I was very distressed when I got home yesterday after witnessing what at first appeared to be a child abduction. My house was empty, and my husband was unreachable as he was on the golf course. I turned to Gather for advice and peace of mind. I first want to thank each and everyone of you who responded and gave me very smart advice and avenues to follow.
So, I decided to do it. I called the police department and told them exactly what happened. I was able to get the number of the police report but that was all. They couldn't release a copy to me because of the minor involved. They couldn't give me any info as the incident involved a minor. It seems that is their way of protecting "minors". Meanwhile, this man keeps driving slowly past my house. So I also relay this information.
A little while later the officer from the scene called and apologized to me for how things were handled during the incident. Thank's that great... now what about this kid? I hear a car, look out the window and there is the man in the big truck. I tell the police officer who is still on the phone with me. He tells me he has all the man's info and will call him and tell him to stop driving by my home.
The policeman calls me back and says, "Maam, the guy is looking for a couple of kids he claims was with the boy who stole the bike." "Why?" I ask, "so he can beat them up too?
I just want to somehow let the parents of the beaten boy know what went down so that they can take it from there. But since "the Minor's" identity is being protected. I don't see how I can do that. I am going to place an ad in the local paper like some of you suggested. If anything more comes out of this I will let you know.
Thanks again to all of you!
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Comments: 21
I can't believe that they still didn't really respond to the abuse claim. The poor kid didn't deserve that even if he did steal the bike. Nothing is solved with violence. I hate that I live in a world that most people think that it will.
You did what you could and that was the right thing:)
You did the right thing.
I suggest you keep a journal of how often you see that truck in front of your house (date, time, etc.). I assume that you already have the license number since you spoke to the police about it before.
Maybe it's a good time to invest in a Rottweiler. :-)
Now, not having been there I obviously don't know any of this as a certainty but it is a reasonable explanation based on the details you've given. I have a feeling this boy and his two sidekicks are their own little crime wave, and while that doesn't excuse the man punching him the truth is that the juvenile system does absolutely nothing to youthful offenders and he may have been their victim more than once and expects to be again.
Also, I would have to guess that the boy was not injured because he went into the police car rather than into an ambulance. I know I don't sound particularly sympathetic to the boy's "problems" but based on the actions of the police officers I strongly suspect that this is no sweet, innocent, misunderstood child. The police rarely treat a sweet, innocent, misunderstood child in this manner. I suspect that talking and compassion are out the window because they understand him all too well.
Secondly, can't the boy tell his parents about this man hitting him? You did an admirable thing yesterday, but why do you feel the need to stay involved now?
I'm gad the police called back and listened.
I hope you can find out who his parents are and let them know what you saw.
It sounds like you are doing everything you can think of.
I'm glad you care enough to get involved.
I think what you did was very caring.
It is so nice you care.
I will be praying for you...an for those kids.
God Bless.
I think you did a very good thing reporting this. Personally, I don't care if the boy stole a 1000 bicycles. Beating him up is not the answer and it's just plain wrong.
Still the man driving by repeatedly borders on stalking, and there are various laws against that. Do try to keep a record of when you see him .
And God Bless you for being so caring.