Posted on 09/08/2001 12:26:50 PM PDT by 45Auto
FORT COLLINS -- She walks across campus as most Colorado State University students do, hurrying to classes or to her job as a tutor, with a blue book bag slung over her shoulder. But this 23-year-old economics major totes more than books. She's packing a hidden .38-caliber pistol, which she says she won't hesitate to use in light of a series of sexual assaults that began in May.
At 5-foot-3 and 113 pounds, the college senior said Friday that a handgun is her only means of protecting herself. She spoke out during a news conference with the Rocky Mountain Gun Owners organization but declined to provide her real name, saying she doesn't want to be a crime target. "This isn't something I'm saying has to be for everyone, but I don't want to live in fear or be afraid to go out at night," the student said. "I don't think I can run fast enough to escape or scream loud enough. . . . I'd rather be safe than sorry."
Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden [good Sheriff]confirmed Friday that he issued a concealed weapons permit to the student this week, agreeing to waive the typical 60-day waiting period.
The student decided to apply after one of the more recent attacks, which occurred a block from her off-campus apartment. "She expressed a need and a concern, and . . . we decided to issue the permit on an expedited basis," Alderden said.
The sheriff said he has not noticed an increase in applications but acknowledged that his department has been giving out more information packets. Gun organization spokesman Ray Hickman said Friday his group wants students to know there are protection alternatives to Mace and martial arts.
But some people worry that more guns will heighten fear [idiots] and do little, if any good, as police continue to hunt a bold attacker. Six women have been assaulted in recent months, all while sleeping in their off-campus apartments. Each victim was blindfolded. "Someone comes in and overpowers you before you wake up. What's a gun going to do?" Fort Collins police spokeswoman Rita Davis said.
The university prohibits carrying weapons in residence halls, but CSU Police Chief Donn Hopkins said the law allows concealed weapons on school grounds with a permit.
He worries about firearms ending up in the wrong hands or being used against a victim. "My strong belief is that information and awareness is the best crime deterrent," Hopkins said. As part of that philosophy, university and city officials met Friday with students to discuss the investigation.
"Each member of this community has to be accountable for helping us apprehend this person," Mayor Ray Martinez said. "We're depending on the eyes and ears of the public."
That's obvious - it's going to make a would-be attacker think twice if their not sure if someone will be armed or not. A definte equalizer as you say...
He worries about firearms ending up in the wrong hands or being used against a victim
Sounds like the same could be said for a blindfold
He died after being hit twice between the eyes with an awareness.
oh yes... and it’s especially awe inspiring when a babe
outshoots you on the range.
His real reason is that he thinks women are too stupid to carry a gun.
Or perhaps he has reason to fear an armed woman.
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