It’s not that I think that most robbers are burdened with an overabundance of mental prowess, it’s just that I don’t expect even the dumbest of criminals to try to take down a 6’2”, 300 pound trucker with only a knife. Shockingly enough though, that’s exactly what two would-be muggers tried to do on Thursday the 3rd of January.
Edwin “Buddy” Jones had pulled over his truck to wait for traffic on I-84 to clear up. He took the opportunity to walk his Boston terrier, Shooter, and to stretch his own legs. As he was on his way back to his truck he was approached by two men.
“I figured nothing was wrong because folks often ask truckers for info about traffic,” Buddy said.
Instead, they demanded money. When he told them that he didn’t have any money, the assailants then demanded cigarettes. In what should have been a major red flag for the would-be robbers, even though Buddy had a cigarette in his mouth, he told them that he didn’t smoke. Instead of taking the hint, the men took out a knife.
In an interview with The Oregonian, Buddy said that they just looked like “a couple of punks… But I guess two little guys figured they could take on a fat guy with a knife.”
A fight ensued in which Buddy was cut in four different places including a nasty gash on his forearm. Despite it being a two-to-one fight, Buddy was able to do sufficient damage that his opponents decided to retreat back to their car and drive away.
After calling 9-1-1, he continued to bleed heavily until he was taken to a local hospital. Despite his wounds, he was released the next day into the care of a friend who lives nearby.
His attackers have yet to be caught. After giving the Oregon State Police a basic description, he shared the story with The Oregonian. In their interview they write “Oregon State Police are looking for a man in his 20s who is scrawny with light facial hair. He was described as wearing a black beanie, gray-black hoodie sweatshirt and dark cargo pants. The other man was described as having a darker complexion and heavier build.” The vehicle they were driving was described as a “low-slung black sport utility vehicle.”
If you have any information on the attack, please call the Oregon State Police at 800-452-7888.
The most shocking part of the story? In 2012 alone, Buddy went through two attempted muggings and also stepped in to help a gas station attendant who was being attacked. Seriously? Does Buddy look like a guy you want to mess with? This just goes to show that no matter who you are, you always need to be careful. So as always, keep your head on a swivel, stay aware, and be safe!
Next Story: Drug Carriers Spoil Public Opinion Of Truckers
Source: Oregon live
Image Source: Benjamin Brink/The Oregonian
That’s why I have the American Express policy when comes to my firearms. I don’t leave home without it.
If you drive a semi truck, and you have a firearm, you will end up getting charged for it and it’s federal charges. And many states have different firearm laws as well…
Me, I’m perfectly happy with my Louisville Slugger and tire iron. Or my sprays… I have a spray that’s concentrated with chemicals that makes it even more effective than pepper spray and it’s in a spray bottle so I can’t even be charged for weapon violations there.
Not a very macho pooch, so i can see why some hoods may have thought he might be easy… had he been walking a pit, a rott, or a shepard etc., we wouldn’t have this story. Old shooter was not his best friend that day…
Buddy,
I have 9 years in combat zone. And Brother your a hero! Sad part is you was fighting for your life in the good old US of A!!!!! Be safe all you truckers! Happy New Year!
There is no federal restriction against a firearm in a truck. Only local laws can apply.
I thought OOIDA just did a story about that and as long as you were legal in the states you travel it is ok. (Concealed carry)
I find that the fire extinguisher is also an effective deterrent.
wow. They messed with THAT guy? Just when you think people can’t get any dumber….They surpass themselves.
get some bear spray or pepper spray, and blind the punks, and accidentally kick ’em in the nuggets, before you call the cops (or just leave ’em there)
There is No I repeat NO federal law banning truck drivers from carrying a fire arm, this miss information has been passed around for years, some companies forbid their drivers from having a way to protect them selves but a lot of those companies are changing their minds and policies regarding a weapon in the truck.
This is a myth. There is no federal regulation against carrying a firearm. The applicable laws, such as they may be, are state and local. In many cases, you can live in one state, get a concealed carry permit permit for that state, and other states will honor that on a reciprocal basis. Then there are states like where you can also get a non-resident permit. Florida and Utah, for example, come to mind. In effect, through the various reciprocity agreements and non-resident permits, you can end up being legal in something like 38 states with two or three state permits. Aside from those states, there the local municipalities with varying laws. I’d like to say, “Don’t go anywhere you can’t legally carry,” and I try to do that, but it’s not always practical when you have freight you have to deliver.. Do a little “Googling.” If you’re not already a member, join the NRA (http://www.nra.org). The United States Concealed Carry Assoc., (https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/), is a another good organization to join. . In the meantime, let’s all try to stop spreading myths and hearsay as fact.
