I think that's a true statement 90% of the time. Usually mine is in a belt holster but on trips I'll tuck it between the seat and console, barrel down and grip in a position where I just lay my hand on it.

I've also been told to carry a small knife (I don't) in case you're grabbed from behind in a choke hold. I've been told they back off in a hurry. :D

Looks like you got a quick lesson with the flare gun. Sometimes I see a LEO standing alongside a stopped car in a very vulnerable position. It makes me shudder.

99% of the time an experienced LEO can read a situation within the first few moments of a traffic stop, or even a domestic dispute. But when a person approaches you in a non-aggressive manner to speak with you and then just comes out with a flare gun (which looks like a cannon up close) the pucker factor pegs like a Z06 with a brick on the gas pedal! ( I think I remember a sucking sound!?!) I didn't expect that! But I'll never forget it either. It doesn't matter how good or how fast you are....you can't out-draw a weapon that is already deployed! I realized right away that it was a flare gun, and I remembered everything I had been taught in the military about burning magnesium. At that moment I found myself wishing it was a .45.

I aggree 100%.
This story should read: "Theif shot after trying to knife jack a car."

I hope you get your car back and in good condition.

Sandman- you came out of this unharmed and here to talk about it. Except for the trama and loss of the car, you are relatively unscathed. Do you carry? If/so, did you that day? Stay Well - Stay Sane