CHICAGO — Several city runners don't mind breaking the law when it comes to staying safe on a run.
DNAinfo asked Neighborhood Square users whether they carry or would carry an illegal weapon while running in Chicago as a response to a story about an Uptown man who exercises while carrying an illegal, homemade 4-inch-long plastic shank knife. That story follows recent incidents in which three women were attacked while jogging, and the Chicago Area Runners Association is planning to hold a safety session with a city police officer soon.
RELATED: Chicago's Runners On High Alert After Recent Attacks On Joggers
NSQ feedback contained a variety of input from Chicago runners.
User "chitownlady-emj" wrote: "I wear a stun ring.....packs one hellva jolt....and all yeah gotta do is grab onto them and hold.... .....legal or not...I do not care....being mugged, raped, shot, or knifed isn't either...tsk tsk.....me or them....I choose me....sorry....."
"sallly-mclinn" commented: "Ladies, start carrying a whistle. I see runners all the time and they have the Iphone arm band. They need to carry a whistle and like this man carry a shank."
User "popczar: noted: "It is absolutely insane that in this city we need to even consider arming ourselves when exercising."
"ernesta-williams" understood where the Uptown man was coming from: "I'M IN AGREEMENT WITH THE JOGGER,IF HE DOESN'T PROTECT HIMSELF WHO WILL ? #SHANKMAN SO UNTIL SOMETHING IS DONE ABOUT THE ATTACKS I SUGGEST ALL JOGGERS GET SOME PROTECTION."
So did "MCassio76," who wrote: "Plastic cutlery is light and thin, and trimming it to four inches makes it far lighter and less intrusive than a folding knife or the smallest hand gun."
Many, including "4933eng" disagreed: "Like the saying goes, 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.' I run 6-7 days a week all thru the city (mostly lakefront & south side neighborhoods) and feel arming myself to the teeth isn't necessary. Run smart, run safe. Go with a running buddy/group or take advantage of daylight hours & well-trafficked routes. More fun that way anyway! If running early or late at night, hit the treadmill or join a gym."
As did "Rc5733": "Why would one carry something illegally such as a homemade shank when you can legally carry something to protect yourself?"
"JoeMan" provided this: "Crime is up in Chicago. Criminals attack innocents, legal or not I'd carry something that gave me a defensive advantage. Someone tells me that I'm helpless to defend myself, I'd say go to hell."
RELATED: Can Joggers Carry Mace? Tips For Staying Safe If You're A Runner In Chicago
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