Another thought occurs to me; people keep spreading this mis-information that there is some kind of federal statute or rule against truckers carrying a firearm. Lowlife, miscreant criminal types hear this and think, “Ah! Truckerz iz eazee targetz!” So, lowlife miscreant hops in his sled and heads for nearest rest area to find a trucker to hit. Finds trucker. Jumps trucker. Trucker terminates lowlife miscreant with a double tap from his trusty and legal 1911 .45acp (just my preferred choice, is all). We end up with one less dirtbag miscreant lowlife out there, but that driver will probably have to fill out a bunch of paper work, police reports, and possibly even stand trial. He/she will most likely be exonerated, but he/she is also advised to get good legal representation. All this can be avoided by not spreading false info that lowlife miscreants may latch on to and attempt to use.
Nothing wrong wit that breed of dog. Mind u I. Raise pitts ..it ain’t how big the dog is its how big the fight is inside the dog
Local Laws dictate! I am from GA, and there are presently 26 States that have reciprocity with GA in which I can legally carry, and I do. But when I know that I will be traveling in those that do not have reciprocity, unfortunately, I have to leave my protection at home.
Don’t get caught in MA or NY with an unlicensed weapon, mandatory 1 (one) year in prison; and ignorance is NO excuse or defense!
I drove truck for 30 years and every time I see or hear someone say that garbage I ask for a cite or a link and no one can ever provide one because it is BS with the exception of one or two places if you have the weapon properly stored or the correct permits you can have a firearm in your truck.
As far as I’ve read (DOT hand book) and officials I’ve talked to (local police, Dept.of Public Safety, Highway Patrol etc.) There are NO federal laws stating that I cannot carry my firearm in a commercial vehicle.
I was told that each state has it’s own laws about carrying a firearm in a vehicle.
Personally I carry a Concealed Carry Permit which allows me to carry my 9mm in the states with recposity. I read the laws in the other states so I remain compliant.
After 30 years of driving I have yet be sited for firearm laws.
Canada is another story. Firearms for self protection are NOT allowed in Canada.
Check for youself, don’t believe anyone on situations that could potentually make you loose your lively hood. CHECK FOR YOURSELF !!
The lowlifes of the world generally aren’t equipped with a lot of brains. If they were, they would find something constructive to do. I notice in the pic that this driver also travels with a cat (see dash of truck). Even if that cat turned out to be a small mountain lion, I doubt those two mini- brains would have passed on looking for trouble.
I have a 14 year old Lhasa Apso, who weighs in at about 25 lbs. She doesn’t travel with me but if she did, heaven help anyone who tried to mess with me. At home, a neighbor of mine tried to get a little ‘handy’ with me one night. My big beautiful girl ran him right out of the house.. Nobody was gonna mess with her mama. As for having a rottie, or other dog perceived as more ‘dangerous.’ The last one she encountered at the dog park ran the other way when she held her ground. That dog’s owner was very surprised, but I was not. The right dog in the right circumstance can deter trouble, but so can a Smith & Wesson. The dog just requires less paperwork.
Incorrect. There is no Federal prohibition against carrying firearms in a Commercial Vehicle. It’s simply not in the DOT regs. Various states have restrictions, and it is wise to study them. That being said, one of the world’s largest armies may be the American Truckers.
Man wish these thugs didn’t get away with it.
I ride around with my english bull terrier, perfect size dog for traveling with, great security watch dog and one of the toughest, strongest dogs you will ever encounter. She just needs some frisbee once a day and she is great.
Screw them. Live or die…you make the call.
that’s ( one reason ) why i carry a pocket knife. As a lawyer once told me, if your in this kind of situation Make sure you cut all of the thugs who hit on you good enough to get blood on the knife Then call police and insist that the DNA be taken off the knife for future prosecution.
Nobody saw that happening?!
