A Maine food truck owner, David Poto, found himself in a life-threatening situation during a holiday parade in Sanford on December 1. Poto witnessed an unidentified man wielding a knife and threatening motorists, leading him to take action to protect himself, his family, and others in the vicinity. Poto, who also teaches self-defense, shared his experience and safety tips for holiday shopping.
According to Poto, the man approached him and made explicit threats, stating, “I’m going to kill you” and “I’m going to stab you.” Poto’s wife and their four young daughters were nearby, adding to the urgency of the situation. Poto initially tried to calm the man down, but when his attempts failed, he revealed his concealed firearm. However, the man continued to advance towards Poto, undeterred by the presence of the gun.
Fearing for his family’s safety and his own, Poto made the difficult decision to fire his weapon, aiming to incapacitate rather than kill the assailant. He successfully shot the man in the leg, causing him to fall to the ground in pain. The injured man then began shouting false accusations, claiming Poto had shot a woman and shouting the word “rape.” Police were alerted to the situation and arrived at the scene promptly.
The Sanford Police Department confirmed that they received a report of a man being shot after witnesses reported seeing him standing in traffic and yelling at cars with a knife. The man was then taken to a local hospital and listed in critical condition. The police are currently investigating the incident.
Following the traumatic event, Poto and his family have struggled to cope with the aftermath. Their daughters have been deeply shaken, and Poto himself has experienced difficulty sleeping. The incident has also taken a toll on their food truck business, as they had to close for a day due to the emotional impact and uncertainty surrounding the incident.
However, the Poto family has been overwhelmed by the support they have received from their community. Local businesses organized a rally in support of the family and their food truck, which is their primary source of income. The community has rallied together to show their solidarity and help the family recover from this traumatic event.
As the investigation into the incident continues, Poto’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of self-defense and the unpredictable nature of dangerous situations. Poto’s quick thinking and brave actions potentially saved lives during the holiday parade, highlighting the need for personal safety awareness, particularly during crowded events. Poto, who teaches self-defense, has also shared his safety tips for holiday shopping, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for unexpected dangers.
The incident has sparked discussions about self-defense and the right to protect oneself and others in potentially life-threatening situations. As the Poto family continues to recover, their story serves as a testament to the resilience of individuals in the face of danger and the power of community support in times of crisis.
