Pepper spray highly recommended for being out at night. (Fort Myers: school, costs)

[explorerman1]

Just last Friday, at around 11:30 pm, I was northbound on Broadway heading to the nightlife in Downtown Fort Myers when I was assaulted by a couple of muggers that were hiding in the drainage ravine. It occured just south of Unity Avenue. One of them told me to give him my money, another one punched me in the face. Luckily, I was able to outrun them on my bike, and then I took out my cell phone and called the police, which were very helpful with me and seemed determined to catch the suspects. Unfortunately, I wasn't carrying any pepper spray, and therefore to my knowledge, both suspects are still at large.

Well, I have done what I never thought I would need to do before; I got myself some pepper spray. Pepper spray can easily be purchased at Wal Mart and costs about $10, and it comes in pocket sized canisters. Pepper spray causes a severe burning sensation in the eyes, coughing and even difficulty breathing, stinging skin, and occasionally even first and second degree burns and occasional blistering. Blackhawk pepper spray can emit a concentrated stream capable of penetrating through ski masks and bandannas.

So, if any of you plan on heading to Downtown Fort Myers for the nightlife, taking a midnight bicycle ride, skateboard ride, or go roller skating, through Fort Myers, get yourself some pepper spray. And in fact, I highly recommend, at the least, Blackhawk Maximum Strength pepper spray, especially if your nighttime route is up/down; Broadway Avenue, Cleveland Avenue, Fowler Street, Edison Avenue, Michigan Avenue, or Palm Beach Blvd.

[NoSnow4me]

A Ruger Blackhawk .44 mag might be a little more helpful.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by NoSnow4me

A Ruger Blackhawk .44 mag might be a little more helpful.

Assuming of course one is a really good shot and gets both of them, or be overpowered and lose it in a two-on-one scenario like the OP encountered.

[B4U]

Sorry for your troubles. I hope you never need use that spray. 2 on 1 - they were out meant to do harm and hope they are caught and experience their own 2 on 1 when they are convicted.

[CapnTrips]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

Assuming of course one is a really good shot and gets both of them, or be overpowered and lose it in a two-on-one scenario like the OP encountered.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both pistols and pepper spray as self defense weapons. Aside from the fact that one can be overpowered with pepper spray as well, spray is useless in a high wind or in an enclosed area.

Best defense is not to go where the bad guys are.

[Samiamnh]

Streets you mentioned are not a good place to be even if you're packing.
Makes sense to carry a hand gun...a cop is too heavy !

[darrvao777]

I think I'd rather just avoid going to those areas...

[rikoshaprl]

A midnight bike ride in those areas may require a bullet proof vest too.

[LifeIsGood01]

Originally Posted by rikoshaprl

A midnight bike ride in those areas may require a bullet proof vest too.

A midnight bike ride in most cities is a bad idea.

[Compression]

Originally Posted by rikoshaprl

A midnight bike ride in those areas may require a bullet proof vest too.

A midnight bike ride in those areas may require a bit of education collection on the part of the rider.......

It's fortunate the rider in this case got away with a punch in the face, and perhaps the loss of some cash for his schooling.

I wont go thru those areas in my 7800 lb truck at midnight.



CN.......