Caught!

[redrhodie]

I was having an excellent evening commute, happily minding my own business, when all of a sudden I'm hit by a bunch of coins that have been thrown out a passing car window. I was absolutely shocked, as you can imagine, and when they followed that by throwing a pizza box at me, I got kind of scared that more would come. But, I was also mad. How dare they do that to me, or to anyone?! I did nothing to deserve that. I wanted to report them. I needed to.

I guess my adrenaline was pumping at that point, because I never lost sight of the car. I'm not sure how far I went, maybe a mile, when they pulled into a driveway of a business. I got a little nervous that they were waiting for me to pass, so they could harass me some more. I slowed down, and they pulled out before I got to them. Then, they pulled into another business a little further up the road, this time a liquor store, and one of them got out of the car and went into the store. He was shirtless, and appeared to be intoxicated, so I dared not confront him (although I though about it for a split second). I decided to not draw any attention to myself, just ride by like nothing happened. I was able to see the license plate clearly at this point. I rode a little further up the road, stood on the sidewalk, and called 911.

As I'm talking to the operator, the car drives by me, and the driver looks right at me and smiles. It was creepy. There were 4 or 5 men, in their early 20s, in the car. I was pretty freaked at this point, really afraid they were going to hurt me or someone else, and they were driving kind of erratically. I told this to the police. I told them the make, model and color of the car. I told them the direction they were traveling, and the dispatcher told me she thought they were going to get them. I didn't believe her.

Well, I was wrong. By the time I got to my car, the police called me back and asked me if I could come to the station to give a report. I did, and while in the lobby, a man approached and asked if I was the cyclist who had the pizza box thrown at her. He then told me it was his pizza, stolen from his car, along with his credit card, Iphone, and other items. There was another woman leaving the lobby as I got there, whose car had also just been broken into, and her stuff was recovered in their car, too. Evidently, they had been breaking into cars all day, and now they were caught because they threw change and pizza at me.

I'll tell you, knowing these guys were caught made all the fear and anger I felt go away. I'm so happy the police took me seriously. I'm so glad I didn't just blow it off, because it's easier to do that. I'm so glad the people who had their stuff stolen will get it back. I hope these guys never throw anything at another cyclist because they're in prison. I have a new idea of who throws stuff at cyclists. Really bad guys.

[OakLeaf]

Wow, what a story! I'm so glad everything turned out well. Good job getting the plate.

I'd say please be more careful ... but I know how that is when adrenaline is pumping. I've been known to chase down thieves myself. :rolleyes:

[nscrbug]

Kudos to you for holding up so well in what could have been a scary situation. I'm sure the other victims are extremely grateful that these thugs were caught because of your actions. Good job!

[kmehrzad]

Way to go. It's about time these guys got their dues. I'm glad you remained safe, too.

[Catrin]

Kudos for you for being able to do what you needed to do - and to have the presence of mind! You did a very good thing to help get those people off the streets, and am very glad that you didn't get hurt!

[Owlie]

Wow. Good for you for holding yourself together and getting that plate!

[Blueberry]

What a story! I'll echo what others have said - kudos to you!! Great job on keeping your cool, keeping safe, and providing the police with enough information. I bet the people whose stuff was stolen will be extra special nice to cyclists from now on (not that they weren't already but....).

[redrhodie]

I bet the people whose stuff was stolen will be extra special nice to cyclists from now on (not that they weren't already but....).

The guy whose stuff was stolen was out running when it happened, and the officer said she was a cyclist. They both really "got" what it's like to have stuff thrown at you, and were totally empathetic. That was really cool. I was expecting for everyone to think it wasn't a big deal since I wasn't hurt.

I'm still coming down from this. I know how I am, and this will have an impact. I have the next couple of days off. I wouldn't be surprised if I sleep a lot.

[Blueberry]

I do think it will have an impact. If it were me, I would likely have a giant headache too (from the adrenaline crash). Be kind to yourself - you did a good thing!

[indysteel]

Wow; that's one crazy story. Good on you for keeping your cool and calling the police. I'm glad you didn't get hurt. I'm sure the people they robbed are very grateful to you.

