A sobering story that started unfolding this morning: Lawyer kidnapped in Birmingham; tag number released
It's unclear what's going on--the police have information about activity on her bank accounts at three different locations, and they have a cell phone call from her, which seems like it would make it slightly easier to track her kidnapper.
Terrible things like this can occur anywhere, even someplace you might feel safe--believe it or not, downtown Birmingham really isn't the worst place for crime, but crime can still happen anywhere, anytime. Also, although I honor and respect our police force, they can't be everywhere. It would be vanishingly unlikely that the police would be in a position to prevent a crime such as this from happening. They might be able to find you later, but later might not be good. Further, this could just as easily been a man as it was a woman--it is essential whenever you are in public that you try to be aware of your surroundings and be ready to react if you must. As usual, I recommend you read local range operator and police officer John Grigsby's excellent handbook on self-defense. Although geared toward those who carry firearms, it is still full of good information for those who don't.
My prayers go out to this young lady and her family, and I hope she is found safe.
UPDATE: 6/1/06 As I was on the way home yesterday, I was listening to the news on the radio when word came that police had located Ms. Gregory and her assailant and rescued her safely.
Posted by Terry Oglesby at May 31, 2006 02:17 PM