Koenig Abduction Puts New Emphasis on Workplace Safety

Seminar for baristas and bartenders held Tuesday night

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By Lauren Maxwell
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Story Created: Feb 21, 2012 at 6:44 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Feb 22, 2012 at 3:15 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - The fact Samantha Koenig has been missing for three weeks with no new information is putting many women on edge. Her posters all over town are a constant reminder that police are still working on the case with nothing new to report to the public. The tension is putting many on a path to their local gun shop.

“There’s a lot of women on edge,“ says Northern Security owner Dan Rush. “Sales of defensive items, and guns, we’ve seen a very large increase.“

Rush doesn’t recommend guns for personal safety for anyone without lots of training, but he says there are other options that are available. Pepper spray is an item that he is having trouble keeping on the shelf – especially the highly concentrated type he sells.

Another item that’s been a big seller in the personal safety arena is a type of tazer gun that uses air to shoot a projectile into an assailant.

“It gives you a distance factor of up to 15 feet and effectively it can take down from a 120-pound to a 350-pound gentlemen.”

Rush will be talking to local baristas about personal safety in a seminar sponsored by Anchorage police. But authorities tell us there are circumstances where workers would be better off giving in.

“In a robbery situation they usually don’t want anything to do with the individual,“ said Public Safety Officer Anita Shell. “They want the money. So give them the money: Don’t argue with the robber; don’t fight with the robber; give them what they want.”

But Shell says if what they want is “you” in the rare case of abduction, fighting back may make more sense. She says getting clear of your abductor should be the number one priority, any way you can.

Saturday, February 25 a fundraiser for Koenig will be taking place at 6250 Tuttle Place, Anchorage Alaska. The money for food, drinks and various items will go toward the search and recovery of Koenig.

The reward is currently over $70,000.

The event is for all ages and will feature various musicians.
 
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