Dog, Raccoon, Human…oh my!

[YouOnlyLiveTwice]

So it’s either a raccoon, some other animal or a human that comes to my room’s back yard door every single night around this time.

I hear the foot steps and then they stop at my backyard window. I can’t see them cause the blinds are shut.

Sometimes it jiggles the handle.

I live in an area where its crime rate is double the national average when it comes to property crimes.

I know that we are called to turn the other cheek but I kind of want to use my pepper spray.

I live in California, Los Angeles County, so I think if i were to conceal and carry, it would be with a c02 rubber ball pellet gun, like an umarex or something similar. Not sure if tasers are legal here but I can get one of those also, in case.

Does anyone have any recommendations on what to do in this situation, as a Christian?

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

So it’s either a raccoon, some other animal or a human that comes to my room’s back yard door every single night around this time.

I hear the foot steps and then they stop at my backyard window. I can’t see them cause the blinds are shut.

Sometimes it jiggles the handle.

I live in an area where its crime rate is double the national average when it comes to property crimes.

I know that we are called to turn the other cheek but I kind of want to use my pepper spray.

I live in California, Los Angeles County, so I think if i were to conceal and carry, it would be with a c02 rubber ball pellet gun, like an umarex or something similar. Not sure if tasers are legal here but I can get one of those also, in case.

Does anyone have any recommendations on what to do in this situation, as a Christian?

Look up the laws and statutes of your state. A big city like LA probably has a lot of unconstitutional codes too. One to look up is the Castle Law/Doctrine. They vary in detail, but usually acknowledge that one's domicile is their castle. You have a right to defend yourself in your own home. If one of those racoons breaks in, then you will need to identify the threat and act appropriately.

California is known to have major differences that set it apart from other states as to legality. Good news is that the information is available without having to hire a shyster.

I would learn everything you can about weapons and pursue training with each one . It's the process rather than a destination.
Too many people buy something but forget about it unless needed. Then they are not competent to use it properly.

Short list of Potential weapons:
Bright flash light
Recording device
Blunt trauma impact weapon
Bladed weapon
Firearm
Chemical irritants/propellant
Noise alarm
Improvised weapons
Noise alarm
Hand to hand combat/martial arts

Learn the force continuum.
Lethal force is not justified in every case. This is why non lethal options are a must.

You are in an area where I will recommend seeking a Filipino martial art school that teaches Modern Arnis. The late GM Remy Presas trained a number of martial artists who had schools in S. Cali. Then you'll be able to fearlessly kick butt like her when bad guys attack.

 

[YouOnlyLiveTwice]

Look up the laws and statutes of your state. A big city like LA probably has a lot of unconstitutional codes too. One to look up is the Castle Law/Doctrine. They vary in detail, but usually acknowledge that one's domicile is their castle. You have a right to defend yourself in your own home. If one of those racoons breaks in, then you will need to identify the threat and act appropriately.

California is known to have major differences that set it apart from other states as to legality. Good news is that the information is available without having to hire a shyster.

I would learn everything you can about weapons and pursue training with each one . It's the process rather than a destination.
Too many people buy something but forget about it unless needed. Then they are not competent to use it properly.

Short list of Potential weapons:
Bright flash light
Recording device
Blunt trauma impact weapon
Bladed weapon
Firearm
Chemical irritants/propellant
Noise alarm
Improvised weapons
Noise alarm
Hand to hand combat/martial arts

Learn the force continuum.
Lethal force is not justified in every case. This is why non lethal options are a must.

You are in an area where I will recommend seeking a Filipino martial art school that teaches Modern Arnis. The late GM Remy Presas trained a number of martial artists who had schools in S. Cali. Then you'll be able to fearlessly kick butt like her when bad guys attack.

Excellent response @HealthAndHappiness
I see a blue beeper light going back and forth in the backyard as I write this. I yelled out Jesus’ name so far.
I have a ton of terrorist type threat security training but nothing to incapacitate someone.
I have bunch of kitchen blades and I have a pretty good throw, from playing sports, growing up.
I’m trying to think what would be a good weapon right now, just in case. I guess I’ll grab the knives

 

[crmvet]

Philippians 4:6-7

 

[YouOnlyLiveTwice]

Philippians 4:6-7

Thank you @crmvet
You came just in time. Thanks for the verses and thanks for your service.

 

[Brasspen]

When learning the martial arts, you can learn some things from your teacher, and it's can prove very effective even with you being a weak newbie.

Something I have in my room is a closet rod! You can get a 4ft or 6ft 1" closet rod, Dowel.

