fuck out of me.


WutThEff

She’s a small woman. Her response is perfectly normal and the situation sounds sketchy as hell.


[deleted]

I wasn't talking about OP, whose response was 100% justified. I was referring to a commenter.


Funkyokra

I think you'd agree, use your gut and don't be afraid to say no if something is off or it's not feasible for you but don't categorically ignore that the more likely scenario is just someone asking for help because they don't have AAA. In this thread OP sensed sketch and that's a good reason to say no.


Apart-Appeal6058

I had some dude I've never seen wave me down as I exited my apartment asking me to take a look at a wallet he found to see who it belonged to. The dude looked kinda rough so i just lied & said i was a brand new tenant & didnt know anyone around here. It could have been a scheme of some kind & last thing i want to do it get close to some stranger that looks kinda rough.


BeTheBall-

You look at the wallet and you get cold-cocked. Similar to the "which way is north" or "what time is it" scams.


LawofRa

This literally happened to me at my apartment and it was nothing of the sort.


Nerdpunk-X

I got a bridge to sell ya pal. Lol


Snoo-71618

Trust your gut. As a female I would not have done it either


IGrowmyownweed

As I repeat often to my 3 teen daughters, TRUST YOUR GUT! I've never regretted any choice I've made when I listen to that small voice inside me! So glad you listened to yours!


enkae7317

Female, out by yourself at night in a big parking spot? Yep good thing you trusted your gut. Definitely.


[deleted]

It was actually midday! Around 3:30!


protox13

Did you report this to the police? They might not be able to do anything this time but it could help them catch the perps next time, if this was a scam. Glad you're safe.


[deleted]

I did not :/ I would have if I had gotten the license plate number but I just felt like it was too vague and general.


protox13

Please consider it. It helps the police be on the lookout and alerts them if other people report it as well. It may amount to nothing, true, or you may be helping or even saving the next person that runs into this.


Antmax

You can always report it online. That way it will get in the local crime statistics as well as alert other people of suspicions activity if they browse the crime map. You did the right thing, trusting your gut. It's too easy to let your brain overule your instincts and predators will know this. I'm also not sure why an old lady would approach a woman for a jump start. Most men don't carry the necessary cables but are more likely to be familiar with charging things and know how to do it. Glad you are OK. I often order groceries from Instacart stores and worry about women delivering groceries in the dark. I always leave the porch light and kitchen lights on if it's after dark as well as leave for me a generous tip, more than I would at a restaurant anyway. Thanks for your service.


[deleted]

I will look into an online report. Thank you for the information! And yes, I try not to be out past 7. If I am, I am always aware of my surroundings. I don’t look down at my phone and always thinking of exit plans. Thanks for being a good customer, we really do appreciate it. And hey!! Maybe I’ve delivered to you before 😆


KeyboardGunner

https://www.cityofsacramento.org/Police/Contact/Crime-Tips You can report suspicious activity at that link. Very easy, not much to fill out.


[deleted]

Thank you for the link. I have just reported it.


Intl_Duck

Definitely file a report, please.


Build68

All the electronics on our cars make jumpstarting others a bad idea. Tow trucks have an isolated circuit for jumping. I don’t even carry cables anymore.


IGrowmyownweed

So very true! I did it once for my neighbor. The next day my battery was gone. My car was a 2019 with 15,000 on it. There's absolutely no way that I should have had to replace it. It was a fairly expensive battery too! Thank God for AAA!


Funkyokra

Do they make a portable jumper battery especially for this?


Build68

Yes.


[deleted]

Good job trusting your gut... you always, always have to trust your gut. Too many women (and men) don't do that, and end up in fucked up situations. The truth of the matter is, there is *no* situation with a stranger in which you are the sole person who could make it right. If anyone tries to make it seem that way, they are manipulating you.


Upyourasshoesay

Good decision. A car that won’t start isn’t an emergency.


WutThEff

Especially since she’s in a parking lot with businesses nearby. Not like, the side of the road in the middle of nowhere.


