Things done right and wrong...

[Capt Steve]

We live on a very narrow street that I joke is Payson international raceway. Lots of folks use our street to avoid a couple of traffic bottlenecks on nearby highways. The speed limits 25 mph for a number of very good reasons... narrow street in a heavily wooded area with lots of blind driveways. There's an elementary school a block and half up the street and there are lots of kids, dogs and grumpy old farts like me.

After living here for a couple of months I went to the local police department and spoke with the duty officer about the speeding. He said they knew of the problem but their smallish department is spread pretty thin. They did start placing their volunteer community service officers in full on patrol vehicles with radar out in front four house on a regular basis {they document every speeder they clock but as most know they have no authority to actually issue tickets} and increased the pass byes.

Compliance is cyclical getting better for a while and then lapsing back to what are often ridiculous speeds. Our house is well back from the road but the other morning I was standing out on the edge of the road when I head a repeat offender coming hard and fast on his motorcycle. I motioned for him to slow down {arms extended, palms down in a repeated vertical action}. he blew my me at about 45 coming within 2' of hitting me. As he approached he threw down his cigarette and screamed F... You!

I yelled "Slow down!" but did not flip him off or swear. A neighbor walking her dog witnessed the incident from 20' away. Went back inside and about 30 minutes later while watching TV my doorbell rang and there stood the bike guy on my front porch, his bike was parked at the head of my driveway 40 yards out.

I stepped out on to my front porch pulling the door closed behind me and asked "Can I help you?" Now this guy was 30 years younger, 3" taller and about 40# larger than I {5' 9" 190# and 70 years young}. It occurred to me that he wasn't there to read the meter and my bride could not believe I answered the door but What was I suppose to do, cower behind the door and hope he just went away? My best friend chided me for not answering the door armed but I explained that I had no desire to escalate an unknown situation. Since he had rung the doorbell the video camera was recording whatever was about to go down. I had a witness handy who had seen our initial encounter so felt like I had the situation somewhat covered

His first words were what I hoped but did not expect to hear... He said I want to apologize, I should not have done what I did and I'm very sorry and rest assured it will never happen again. I got to feeling bad after I rode by and I hope you'll accept my apology.

I stuck out my hand which he shook and told him I really appreciated his stopping by and we introduced ourselves. I told him my concern is that I just do not want to see anyone hurt and assured him that I ride bikes too and know how much fun they can be BUT... this street is simply not the place to push the envelope and he agreed. We shook hands once more, I wished him well and he departed.

It turned out well but upon reflection realize it had serious potential not to. I could not in good conscience not yell for him to slow down based on his size so I took a shot. Without his plate the cops would be powerless to do much though a quick video on my i Phone would have been worth sharing with them. If it happens again and I am sure it will, I'll go for option #2 and try and get video and or a plate and then hand it off to the local PD.

So what do you guys think? What could, should, would you have done in my shoes?

 

[Onomea]

I think you handled it fine. (Might have been better with a gun in your pocket, following the Boy Scout motto and all, but I think ya did well.)

Surprising conclusion, and makes one feel that occasionally nice things do happen to good guys.

Re speeders on your road, how about look into speed bumps? There are roads around here through wooded areas with housing that have them. If you take them at much more than 25 MPH you are unlikely to do so again.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

There is a peep hole in the door, use it! That way you won't enter the ring unprepared again.

you might consider that EDC means EVERY DAY (all day) CARRY. Mine has saved my bacon twice in the last 10 years.

Ivan

 

[Capt Steve]

Might be learning...

My front door has a large glass window so I could see him just fine but I think you {and my best friend} might be right about having a weapon concealed but readily available {my home defense gun is a Smith Model 10 {4" 38 with hollow points it's hidden but always in reach {about 3 steps from the front door}. Calling the cops did not seem practical even if there was a decent response time {and no guarantee of that} things would have escalated and after all I have to live here and he knows that.

 

[lihpster]

Just a thought. An LCP or similar size and weight pistol in your pocket is closer and therefore probably more effective than the .38 3 steps away. Just MHO. Good on you for telling him to slow down. Good on him for coming back and apologizing.
The street I live on is a residential street, in town, with no sidewalks. Limit is 25. About 40 is the norm. Kids riding bikes and skateboards and people walking their dogs. No luck getting the police to patrol or sit as there is an Interstate running through town and they can sit on that and get speeding tickets all day. It doesn't help the citizens they are sworn to protect and serve, but the numbers look good. I guess they'll do something after a kid dies or something. Maybe.

 

[johngalt]

In general I detest speed bumps, but it sounds like your street might warrant them.

 

[bigwheelzip]

So what do you guys think? What could, should, would you have done in my shoes?

I think you did what's right for you. Glad it went well.

Our standard response (in our low crime area) to unexpected polite knock at the door, is we both grab pistols, I back hubby up from cover down the hall. He deals with most strangers verbally, from behind the deadbolted door. Pockets pistol if he decides to open door. Takes only seconds to execute.






Sent from my motorola one 5G using Tapatalk

 

[Rustyt1953]

My front door isn't sound proof. I can speak right through it.

 

[yaktamer]

I've got a security type screen door on mine. It has a mesh steel panel for ventilation that I can see someone through, but it's hard for them to see me from the outside. I didn't realize the advantage until the crazy lady who lived behind me came over to have a meltdown over some minor barking (lady, what did you expect when you bought a house in the suburbs with lots of kids and dogs, perfect silence?). The calmer I stayed the more agitated she got, until she finally started screaming (louder than any dog could bark) that I was being rude because she couldn't see me. To which I replied, "Believe me, the view from here is worse."

 

[LVSteve]

People can surprise you in good ways no and again. Just don't expect it everyday.