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

Excellent response @HealthAndHappiness
I see a blue beeper light going back and forth in the backyard as I write this. I yelled out Jesus’ name so far.
I have a ton of terrorist type threat security training but nothing to incapacitate someone.
I have bunch of kitchen blades and I have a pretty good throw, from playing sports, growing up.
I’m trying to think what would be a good weapon right now, just in case. I guess I’ll grab the knives

Kitchen knives are extremely good weapons when used properly. I would pick one that has finger grooves or the best texture to grip. Unfortunately, Thrusts are high risks with those because the likelihood of the fingers sliding forward with resistance.
I wish they made them with a guard, but a DIY way that might improve, but unfortunately won't know if it'll prevent slide, is a thin bicycle inner tube or friction tape. There are also commercial grip tapes available that I have not used, but saw ad for.

Grip tape

This might be better, but can't speak from experience.
There's skateboard tape and the smoother friction tape sold in sporting goods stores for baseball bats.

A Two foot long lightweight bat is pretty effective and easy to swing indoors. It offers the option of less lethal and non lethal force if necessary.

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

Excellent response @HealthAndHappiness
I see a blue beeper light going back and forth in the backyard as I write this. I yelled out Jesus’ name so far.
I have a ton of terrorist type threat security training but nothing to incapacitate someone.
I have bunch of kitchen blades and I have a pretty good throw, from playing sports, growing up.
I’m trying to think what would be a good weapon right now, just in case. I guess I’ll grab the knives

What does your terrorist security training look like?

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

When learning the martial arts, you can learn some things from your teacher, and it's can prove very effective even with you being a weak newbie.

Something I have in my room is a closet rod! You can get a 4ft or 6ft 1" closet rod, Dowel.

Now you're thinking!
A length of pipe is effective.
You will want it to be short enough to swing quickly, recharge and change directions. Somewhere between 20" and 26" is the sweet spot for most adults.
You can also buy cheap made in China expandable steel batons that are compact until you need them. They are what appears to be used in the video I posted. However, I'm guessing that Lucy Liu was provided plastic props so she wouldn't harm the stuntmen.

 

[YouOnlyLiveTwice]

What does your terrorist security training look like?

Over the computer questionnaires and real life drills, where we would act out scenarios, mostly having to do with someone who needs cpr or is badly wounded and notifying safety personnel. Definitely no hand to hand or weapon to weapon combat. Maybe at most would be blocking the doors with furniture and using anything in the room as a weapon of choice.
I probably was trained maybe 5 or more times, once every year, for 5 years straight.
So probably not a significant amount of training but maybe just enough against someone who maybe has had no training.
Not sure.

 

[YouOnlyLiveTwice]

Now you're thinking!
A length of pipe is effective.
You will want it to be short enough to swing quickly, recharge and change directions. Somewhere between 20" and 26" is the sweet spot for most adults.
You can also buy cheap made in China expandable steel batons that are compact until you need them. They are what appears to be used in the video I posted. However, I'm guessing that Lucy Liu was provided plastic props so she wouldn't harm the stuntmen.

Either that or a steel baseball bat maybe.
Anyways, an update on the situation; I ended up going to the ER cause my family said there was nothing back there.
I also haven’t really slept for about 3 days, so there was a chance I was hallucinating, due to a side effect of a medication that I’m on called benztropine.
I scheduled an appointment with my nurse practitioner tomorrow.
I ended up getting melatonin today, so I was able to sleep…the hallucinations have subsided and I’m starting to think that maybe I’ve lost some marbles lol
Anyways, great suggestions on weapons. I think I may have to get a baton, just cause I live in a high crime area.

 

[YouOnlyLiveTwice]

Kitchen knives are extremely good weapons when used properly. I would pick one that has finger grooves or the best texture to grip. Unfortunately, Thrusts are high risks with those because the likelihood of the fingers sliding forward with resistance.
I wish they made them with a guard, but a DIY way that might improve, but unfortunately won't know if it'll prevent slide, is a thin bicycle inner tube or friction tape. There are also commercial grip tapes available that I have not used, but saw ad for.

Grip tape

This might be better, but can't speak from experience.
There's skateboard tape and the smoother friction tape sold in sporting goods stores for baseball bats.

A Two foot long lightweight bat is pretty effective and easy to swing indoors. It offers the option of less lethal and non lethal force if necessary.