It is not illegal to have a gun in your truck, it is illegal to take a gun across state lines unless you declare it with every state. If you declare it in Illinois they will take it away unless you have a FOID card and you can’t have one unless you are a resident there. If you own the gun legally and you have a conceal permit for your home state you can carry your gun with you in the truck. A lot of people are under the impression that it is illegal to have it in the truck but it isn’t if you go by the rules.
This is the reason why they should allow firearms to be carried in a commercial vehicle providing that the individual operator has the necessary documents they are required to have!! People think truck drivers are easy prey to rob not to mention they take a lot of chances going in to strange and un known areas to deliver or pickup loads!! I myself would def have an equalizer….I’d rather deal with the bs of having a gun in my truck and plus be alive than getting killed or hurt
There are no federal laws against having a gun in your truck down there, unless you hapen to be a Canadian like me. Many years ago I used to run down to the eastern seaboard and saw and heard many hairy stories of muggings and highjackings. Besides little billy clubs (a baseball bat is too large to swing around in tight spaces) like half of a weight pool cue and a tire thumper, I would also carry a flare gun. There were no restrictions placed on me, a Canadian for any of those. Luckily I never had to use any of them. I refuse to drive to most eastern cities now anyways. Even if the flare gun isn’t technically a leathal weapon, it can mess someone up pretty bad at close quaters. Especially the jerk who would climb up and stick his face in your window.
Your life or theirs… I got my family waiting on me.. What about you???
There is NO FEDERAL law, rule or reg prohibiting carrying a legal gun in the truck. But there are plenty of state & local laws against it.
I KEEP A BIG CAN OF RAID 22 FOOT WASP SPRAY IN THE CAB. IT REALLY BURNS AND DAMAGE THE PUPILS……
Buy a can of bear pepper spray from any sporting goods store and you have all you need to protect yourself, believe me.
No Kaiyla; you are WRONG.
There is NO Federal Law; I repeat, there is NO FEDERAL LAW outlawing having a firearm in the truck.
It is governed ONLY by State and Local Laws.
A little research on your part before you make such a statement again.
To clear up a misconception, Commercial vehicles such as combination rigs or 18 wheelers are governed by the DOT laws and Federal Laws. It is against the law to carry any type of firearm in this type of commercial vehicle by Federal Law; it is not dependant on the state. The only thing that is determined by the state is the corresponding punishment. For example, a state that allows this type of weapon to be carried may only give the driver a ticket, while others may take the weapon, and the worst case is that the driver can be arrested. It is not the same as driving a personal vehicle.
Commercial vehicles such as combination rigs or 18 wheelers are governed by the DOT laws and Federal Laws. It is against the law to carry any type of firearm in this type of commercial vehicle by Federal Law. I know this because I used to haul copper from the copper mines in New Mexico to Chicago and our trucks would be hijacked and the loads stolen a lot. I never lost one, thank God, but many of the other drivers did because we were not allowed to carry anything to defend the load with. We were all given a copy of the Federal Law that prohibits the carrying of firearms in a Commercial vehicle as part of our safety brief.
It is NOT a federal or any other crime to carry a gun in a truck. Your employer however my have a do not carry policy.
In Edmonton Alberta Canada the trucker would have been charged with assault true to fact was charge and convicted of assault after I was attack.
Right on, Buddy!! You got battle scars to show off, now, partner. The only happier ending to this story is if the punks wound up with a bad case of cranial diaploopous!! Though I don’t think Oregon will do much more than the paperwork, you taught this inferior species to seek easier targets in the future.
There’s a lot of good suggestions in the responses to the article. Regarding firearms: it ain’t illegal if you don’t get caught. But I like the Raid Wasp Spray idea–I sprayed myself once (quick learner) and can attest to its effectiveness. Don’t spray into the wind. And I’m already armed: 80,000 pounds don’t leave a lot of witnesses…. The bottom line is the gubmint is there for one reason–to get in our pockets any way possible. The only way they protect truckers is to keep that revenue flowing. It’s up to us.
And we don’t fail.
John Burleson
Larry please tell me where you find the law that says you have to stop in every state and declare you have a firearm in your vehicle. I also would like you to tell me where these supposed firearm declaration stations are as I have never seen them in 30 years of running the roads in this country.
All you people spouting off about this law and that law are doing nothing but perpetuating lies and half truths about firearms not being allowed, if you do not know something for sure is factual why do you continue to repeat something that is wrong?
I made my own sprayer with Nade Viper Chili. And on top of that, I also have a coffee cup 3/4 full
with it too… I keep that one in my cup holder.
