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I was on my clinical rotation last weekend, and the hospital where my group is working is in an unpleasant part of Minneapolis (Hennepin County Medical Center for those of you familiar with the area). I use public transit, and I was on my way to the bus stop, a good 2 blocks away from the hospital when some stranger--early 20s by the looks of him--yelled at me from across the street "you are a bitch and a faggot." He was very nonchalant, and spoke clearly. He was well groomed, and his clothes were clean, he did not have the look of some vagrant. There were no other people around, so I know for sure he was talking to me.

Anyway, I have dealt with these types before, and I found the best response is to ignore them. They are fishing for a reaction so the worst thing you can do (from their perspective) is to dismiss whatever they have to say. We both crossed the street, he waited until he was a good 8 to 10 feet behind me, and said "if I see you again, I'll kill you." Again, very nonchalant, speaking calmly, clearly.

I picked up my cell phone and called the cops. I think he was onto what I was doing because I was looking in his general direction and noticed that he kept looking back at me. At one point, he even started walking in my direction, so I started to speak VERY LOUDLY SO HE COULD HEAR THAT I WAS TALKING TO A 911 OPERATOR while simultaneously walking backwards towards my bus stop--ready to take the first bus out of Downtown Minneapolis regardless of whether it brought me home.

He turned and looked in my direction one last time and moved on. I told the 911 operator which direction he was headed as well as the best description I could. I kind of doubt they found the guy or even responded; I mean how many kids wear hoodies these days, right? He didn't brandish a weapon, and he didn't make any gestures or even move towards me in a threatening way, so retrospectively, despite feeling shaken up over the experience I felt a little silly dialing 911.

Here's my question, was calling the cops the right move?

Incidentally, I don't carry any weapons because statistics favor perpetrators using the victim's own weapon against them. I never did any martial arts, and I didn't get into fights as a kid, so I don't think I would be a very challenging opponent if there was a physical altercation. I spoke with my professor and she suggested that hospital security might be able to escort me to the bus stop if I don't feel safe, and I will probably take them up on that.

I grew up in Minneapolis, but it no longer feels like home.

Think you made the right move calling, anything these days can escalate a situation even the call. Best thing to do Is get them on the phone and have someone responding in case something did go down. Self defense and weapons can still lead to an ass kickin, I grew up in seedy spots my whole childhood and just about got my ass handed to me daily. Take some martial arts or self defense courses just to be prepared, everyone should know how to protect themselves, but understand it won't always get you out of a jam. A big can of bear mace would work like a charm though just be safe, any action, calling the fuzz or haulin ass down the road is never a bad thing.

Reading this story made me angry then sad in that order. All I will say is don't let that cretin play on your mind. He doesn't deserve a moment of your attention. This is the only way scum like that can get off causing misery and fear to innocent people just going about their daily lives. I'm a big believer in karma and one of these days someone handy will turn on him, I hope that day comes soon.

Thanks guys!
Just a little update on this story, I told my instructor about what happened and expected her to lay down the old "well always be aware of your surroundings" line, but as it turns out, she had a helpful suggestion!
HCMC security guards sometimes escort staff to their cars, so it stands to reason that I could talk them into escorting me to the train stop if I don't feel safe.
I do like having my clinical rotation there, but the neighborhood kind of blows.

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(04-15-2013 09:53 PM)samuraitrev Wrote: [ -> ]Reading this story made me angry then sad in that order. All I will say is don't let that cretin play on your mind. He doesn't deserve a moment of your attention. This is the only way scum like that can get off causing misery and fear to innocent people just going about their daily lives. I'm a big believer in karma and one of these days someone handy will turn on him, I hope that day comes soon.

I too believe in karma. I don't think of it as reward and punishment, more like cause and effect.

(04-13-2013 04:45 AM)Kevthenurse Wrote: [ -> ]....

Here's my question, was calling the cops the right move?

....

Absolutely. There are too many unpredictable people out there (mentally ill, on drugs, desperate for whatever reason) for you to wait to see a weapon before you call. If some guy is advancing toward you and telling you he is going to kill you, that is plenty of reason to call 911. Hopefully the situation resolves itself but if it goes downhill at least you have the police on the way.

Sorry that happened to you. Hopefully you will never see that guy again.

This is a really upsetting story. I'm sad that you had to experience this, and that it has had lasting repercussions.

Sorry to hear about this.

This is precisely the reason why I chose to pursue my studies in Kenpo. I'm not a master by any means, but I'm not a push over either. Physically, I'm able to withstand more pain and I'm more in tune with my body. It's great for morale as well.

I agree with the above comments.

you should not feel silly about your reaction; you did the right thing by calling and talking to your superiors. I used to work as a temp Sterile Processing Tech in several of the worst neighborhoods and surrounding cities of Chicago and I had several strange encounters like you describe. and I didn't call the police (or even telling anyone) blaming myself and thinking it wasn't a big deal--or that I blew the danger out of proportion.

but in retrospect I think that was the wrong move. you should be cautious. and you should trust your gut. it's there for a reason.

UPDATE!
After doing my clinical this weekend, the security team at HCMC was indeed willing to give me a ride to the train station and on day 2 of the clinical, I found an alternate route to the train station that allows me to walk less than a city block to my destination thereby decreasing my risk for encountering a sociopath. The train platforms themselves are monitored by CCTV and the transit police are always always within a few minutes of the stops.
I hear Chicago is pretty rough, aldrichgreg. I've always wanted to visit the Field Museum to see the lions, but the stories I hear make it so I wouldn't want to travel alone.
I will be vigilant. I am grateful for all of your advice and concern!