How did this become such a cool thread? lol there should be other scenario threads like this lol

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

Either that or a steel baseball bat maybe.
Anyways, an update on the situation; I ended up going to the ER cause my family said there was nothing back there.
I also haven’t really slept for about 3 days, so there was a chance I was hallucinating, due to a side effect of a medication that I’m on called benztropine.
I scheduled an appointment with my nurse practitioner tomorrow.
I ended up getting melatonin today, so I was able to sleep…the hallucinations have subsided and I’m starting to think that maybe I’ve lost some marbles lol
Anyways, great suggestions on weapons. I think I may have to get a baton, just cause I live in a high crime area.

I'm so sorry for what you are going through.
It's weird how a friend and I have also had severe insomnia recently.
He knew someone who was prescribed Xanax. He said that it caused her addiction and seriously harmful effects.

I just know that sleep problems are something people can have at any age. Please be very careful about trusting the Drs. The only thing they know is how to push drugs. I have yet to hear anyone say that their MD gave them a detailed questionnaire to diagnose exactly WHY they have insomnia. Then the solution can be found and applied. It's not going to result in dangerous chemicals that cause hallucinations.

PS: I just decided to look up common effects of the med you were prescribed. Here's what a search says.

"Benztropine can cause several serious and potentially dangerous side effects, particularly at higher doses or in vulnerable populations. The most critical risks include:

• Hyperthermia and heat stroke: Benztropine reduces sweating (anhidrosis), impairing the body’s ability to cool down. This significantly increases the risk of dangerous elevated body temperature, especially during hot weather, exercise, or in individuals with chronic illnesses or alcohol use. Avoid overheating and stay hydrated.
• Neurological and psychiatric effects: Serious mental side effects may occur, including confusion, hallucinations (visual or auditory), delusions, worsening of psychotic symptoms, toxic psychosis, memory impairment, and severe agitation or nervousness. These are especially concerning in patients with pre-existing mental health conditions or dementia.
• Cardiovascular risks: Tachycardia (rapid heart rate), palpitations, and irregular heartbeat can occur. Benztropine should be used with caution in patients with heart conditions, as it may worsen tachycardia or lead to severe cardiac symptoms like dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest fluttering.
• Urinary and gastrointestinal complications: Urinary retention (inability to empty the bladder) and paralytic ileus (severe constipation or bowel obstruction) are serious adverse effects due to anticholinergic activity. These can lead to urinary tract infections, kidney issues, or life-threatening bowel distension.
• Muscle weakness and coordination issues: Large doses may cause muscle weakness, poor coordination, unsteady gait, and difficulty with movement or swallowing, increasing fall and injury risk.
• Overdose symptoms: Include seizures, coma, extreme confusion, severe hallucinations, high fever, rapid heartbeat, and respiratory depression. Seek immediate emergency care if overdose is suspected.
• Contraindications: Avoid in patients with closed-angle glaucoma, urinary retention, severe constipation, myasthenia gravis, or tardive dyskinesia, as it can worsen these conditions."

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

Over the computer questionnaires and real life drills, where we would act out scenarios, mostly having to do with someone who needs cpr or is badly wounded and notifying safety personnel. Definitely no hand to hand or weapon to weapon combat. Maybe at most would be blocking the doors with furniture and using anything in the room as a weapon of choice.
I probably was trained maybe 5 or more times, once every year, for 5 years straight.
So probably not a significant amount of training but maybe just enough against someone who maybe has had no training.
Not sure.

That's interesting.
It sounds like a yearly requalification for that institution. I appreciate that.

 

[YouOnlyLiveTwice]

I'm so sorry for what you are going through.
It's weird how a friend and I have also had severe insomnia recently.
He knew someone who was prescribed Xanax. He said that it caused her addiction and seriously harmful effects.

I just know that sleep problems are something people can have at any age. Please be very careful about trusting the Drs. The only thing they know is how to push drugs. I have yet to hear anyone say that their MD gave them a detailed questionnaire to diagnose exactly WHY they have insomnia. Then the solution can be found and applied. It's not going to result in dangerous chemicals that cause hallucinations.

PS: I just decided to look up common effects of the med you were prescribed. Here's what a search says.

