Let's get to work! - The Assault at Century City Mall Parking Lot

Century City WestField Mall and parking lot have always felt safe. Right now the pride colors are all over and I feel welcome. I belong. This means quite a bit to me. Today was different, but I never felt unsafe myself. I would do just about anything to make sure others feel safe, too, because we all belong.

I have seen assaults more than once and I have survived some. One assault that I witnessed was in broad daylight as I waited for a light to change in a busy intersection. That time I had tried to contact police about it and found out the kid that got beaten was deaf. I was beside myself and was upset I didn't do more. Today, I did more.

Day started off rather mundane. I took the day off for self care and wanted to go to the gym. I drove into the parking lot as I always do. I stopped at the same stop sign I always do. That is where I saw a woman assault another woman right across the intersection. The perp was huge and tall and so upset. The victim was a small and dainty Asian woman who seemed so very shy. It looked like the perp just walked right into her from behind as hard as she could like she wanted to knock her to the ground. The woman doubled over forward and started crying. She looked so scared. She was alone. I felt so bad for her.

I was in shock, but anyone who knows me knows that I can go from Steph Curry to Draymond Green, if the need arises. I was Celsius'ed up and pumped up for the gym in my workout clothes and I was ready to rumble. The Perp got into her car and I did what I hope anyone else would do. I drove straight and parked my car right behind the perp's car and blocked her in. She was so angry and huge. I knew I was taking on risk, but it was the right thing to do. I didn't want her to get away. I got out of the car. Door wide open and car on. I didn't even grab my purse.

I shouted out the license plate number a few times and nobody wrote it down. I love first responders and watch all the shows and have great respect for their work, yet none were around. Women of all ages were gathering around the crying woman in a beautiful display circle of support... They gave her space but circled around and kept looking around to help protect her.

The Perp sped off wildly forward which foiled my plan. She was at the end of the parking row so nothing was blocking her that way. Two women ran after her to take a photo of her license plate. One was very pregnant! The pregnant gal got a photo but it was blurry. We had literally formed a posse like the wild west. All women. All looking around and asking her what they could do and if she was ok and did the person take anything. I was trying to think what I could do. I saw that she was going to be ok there with the women around her, so I got back in my car and figured I'd call the police or tell the concierge at the mall.

That is when the universe gave me a choice. I drove to the ramp that goes upstairs. I poop you not the perp drove straight for me down the ramp fast and in my lane! She tried to intimidate me to back up, but naw... not today... I grabbed my phone and took a very clear photo of her and the license plate. Again, this may have put me at risk, but I was happy to take it on. You want to try that violence crap with me? Go ahead. She must've realized and backed up to escape. I grinned and nodded. "I got you now..."

I swung back around to find the woman and our posse but they must've taken her up to see the concierge or security... I got on the phone to 9-1-1 and they forwarded me to the non emergency line and I was on hold for my drive up to the gym and to the front desk. This is LA and no point to be on hold in the middle of the day. Nobody is going to answer. I was worried someone else was next. The perp was very upset and I know rage. I know it very, very well. I have so much pent up ptsd rage that I know what that woman might have been capable of doing next. I am sure she was upset over something and it is unfortunate she didn't get the help she needed to handle this rage. I knew, also, that if anyone could handle her, it was me and I knew that... I regret nothing.

When I got to the gym front desk, I was shaking and flooded with adrenaline. Adrenaline is a helluva drug! I said a woman was assaulted in the parking lot, where is the concierge or a police station in the mall? She immediately picked up the phone and handed it to me. I spoke to the person on the phone and they were going to send an officer over. I put my stuff away in the locker room and came back out to wait. I was shaking like crazy and my heart was pumping. I could not help but think what else can I do? I never feel like I am helping enough in these situations. The security officer came rather quickly and we spoke outside. I asked if she was ok. I told him everything I could and he took a photo of my photo and got my cell if they need to contact me for being a witness or of any more help.

Long ago, I was not a very good person. I was full of rage and felt owed retribution. I try hard to channel all the energy inside into goodness, into fuel to live a life with integrity, to do the right thing. I saw that same rage on the perps face like she was just waiting to pop off. I know how overwhelming it can be. I know what it's like to be triggered and to feel yourself about to 'go there', but all I want to do now is be of service everywhere I go. How can I add value? I strive to be a good person. I do not always succeed, but I do my best. To be honest, I feel bad for both of them. I have been the angry and scary one. I have been the victim who survived. Wish none of had to deal with trauma. Wish we had better resources for everyone. Wish everyone felt like they belong and are going to be ok. Maybe one day?