In today's Good Guy with a Gun, we study a chilling real-world encounter that reminds us just how quickly violence can erupt — and how vital it is to stay alert, even during everyday moments.

The incident took place on April 20, 2018, on Chicago's South Side. An off-duty Chicago police officer sat in his black vehicle outside a local barbershop, when two men approached with violent intentions. Without warning, the officer found himself in the middle of a life-threatening carjacking attempt.

Recognizing Pre-Attack Indicators

At first glance, the two suspects might have seemed unremarkable. They wore hoodies — not unusual — but considering it was April, not the dead of winter, that was the first subtle red flag. Their body language provided more clues: walking in a tight, purposeful formation, drifting slightly toward the officer's passenger side — a pattern eerily similar to predatory behavior seen both in criminal behavior and in nature.

Unlike casual pedestrians who walk side-by-side, the suspects moved in a formation designed to set up an attack — a maneuver similar to what wolves use to flank prey.

The Disinterested Near-Pass

As explained by retired Lieutenant Todd Heaton, the tactic the carjackers used is known as a "disinterested near-pass." The idea is to appear disinterested — pretending not to notice the victim — until the attackers are deep into a blind spot, close enough to act.

As one suspect reached an "apex point" — roughly 90 degrees off the officer’s flank — he pivoted sharply, opening the car door in less than a second. His left hand reached into his hoodie pocket to draw a firearm.

Notably, although the suspect was right-handed, he carried his weapon in his left pocket. This suggests premeditation: by shielding the draw with his body, he aimed to obscure his movements from the driver until the very last moment.

The Officer’s Response

The off-duty officer reacted swiftly, but even then, it took him almost five seconds to get out of the car — precious time, possibly hindered by a seatbelt. Rolling counterclockwise out of the vehicle, he worked to create distance while drawing his firearm. Unfortunately, the officer’s gun experienced several malfunctions, further complicating his defense.

Despite technical challenges and deep window tint making visibility difficult, the officer returned fire toward the attackers. One of the suspects finally managed to transfer his firearm into his dominant hand but, under fire and in a dynamic, chaotic situation, accuracy was questionable at best.

Thankfully, no one was injured. Once under return fire, the suspects fled the scene. The officer took cover behind a nearby white Jeep and survived the encounter unscathed.

Key Lessons and Solutions

This incident offers several critical takeaways for armed citizens and everyday drivers alike:

• Vehicle Transitions are High-Risk Moments: Parking or exiting your car is a vulnerable transition. If you must stop in a high-crime area, remain alert and minimize the time spent stationary.

• Stay Ready to Move: Whenever possible, avoid putting your car in park unless necessary. Staying in "drive" with your foot on the brake keeps your doors locked and gives you the option to immediately accelerate away if threatened.

• Create Space at Traffic Stops: Maintain a gap between your car and the vehicle ahead, giving yourself a lane of escape if needed.

• Recognize Pre-Attack Indicators: Study human behavior. Hoodies, hands in pockets, non-standard formations, and feigned disinterest can all be warning signs.

In a personal story shared by Lt. Heaton, a similar tactic was used against him at a stoplight. Thanks to maintaining space and paying close attention, he was able to drive off without escalating the encounter into violence.

Final Thoughts

The reality is that attacks can unfold in less than a second. Preparedness isn't paranoia — it's prudence. Train your mind to recognize the red flags. Practice efficient transitions from your vehicle. Most importantly, always stack the odds in your favor by maintaining situational awareness and thinking a few moves ahead.

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