I been a Kickboxer for 47 yrs & 22 yrs in the Army (MOS: 18C) so yes I know how to take care of myself, but some times you need to think & act fast. When you have 0ne or more guys coming at you. And yes I have used my coffee cup, works great!
so you are going to tell your trucking company you can’t go to X states with a load because you are carrying a firearm on your truck? Or are you an outlaw trucker? who never gets inspected? and if you have a CCW most states’ CCW license requires giving the license with your drivers license when stopped.
whole can of worms to carrying a firearm on a truck or I would be doing it believe me
and where in the FMCSA does it tell you cannot carry a firearm? I have not found it yet. it is however illegal by many states.
You don’t know what you are talking about. There is no federal law about having or carrying a firearm in a truck. States vary so that can be an issue.
I love how ‘The Lead Story’ get’s buried by a foolish discussion about ‘Concealed Carry’. My fellow truckers you never let me down!!!!! ‘Break 1-9 for a Radio Check’. Good job in defending yourself Buddy. Be safe out there and remember… doesnt matter how big you are or how many ‘tats’ you accumilate.. desperate people will still try you!!! Catch you on the Flip side.
While not every state accepts my license to carry, I have yet to find a state that has singled out truck drivers as not being allowed to be armed.
That’s what a winch bar is good for.
You go Buddy!! Had 2 guys in Nashville climb on each side of my truck @ the Pilot on Trinity. Even though I’m a female trucker, I wasn’t too concerned. My weapon came out of my bunk when I told them to buzz off. My 180 lb Great Dane had them flying off my truck. Truly had a good laugh that day.
I also carry a gun and a concealed weapons permit. I have a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy. Been in every state in the United States and I’ve NEVER had a problem.
Also a P.S. For those of you that carry and don’t have reciprocity in the states you travel, you may want to contact those states and see about applying for a concealed weapons permit in that state. It may cost a pretty penny, but at least you’re legal. Like the guy from GA…my CWP is not reciprocated in GA, but I may be able to apply and get one from GA.
The NRA is in fact a good place to startfinding out such info and right now, a great organization to belong to.
odd how a story about a guy fighting off a couple of muggers without a gun brought out the nuts that need a gun to feel all manly. facts are facts, those that own guns are more likely to get shot by said gun than repel some mythical bad guy. and with the ease of breaking into a truck, only a fool or someone in the criminal gun supply business would store a gun in one.
you gun toters, how useful is your firearm if you follow the law?
Transporting a firearm in a vehicle: The same licensing restrictions on ownership of various firearms applies to transportation of such guns. But generally speaking, all rifles and shotguns must be unloaded when in a motor vehicle. Handguns and large-capacity firearms left unattended in a vehicle must be unloaded and kept in a locked case, locked trunk or other secure container. Muzzleloading or other Black Powder firearms must also be unloaded.
that is the MA rules. MN is the same, i presume many states have transport restrictions.
wow great story, glad he’s ok!! same thing happend to me in Bordentown nj at the Petro about 10 yrs ago.. I did a Dum@ss move and left the counter to count my money after i cashed a com check .. walking back to my truck some little crack-head pulled his knife on me and tried to take my week-end spending dough.. I told him he’d have to reach in my pocket to get it…. im 6’1′ and at the time about 310.. Hey Crack head if your reading this.. let me know when you want your knife back !!! lol… talk about poor judgment… these people crack me up
Enjoy your state there carl. Sounds like heaven on earth.
Go not only on military grounds, ports, near prisons, oh and let’s not forget the borders… Or company policies, or customer policies… I’d rather not take the chance. I’ve been driving back and forth between Canada and the USA for a while so all I worry about is my baseball bat, a tire iron, and a spray bottle with a highly sticky admixture that does not come off, permanently stains, and burns hotter than most pepper sprays because my base uses corn syrup..
But… if you have a TX carry permit your good in 40 or so states. FL, TN, etc – somewhere around 26 – 30 last i checked….. i currently hold a SD carry permit (good for around 26 states). and, carrying a class A CDL, i have to keep up with where i can legally carry, and when i have to store it in the sidebox (so it’s not accessable from the interior) as per federal transportation rules… and still locked away safe.
