A Deadly Game of Hide and Seek

For this Philadelphia couple, returning home after a night out put them in the wrong place at the wrong time — fatally.

Coming home to find a rape occurring in your driveway would be both repulsive and stunning. Even more so when the assailant pulls out a gun and starts shooting at you.

For this couple, the instinct to run was helpful, but unfortunately, the instinct to hide was not. While trying to conceal themselves in a nearby grassy area, the "alleged" rapist found them and shot them dead.

It's understandable that many people cannot comprehend the fear, adrenaline, and split-second decisions that accompany a life threatening situation. Many have not been through one. But when you read a tragic story like this (and thank G-d it wasn't you), as hard as it may be, put yourself in that situation.

What would you do? How would that differ if your wife and kids were there? Would you have the means — and the will — to protect yourself and your family?

We may not be able to rehearse the physiological responses to a life threatening situation, but we can think through the logical ones. You never know what scenario you might walk into — even in your own driveway. Carrying a firearm for self-defense greatly increases your chances of avoiding a high-stakes game of hide and seek. Freedom comes with responsibility, but it's a life insurance policy worth having.

If your local laws permit you to carry a concealed weapon, strongly consider it. If not, question your government's distrust of you and willingness to put your life at risk.

People like Chief Inspector Fox, who sounds as if he's not sure whether to arrest people or guns, will discourage you. But remember it's not his job — or anyone else's — to protect you. It's yours and yours alone.

Police: Couple who happened upon rape in Philadelphia are killed

The Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA - A couple who stumbled upon a man raping a woman in their driveway were killed by the rapist, police said.

The victim of the alleged rape in the Fern Rock neighborhood was shot in the arm and leg but was expected to recover, police said. The attack was one of six shootings - two of them fatal - overnight in Philadelphia.

The couple was returning home from a night out when they found the alleged rapist and his 18-year-old victim late Wednesday night, police said.

The woman broke free of her attacker and began screaming about the assault, according to police. The couple and the teen then fled on foot while the attacker fired at them with a semiautomatic handgun.

The three tried to hide nearby in a grassy area, but the assailant found them and fired several more shots while they were lying on the ground, said Chief Inspector Joseph Fox.

"It sounds like it was all happening in a matter of seconds," Fox said.

The names of the couple were being withheld pending notification of family.

Kevin White, 24, of Philadelphia, was arrested a short time after the 11:30 p.m. shooting and will be charged with murder, rape, aggravated assault and other offenses, Fox said. Police said they recovered a gun during the arrest.

There were five other shootings overnight in Philadelphia.

"It's a clear indication that there's too many guns on the street," Fox said. "(Police) get some guns off the street, only to be faced with the same people back on the street within days or weeks to commit the same type of crime over and over again."