Commerce City, Colorado – A concealed carrying real estate agent has survived an attack from the very man she was showing an open house to.
Dawna Hetzler, an experienced real estate agent of 14 years, arrived at the Aspen Condominiums on Sunday for her 11:30am scheduled open house.
Ernest Chrisman arrived at the front door and appeared interested in the property and was asking detailed questions directly relating to the home.
“He was asking the right questions about how long it had been on the market. We talked about loans and what he might qualify for,” Hetzler said.
After touring the downstairs area with Chrisman, the two went upstairs to complete the showing.
Upon entering the master bedroom, Chrisman pulled out a large knife and cornered Hetzler.
The now knife wielding attacker pulled out a six-inch rope and ordered Hetzler into the closet, but she wasn’t going to give up that easy.
Hetzler drew her firearm, but in her hesitation the attacker was able to spray her in the eyes with bear spray.
Blinded and in extreme pain, Hetzler fired off a shot.
“He wanted me to take off my ring and go in the closet, and at that point, his intentions were deadly, in my opinion,” Hetzler said.
It’s unknown if the bullet hit Chrisman, but he sprinted away from the scene when Hetzler shot in his direction.
Dawna Hetzler was thankful she had a gun and expressed encouragement for other realtors and women to conceal carry a firearm.
“My life was in danger and if I did not have my firearm, I would not be here today.”
“I have heard about fearing open houses. I don’t live my life in fear. I live my life in faith. Faith trumps fear,” Hetzler said. “For my fellow realtors, we always hear take two to an open house. Two is not enough, you need to know what you’re going to do in any certain circumstance and be able to act on that.”
The attacker, Ernest Chrisman has since been arrested on charges of first-degree burglary, aggravated robbery, and second-degree assault.
Real estate agents, male and female, are subjected to potentially dangerous situations like this constantly.
It is for the better that more and more individuals are arming themselves and concealed carrying in public.
You never know when a crazed criminal will put your life in danger, and the time is now to prepare for the uncertain.