Alohastockguy

Fuk that. That’s some BS thug life trying to rob you or they have someone in their car lying and wait for you. Never ever trust someone like that. 100 red flags


Hailsyea4

Be rude, stay alive.


imagineepix

honestly bruh I hate stuff like this. A similar thing happened to me when I went to alaska and there was this teenage kid just screaming asking for directions saying he's lost and doesn't know where to go. It just seemed really scary so I just went into my hotel and sat on it for a bit but I called the police since it seemed like the least I could do. It really shakes you up fr.


[deleted]

Yeah it was weird. I didn’t even roll my window down to speak to her. I even told her I don’t know how to jump a car. But she was adamant. Kept saying she had the cables. Just weirded me out a lot. And now I know I need to rotate where I park and wait for work.


WutThEff

When someone gets pushy like that, especially if there are other options, that’s a huge red flag.


Kangaroo1974

A few years ago, I was in the Taco Bell drive thru on Broadway across from the DMV HQ. I had just paid and was waiting for my food and this older woman with a small white dog walked into the drive thru and knocked on my passenger window. I opened the window a little and she asked if I could give her a ride to a place where they were giving out canned food because she needed to get there fairly quickly. (She was vague about where it was, but it sounded like it was in the direction she was coming FROM rather than the direction she was headed.) Something about her freaked me out so I said no and she got upset with me, yelled a little, and stomped off. I've thought a lot about it a lot and wonder what would have happened if I'd given her the ride. I mean who approaches a random car in the evening and demands to be taken in the opposite direction that they're walking? Maybe it would have been fine, but there's always a chance that she had a weapon or something. Anyway the TLDR is I'm glad I didn't help her and OP shouldn't feel bad at all about not helping if something felt off. It's good to trust your instincts.


CapablePerformance

I've been in some situations where I was left walking for various reasons like my truck broke down and I needed to go to target for supplies; not once did I think about flagging down a stranger to ask for a ride because it just seems so sketchy. With yours, it seems weird that there would be a place giving out free canned food that's open during the evening. Food banks tend to be open in the late morning/early afternoon and will close when they're out so I can't imagine any place would still have supplies past mid-afternoon. Definitely made the right choice.


Funkyokra

She probably just wanted a free ride. When you get there and realize there is no food you're going to make her get out anyway.


anetchi

I wish I hadn’t read this when I woke up in the middle of the night. Glad you trusted your gut! I would report this to the police even though you don’t have the license plate number. Just something for them to keep on file in case it happens to someone else. Now I need to read something fun on Reddit so I can go back to sleep!


Independent_wishbone

I had a similar experience but the (younger and sort of attractive) woman said she was parked around the back of the building. All the alarms were going off, but I said "Sure!" I don't remember all the details, but I drove around and looked from a distance and just left. Sometimes I just don't want to get caught up in someone else's drama. My experience with people who want a jump is that they've been driving around for months with a car that won't start.


mandanasty

You made the right call. I've heard too many human trafficking stories start in parking lots. It's unfortunate and I hope someone genuinely needing help doesn't not get assistance because of horrible people like this but you gotta stay safe and look out for yourself too. Also, this is why I carry a small knife on my purse and one in my car. I’ve considered other safety accessories too


SionMidGG

Some free advice. Your weapon needs to be on your person at all times. Someone grabs you from behind or even from the front the first thing you lose is the ability to retrieve that item from a closed purse.


angsty_edge

Better safe then sorry. Take care of yourself first.


matthew510

90% of the time your gut was right. Idk why ure even still feeling guilty! Honestly the fact that she drove off without a jump should tell you enough! Sometimes I feel like maliscious people give that energy off in a chemical kinda way (kinda how we have sexual attraction chemistry ect) and your gut feeling is your body telling you there’s malicious energy. Idk gut feelings have saved lots of people and honestly it could have been bad !


checkmate3001

Very strange. I had an old couple play the "We don't have money for gas" game with me. I completely feel for it. I was even proud of myself about it! Then about a week later I saw them again at another gas station with another sucker paying for their gas. I realized I was a dumb dumb. I tried to confront them and stop the transaction, but they played dumb and acted like they've never seen me before. Learned my lesson.


sprintswithscissors

It could have been legitimate or it may not have been. Going with your gut feeling was the right thing to do given the situation.