[Velocivixen]

You definitely did the right thing IMHO.
Last Friday I was riding home from coffee with DH, in broad daylight, and a man was chasing two younger men. They tussled on the corner right by where I would be riding in a few seconds, and I saw that they weren't playing - one guy had a knife! They all ran around the corner and the two victims got away. In the meantime I turned down that same street (don't ask me why) and the knife guy was returning from where he came and walked right by me, just feet away. I was in the bike lane and kept riding and didn't look at him. I didn't want him to think I witnessed anything. After riding a bit further I stopped and called 911 & I tell you 4 police cars were there within 30 seconds of me originating that call!
Yes be safe, but be involved. You likely saved a lot of other folks from these crazies!

[zoom-zoom]

The guy whose stuff was stolen was out running when it happened, and the officer said she was a cyclist. They both really "got" what it's like to have stuff thrown at you, and were totally empathetic. That was really cool. I was expecting for everyone to think it wasn't a big deal since I wasn't hurt.

I'm still coming down from this. I know how I am, and this will have an impact. I have the next couple of days off. I wouldn't be surprised if I sleep a lot.

I'm feeling on-edge just reading your account! :eek:

I'm really glad you did that, though. You did the right thing, helped some other innocent people, and helped nab the bad guys. That's a pretty good day! :)

[PamNY]

Good for you! It's great that you were able to get that plate number and get something done.

[bmccasland]

Wow! :eek: Glad you're OK and that the cops were able to catch the bad guys.

[radacrider]

The guy whose stuff was stolen was out running when it happened, and the officer said she was a cyclist. They both really "got" what it's like to have stuff thrown at you, and were totally empathetic. That was really cool. I was expecting for everyone to think it wasn't a big deal since I wasn't hurt.

I'm still coming down from this. I know how I am, and this will have an impact. I have the next couple of days off. I wouldn't be surprised if I sleep a lot.

Wow! Glad you are okay and they were caught - kudos to you for your calm actions.

[lph]

Way to GO, rhodie :D You rock!

[ridenread]

WOW, that sounds like a pretty scary ride. Glad you were able to get the info and call it in. Take care of yourself on your day off that was a stressful event.

[redrhodie]

Wow, what a story! I'm so glad everything turned out well. Good job getting the plate.

I'd say please be more careful ... but I know how that is when adrenaline is pumping. I've been known to chase down thieves myself. :rolleyes:

In hindsight, I was just trying to keep them in view, more than anything else. I didn't know they were thieves at that point. I knew they were jerks, and would possibly throw more stuff if they could. After they passed and I couldn't see them anymore, even though I had already called the police, I was pretty nervous. At that point, I was checking every parking lot, every side street, afraid if they got behind me, they'd be in a good position to do something else.

What a bunch of idiots to draw attention to themselves while having stolen stuff in their car. Mean idiots. I hope they get what they deserve.

ETA, thanks for all the kudos, everyone! Still feeling good this morning.

[Kerry1976]

Wow...just, wow. You really saved the day. I can't even imagine how you felt as all that was going down. Amazing.

[spokewench]

Wow, great reactions to a difficult situation. I'm glad they caught those thugs.

[zoom-zoom]

What a bunch of idiots to draw attention to themselves while having stolen stuff in their car. Mean idiots. I hope they get what they deserve.

No kidding. Definitely not criminal geniuses, by any stretch. :p

[Bike Writer]

Wow! What a gal! You go get 'em - nobody but nobody should ever mess with a mad redrhodie ever again. What courage you have. You felt like you were being bullied and you stood up to it and uncovered a crime spree and made those responsible for it accountable in the process. You are now an official Hero!

This turned out very good and it could have turned out very bad, I'm glad you are okay and had no harm come to you. (besides an adreline crash today).

Congratulations on following your instinct.

[grey]

WOW, what a story, what a day! I'm glad you are ok, I'm glad they got caught and I hope they rot in cells for a WHILE!

[Biciclista]

wow, brava!! I am so impressed that you got their plates and got them apprehended!
woohoooo!!

