What's Up Sheepdogs? Ryan here with Tampa Carry.

Hearing a story of violence or an innocent person being victimized seems to be commonplace these days, but rarely do these stories occur so close to home.

Recently I had a student who wanted to get her Florida Concealed Carry Permit , I asked her why she wanted to carry concealed. The story that followed left everyone in the room with an eerie feeling. Here is the story

Knock, Knock...

A few years ago I was in my home excited for a relaxing evening at home when I hear a knock on the door. I opened the door to find a young well-dressed man, who was looking for someone. I recognized the name as a friend of my mothers. I informed the man that I hadn't seen her today and I closed the door.

To my surprise, I heard another knock a few minutes later so I approached the door and asked: "Who is it". It was the same man asking if my mother's friend was back yet. I opened the door to tell this man that no she is not here and leave me alone.

When I opened the door six men forced their way into my home. I've never been so scared in my life. One of the men was pointing a gun at me and telling me to get on the floor. I ran to a dresser drawer and grabbed my boyfriend's, who is a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Deputy, firearm.

When I pulled the pistol from the drawer the six men were running out of my home as fast as they entered. I was very scared but happy that I had a firearm to protect me.

Home Invasions Are Becoming More Common...

Stories of home invasions are far too common in Tampa Bay. I'm very happy that this woman is ok and that she had a firearm easily accessible during this incident. But I think the situation could have been avoided altogether.

Part of the home invasion strategy is to trick the homeowner into opening the front door and they've come up with some pretty creating stories to get you to do this. Some of the most creative are "Have you seen my dog?" "I have a UPS delivery" and of course "Have you seen this person?". I ask my wife to never open the door unless we know the person on the other side. Keep the door shut and talk thru the window.

I believe this does two things to the mind of a potential bad guy. First, it tells them your home. The last thing I want is for some scum bag to think my home is empty and attempt a burglary while my wife and kids are inside. Second, I believe that by not opening the door you present yourself as a hardened target. Hopefully, the bad guy will see you as more work and risk than its worth and move on.

Awareness Is More Important Than Having A Firearm...

Having a firearm for home defense is important for the safety and protection of your home, but a firm believer that most dangerous situations can be avoided if we are aware of our surroundings and vigilant.

You need to know that bad people exist, they are around us every day looking for easy victims. Make yourself look like a difficult target. Keep your head on a swivel and remember peoples intentions are not always what they seem.

If you have a similar story, please share it with me in the comments below. I would love to write an article about your story of survival.

That's all I have for today. So until next time keep training and stay safe...

Ryan G. Thomas