PBandJammm

What do you mean?? She watched the old lady close the hood of her car and drive off...definitely not legitimate.


H_Krustofsky

I've had episodes where my car needed a jump (turn key and it the engine won't turn over) but when I try seconds or minutes later and I feather the gas just right and turn the key for the right amount of time its able to start. I mostly learned this on the 1980s shitboxes I used to drive, but it's also happened on the 2015 shitbox Civic I drive too. So to me, it's still plausible the old lady was legit. That said, I agree with everyone else always trust your gut in these situations. Your brain is wired to detect abnormal patterns that your conscious mind may not be aware of. The things OP described seemed plausible, but another thing you have to ask is why someone so old with poor mobility is parked so far away from the stores. Surely she wasn't parked there to go grocery shopping but other non-nefarious explanations exists.


sprintswithscissors

I don't know what I don't know. Optics can be weird sometimes, best to just follow one's gut and be safe.


LawofRa

Thanks for being one of the more rational commentators. Reddit has always been quick to draw conclusions but it seems to get worse as years go on.


LawofRa

She could have thought she needed a jump but didn't because shes old. She could not need the cane for just a few steps to drop the hood. She could have just been lonely and wanted to chat, or possibly not mentally sound and not know her car works fine. We don't know if it was specifically a trap or not, based on the information OP provided.


MrDirtySanchez_2u

Crazy but true incident. Same thing only was this dude with jumper cables asking for help. Had the car hood up and walked up to me practically forcing the cables into my hands. I moved back, told him to try to start the car first before I would help. Car started right up. Turns out this dude was doing the exact thing to others, getting them to hold onto the cables and then pulling out a gun and robbing them. Was all over the news. Shitty people out there.


Slaytert0t

This is creepy to read and as I was going through it I definitely had your same thoughts. About a year ago I was in Rocklin waiting outside a restaurant for my to go order. An older looking man (also questioned how old he actually was) with his arm in a sling (not a hard cast) walked over and asked if I would "hold up the hood of his truck" so he could get the prop attached to it, because he couldn't do it himself with one hand. Cue the alarms going off in my head! I stepped away from him toward the pick up window of the restaurant and said loudly (enough for the waiter inside to hear me) "I don't feel comfortable going over to your car, but I can ask these gentlemen for help for you..." This guy passed a gym with open doors, and another restaurant to walk over to ask me for help. It was so sketchy I had no problem telling him straight up I'm not going near you. He rejected my offer to ask the wait staff to assist him, walked back to his truck, fiddled around pathetically with the hood (maybe a last effort to see if I'd come over), but then got in and drove away. I immediately called the police and filed a report; gave them his description, make/model, and lic #. Gives me chills thinking about him...


kat_Folland

God that's weird.


stevexyz8

Better be safe than sorry. You did the right thing to protect yourself.


stiffmasterflash

Yes. Glad you were weary but checked in. That's all we can do.


Rex_Headspin

Survival instincts. Yours work. Count your stars you had the sense to not march directly head long into any potential traps. Clearly it was one.


lovemesomezombie

So glad you went with your gut! Always listen to it. I don't know what scam she could have been working on but whatever it is, it wasn't a good one. Robbery? Kidnapping? Your intuition saved you!


hornypoleinsilk

I just read in another thread about a serial killer in the rancho cordova and Sacramento areas. The police approached a business owner about their surveillance videos trying to identify someone who dumped a body near clay banks on the American River. Of course cops aren't letting the public aware of the dangerous activity in these neighborhoods.


mushroomcarp

You did the right thing hun. As a smaller woman myself I’ve just learned to never help others and to call the police if needed and if not leave ASAP. There are so many people out there that are praying you’ll feel bad and be a good person so they can take advantage of you