Most trucking companies don’t allow firearms in the cab with you. It should be a law for all truckers to carry concealed for personal protection as well as security of the truck. With this leadership we are messed up all the way around!
It really suck you can’t have a firearm with you in the truck I do have a Louisville slugger and brass knuckles but my pop use to carry his revolver in a book with pages cutout he didn’t leave his life in the govt hands he told me once he had to pull it out when a guy tried to take him out the truck and then he ditched the gun into the fuel tank after someone call the cops on him USA is so screwed up now
I run Hazmat all the time. Hydrogen trailers, chlorine, sometimes even Nuclear up to “The Mountain” in Nevada. I carry all the time, been stopped many times by law enforcement. Have a CCW in Nevada/Utah that gives me like 31 state carry. I carry everywhere, and every time I have been stopped, I tell the officer I am armed right away, and have never had a problem. Most of them don’t ask much, and ones that do I say look at the shipping manifest, and ask yourself if you want the stuff I’m hauling in the wrong hands, and that is the end of it. Even at roadside inspections I haven’t had a problem. they will secure the weapon until they are done, then return it to me with a “Have a nice Day”, “Be careful” speech. As long as your not trying to hide anything, I have found being honest and upfront has worked every time. I’m sure sooner or later I’ll get the dickhead cop on a power trip, but so far, not yet, and I have been driving almost 9 years now. So, Keep the shinny side up, and keep it Rollin out there, and be safe!!!
Hey Carl,
Firearms are very useful when carried in accordance with state laws. Transporting IAW state laws, not so much. There’s a difference. If you have a CCW and you’re in a state that has reciprocity with your home state (and chances are you will be, as only a few states don’t recognize out of state permits) then you carry. And which “facts” are you referring to pertaining to people getting shot with their own guns? That would be an interesting cite. And apparently the two would-be robbers in the story that these comments pertain to weren’t all that mythical. Maybe you’re big and bad enough to Bruce Lee your way out of every tough spot drivers can find themselves in. Good for you. Most people aren’t Bruce Lee. Come make some overnight drops or all night loads in Detroit and tell me all about the mythical bad guys.
David Martin- better check those DOT regs again. Someone lied to you.
Patrick Washington- They do allow us to carry firearms in big trucks, IAW state law.
B.S. Where in the federal law does it state this?? It’s not in there.
What is the federal law? And where can it be found? There is no federal law against carrying in a commercial vehicle…..
Horseshit federal charges. Truckers have been lied to for years. there is no federal law or restriction regarding the lawful carrying of a firearm in a commercial vehicle. Here you will see the copy of a letter sent to a driver from D.O.T. http://WWW.PHMSA.DOT.GOV On the search bar enter “ref 06-0165 49CFR 173.54. You are however subject to state and local laws, but the FOPA, Firearms Owners Protection Act gives you the right to transport from state to state when done discretely and properly. Company policy may be prohibitive but there is no federal regulation. You have been lied to by your employer.
I never leave mine in the truck, it goes with me. Rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6. Been there done that. Shot 2 dirtbags 08/06/2000. Went to trial, Judge Kenneth Keeling 237th District Court Huntsville Txsaid my only error was using dove and quail load instead of buckshot, and firing 3x instead of 5x. Jury verdict NOT GUILTY. JB Hunt terminated my employment, so what, I found employment with a better company in a matter of hours. Phuque em.
Does not have to be in the sidebox in restrictive states. Out of drivers reach. In the sleeper cabinets is out of reach while driving.
Next time you walk the dog take a 7 foot fiberglass walking staff with you…. preferably one that has a 1/4 ” steel rod core down its length… and has about 1-1/2 ” diameter, tapered to a point on the end. Whop somebody up side the head with that and see what happens ! I mean, reach out and touch somebody… get my drift? You can swing it like a baseball bat, jab with it, poke with it, hold someone off with it, deflect a blow with it… hmm, maybe they need to start selling em’ at the truck stops?
thanks to the regulations against having a firearm in a commercial vehicle- it leaves truck drivers without that option- but belieeve me- being an old trucker myself- truckers dont need firearms to make mush out of a thug- a tire tool, a big stick, any number of items can be used to whip the crap of a damn thief- just remember that- truckers are on the road to earn a living and they dont give up what the own very easily- cause trucking is the hardest job you can ever have and when you work that hard to gain something for you and your family- you dont give it up without one hell of a fight- Truckers Rule!!!