"Benztropine can cause several serious and potentially dangerous side effects, particularly at higher doses or in vulnerable populations. The most critical risks include:

• Hyperthermia and heat stroke: Benztropine reduces sweating (anhidrosis), impairing the body’s ability to cool down. This significantly increases the risk of dangerous elevated body temperature, especially during hot weather, exercise, or in individuals with chronic illnesses or alcohol use. Avoid overheating and stay hydrated.
• Neurological and psychiatric effects: Serious mental side effects may occur, including confusion, hallucinations (visual or auditory), delusions, worsening of psychotic symptoms, toxic psychosis, memory impairment, and severe agitation or nervousness. These are especially concerning in patients with pre-existing mental health conditions or dementia.
• Cardiovascular risks: Tachycardia (rapid heart rate), palpitations, and irregular heartbeat can occur. Benztropine should be used with caution in patients with heart conditions, as it may worsen tachycardia or lead to severe cardiac symptoms like dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest fluttering.
• Urinary and gastrointestinal complications: Urinary retention (inability to empty the bladder) and paralytic ileus (severe constipation or bowel obstruction) are serious adverse effects due to anticholinergic activity. These can lead to urinary tract infections, kidney issues, or life-threatening bowel distension.
• Muscle weakness and coordination issues: Large doses may cause muscle weakness, poor coordination, unsteady gait, and difficulty with movement or swallowing, increasing fall and injury risk.
• Overdose symptoms: Include seizures, coma, extreme confusion, severe hallucinations, high fever, rapid heartbeat, and respiratory depression. Seek immediate emergency care if overdose is suspected.
• Contraindications: Avoid in patients with closed-angle glaucoma, urinary retention, severe constipation, myasthenia gravis, or tardive dyskinesia, as it can worsen these conditions."

I have symptoms from 2, 3, 6, and 7.
I will definitely bring those up tomorrow.

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

I have symptoms from 2, 3, 6, and 7.
I will definitely bring those up tomorrow.

Those are serious symptoms.
I hope you get to the root of the problem and a safe solution.

Since there's a strong likelihood of Dr induced hallucinations, if I were you, I'd try to not focus on the other issue until you get some good sleep and off the hallucinogens. Some meds reapplied for sleep make people do things they never would when not taking them. I just want you to stay safe and get rested.

 

[YouOnlyLiveTwice]

Those are serious symptoms.
I hope you get to the root of the problem and a safe solution.

Since there's a strong likelihood of Dr induced hallucinations, if I were you, I'd try to not focus on the other issue until you get some good sleep and off the hallucinogens. Some meds reapplied for sleep make people do things they never would when not taking them. I just want you to stay safe and get rested.

Thanks @HealthAndHappiness
I got pretty good sleep today, but I'm still keeping an eye out like Gideon's 300 men at the water source.
Even though I've been more sensitive to sound lately and I see things in the corners of my eyes sometimes, I still think there is someone trying to mess with me.
I went out back, maybe like 10 minutes ago, and told my dog to "go get them," and he was either afraid or there was no one there. He did go out a little and go number 1, stayed out there for a little bit, then came back inside.
This melatonin that I got did the trick, so maybe that is all I really needed, but who knows.

I'll keep this thread updated on what is going on with all of this.

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

Thanks @HealthAndHappiness
I got pretty good sleep today, but I'm still keeping an eye out like Gideon's 300 men at the water source.
Even though I've been more sensitive to sound lately and I see things in the corners of my eyes sometimes, I still think there is someone trying to mess with me.
I went out back, maybe like 10 minutes ago, and told my dog to "go get them," and he was either afraid or there was no one there. He did go out a little and go number 1, stayed out there for a little bit, then came back inside.
This melatonin that I got did the trick, so maybe that is all I really needed, but who knows.

I'll keep this thread updated on what is going on with all of this.

That is so good to be able to get some rest.

If that stuff makes you jittery, I'd just ask your family and friends to call when they are coming over.

We can talk about that other topic when we all get enough rest. Have a good night.

 

[Brasspen]

Sounds like your having some paranoia to go with it. Common side effect from the withdrawal of the medicine they gave you is the hallucinations and paranoia. I believe they give that medicine to those who suffer from schizophrenia. Or maybe bipolar?

A common side effect of the schizo and bipolar medicine withdrawal is the schizo and bipolar symptoms.

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

Sounds like your having some paranoia to go with it. Common side effect from the withdrawal of the medicine they gave you is the hallucinations and paranoia. I believe they give that medicine to those who suffer from schizophrenia. Or maybe bipolar?

A common side effect of the schizo and bipolar medicine withdrawal is the schizo and bipolar symptoms.

That means a lot to those on meds to do the research you've done. Most MDs don't inform their patients about those effects. That makes it very dangerous because the patients then blindly trust that stranger to provide them with potentially dangerous chemicals. If the person changes his dosage, forgets for periods of time or whatever reason, that can be risky too.
I'm all for patients becoming informed.

Dr Peter Breggin, Psychiatrist