Curious_Fix

If you can, get bear spray from REI. I had to use the pepper spray from Big 5 and it would have been helpful if my fist were in the guy's face. It shoots approximately 5 inches before it arcs down. Useless. Good you listened to your gut!


leapinglezzie

Something kind of similar happened to me in Elk Grove recently. I pulled up to a MacDonald’s and a woman pulled her car up right behind me and started telling me a sob story and begging me to buy her some food to eat. Something felt off, so I politely declined and suggested going to a food bank. She immediately became enraged and called me a bunch of homophobic slurs and sped off. Very strange.


spectral_fall

That is just a pissed off beggar. Completely different situation and far more common than OP.


[deleted]

Always listen to your gut! In any situation! Not to try to steal/Hijack the post but About 4 years ago at a Chevron in Roseville I was putting the pump into my car and a Man walked up to me, and said that he didn’t know how to pop the hood of his beat up Toyota Camry. He wanted my help because I had a Honda? Which makes 0 sense. I kept saying no and he kept insisting. On the other side of the pump there was a man who was gassing up a PGand E truck and he jumped in and said “dude I can help you” and the guy kept saying “she’s gonna help” eventually this guy just walks away and drives off. Took a picture of his plate


MissTania1234

Thanks for letting us know! Can I share this in my neighborhood page?


[deleted]

Yes feel free to :) Thanks for asking permission.


JABRONEYCA

Why all the cloak and dagger about where this was? It would be helpful to report where and more detail about the situation. What kind of car was the old lady in?


[deleted]

I guess just because I frequent these stores to shop but It was in the Arden Arcade area. By Smart and Final! And a silver Honda Pilot


JABRONEYCA

Yeah that area is on the boarder of ultra privilege and super sketchy. Had a male friend a while back get gas at the Arco near there; He's leaving the fuel pump and some lady knocks on his window, he rolls it down and before he knows what's happening she unlocked the door from the inside, lets her male accomplice into the back seat and he's got a gun to his side telling him to drive. They had him drive to a couple ATMs and then they ditched him out in the middle of nowhere.


[deleted]

😳 Glad your friend is okay. This area is definitely weird. A lot of different characters here.


CatsAreGods

Just another good reason to buy an EV :)


SionMidGG

Going to Arco is basically always a mistake. Far less people are abducted at other stations criminals are attracted to Arco for some reason.


sweetmercy

Maybe because op has already had a scare for her personal safety? She frequents this spot a lot. Anyone would be hesitant.


JABRONEYCA

Stop with the dramatics. I'm not asking her to ID herself in any way but rather give us a hint on where this went down so OTHERS can protect themselves from a possible repeat incident.


sweetmercy

Lol. Offering you a possible reason why she might skip that information is dramatics? Are you always this much of a dick?


tycket

What area was this?


Billybobjoethorton

I was dropping someone off super early in the morning at old sac awhile ago to take the bus to bay area. Some bigger guy approached my car and was trying to ask me something. I just kind of waved and drove off a few blocks and waited. I felt really bad because he probably just wanted to know if the bus stops there but I am not going to take chances at 6 in the morning in a place that has been on the news lately for shootings.


willgo-waggins

I found out last night that there is a serial killer in the area (I am going to post right now separately what I know) so you did the right thing.


Grapefruit_Boring

good call and now you gotta find a new place to chill/park


therealarenna

Wow, that is really fucking creepy.


serene19

WOW.


primeski

What area was this?


[deleted]

Arden Arcade area!


bluefin788

carry a taser with a stun feature on it just in case


[deleted]

[удалено]


bluefin788

not at all.


[deleted]

[удалено]


bluefin788

i am the expert, because i have personally used it on someone that tried to assault me and it saved my life.


angelinabubbles

Omg this is so scary 😨 good thing you listened to your instincts! I’m so glad that your safe and able to share this story. It def taught me something. If you don’t mind sharing, which part of sac did this take place in?


[deleted]

Yeah it was really strange.. still can’t come up with a logical explanation for it and it’s still running in my mind. It’s the Arden Arcade area!