TAMPA, FL - A routine trip to a local gas station nearly turned dangerous for Tampa resident Martha Wilson, 68, raising new concerns about personal safety in common everyday locations.
Wilson, a retired elementary school teacher and grandmother of three, stopped at a Shell station on Dale Mabry Highway around 8:15 PM last Tuesday evening. What happened next has local law enforcement reinforcing personal safety recommendations for vulnerable residents.
"I was just filling up my tank before driving to see my daughter in Orlando the next day," Wilson told our reporter. "It was a station I've used for years without any problems."
According to Wilson, a man in dark clothing appeared from behind the air pump station and began watching her intently. Rather than entering the convenience store or attending to a vehicle, the individual began approaching her directly.
"My instincts immediately told me something wasn't right," Wilson recalled. "He wasn't there to get gas or buy something. He was focused entirely on me."
The Shell station on Dale Mabry Highway where the incident occurred. Photo: Tampa Community News
Rising Incidents Prompt Safety Warnings
Police Department statistics show a 23% increase in gas station-related incidents involving lone individuals over the past six months, with women over 60 being particularly targeted.
Officer James Rodriguez, who responded to Wilson's call, confirmed this fits a pattern they're seeing more frequently.
"These opportunistic incidents typically involve a suspect who approaches someone alone, often using a request for help as an initial contact strategy," Rodriguez explained. "What made this situation different was the woman's immediate defensive response."
Wilson credits her son, local architect Michael Wilson, with insisting she carry a personal safety alarm after a similar incident involving a family friend last month.
Decisive Action Changes Outcome
When the man approached asking for "help with his car" while eyeing her belongings, Wilson activated her keychain safety alarm.
"The second I pulled the pin, this incredibly loud alarm sound filled the entire gas station," Wilson described. "The effect was immediate – he turned and ran off behind the car wash."
The gas station attendant and another customer quickly responded to the commotion. Police arrived within minutes and took a report that has been added to their investigation of similar incidents in the area.
The Hootie personal safety alarm that Martha Wilson credits with preventing a potentially dangerous situation. Photo: Manufacturer
Safety Experts Weigh In
Dr. Eleanor Harrison, personal safety expert and professor of criminal justice at University of South Florida, explains why simple safety devices can be effective deterrents.
"Research consistently shows that creating immediate attention is one of the most effective ways to disrupt a potential crime," Harrison noted. "Personal safety alarms require no special training, strength, or coordination to use effectively, making them particularly valuable for older adults or those with limited mobility."
The small device Wilson used, commonly known as a "Hootie" personal alarm, emits a sound measuring 130 decibels – comparable to a fire alarm or ambulance siren – when activated by simply pulling a pin.
"What makes these devices particularly effective is their simplicity," Harrison added. "In high-stress situations, fine motor skills often diminish. The straightforward pin-pull mechanism means almost anyone can operate it successfully, even with shaking hands or arthritis issues."
Community Response
Following Wilson's experience, several of her neighbors in her retirement community have expressed interest in similar safety measures.
"I've lived independently since my husband passed twelve years ago and never really felt unsafe before," Wilson said. "But this experience was a wake-up call. I won't go anywhere without my personal alarm now."
Local law enforcement agencies across Florida are increasingly recommending such devices, particularly for individuals who often find themselves alone in potentially vulnerable situations such as parking lots, gas stations, or ATMs.
"Creating a loud noise immediately changes the dynamic of a potential incident," Officer Rodriguez explained. "Most perpetrators specifically select targets they believe won't draw attention. A sudden, loud alarm is usually enough to make them flee immediately."
Simple keychain alarms are increasingly recommended by safety experts for vulnerable populations. Photo: Tampa Community News
What You Can Do
Local PD offers these additional safety recommendations for residents:
- Remain aware of your surroundings, particularly at gas stations, parking lots, and ATMs
- Whenever possible, shop or conduct errands during daylight hours
- Consider carrying a personal safety alarm, particularly if you often find yourself alone
- Have your keys ready before approaching your vehicle
- Trust your instincts if a situation or person makes you uncomfortable
For residents interested in obtaining a personal safety alarm similar to Wilson's, local safety supply stores carry several options. The Hootie personal alarm is also available online with current promotional pricing.
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