[owlice]

Wow, redrhodie, way to go!!! You are SuperBicycleWoman, able to apprehend thieves with a single cell phone call!!!

You need a red cape!!

It's always good to get dangerously stupid people off the street; you did an excellent thing!!!

[Tri Girl]

way to take the bull by the horns, Red! SO proud of you!!!! You nabbed those little thugs and now they'll pay! Good on ya!!!:D

[Trek420]

What a bunch of idiots to draw attention to themselves while having stolen stuff in their car. Mean idiots. I hope they get what they deserve.

I imagine this will not get them kudos on the prison yard:

So, whatcha in for?
Oh theft, burglary, same as last time, the usual.
Cool, me too! How'd you get caught?
I threw a pizza box at a cyclist. She chased us, tracked us and called it in.

[Bike Writer]

I imagine this will not get them kudos on the prison yard:

So, whatcha in for?
Oh theft, burglary, same as last time, the usual.
Cool, me too! How'd you get caught?
I threw a pizza box at a cyclist. She chased us, tracked us and called it in.


Not to make light of the situation, but that is just way too hilarious!:D:D

[tangentgirl]

wtg, rr!

[Geonz]

wtg, rr!

+1 ... you'll be shaking about this one for a while, I bet! Super Biker!

[sundial]

What a bunch of idiots to draw attention to themselves while having stolen stuff in their car. Mean idiots. I hope they get what they deserve.


People these days are so angry! I am so thankful that you didn't get harmed even worse than you did! You did us all a big service by reporting them to the authorities. He's one less menace who has learned that you will not be victimized by their random acts of stupidity.

[redrhodie]

I never had the adrenaline crash I was expecting today. I've had enough confrontations with cars (I once had a cookie thrown at me) to know that I get a little PTSD afterward (not after the cookie ;)). I don't think that's going to happen this time. I didn't ride today, but that wasn't because of the incident at all. I just wanted a rest day, and there are tornado warnings.:eek: I'm looking forward to getting on my bike, and saving lives. :D I'm cracking myself up, btw.

Right after they got out of my sight, I felt very vulnerable. I was very vulnerable, but I had a cell phone, and a lot of cars/people around me. In a case like this, where it's you against a group in a car, and you don't know what's going to happen next, well, it makes me realize this turned out as well as it possibly could have. These things happen way too often. I really hope that a strong action by the law will send a message, and teach them a lesson. I know the coins thrown at me will be the least of the charges (which the police officer said was something like "launching missiles") but I hope that when they drive again, they won't attack anyone else. I really, really hope that this doesn't make them want to take revenge on a cyclist. That thought makes me feel sick.

[Jo-n-NY]

I am sorry this happened to you Redhoodie but what a fantastic story with a great ending. I don't think anyone could have handled a situation like that any better than you did.

You will always come to mind when I see an idiotic thing happen on the road.

~JoAnn

[maillotpois]

Wow - what an amazing story with a huge happy ending!!! Well done, you - that took quick thinking and nerve to handle it the way you did.

[sundial]

Right after they got out of my sight, I felt very vulnerable. I was very vulnerable...

That's the worst feeling--particularly as a female cyclist who had to deal with 4 young men. It could have gone terribly wrong but thankfully you are safe and the authorities are able to press charges. I really admire those of you who commute and who face not only the dangers of traffic but irresponsible drivers as well. I'm not so sure I would continue to commute after having several objects thrown at me.

[azfiddle]

I'm sure it was really scary- good thing you were able to keep such a cool head and that you helped put these guys away.

[Savra]

I second everyone elses sentiments on - Wow, what a story and I'm glad you are ok and you could help catching these dumb asses.

[lauraelmore1033]

Wow! Scary story! I have a knot in my stomach just reading it.

[channlluv]

Holy moly!

I'm incredibly impressed! Not only that you had the nerve and smarts to call 9-1-1, but that the police responded so quickly!

I've called the police before and it can take a few minutes for them to even answer. I can't imagine having an emergency like what you went through and waiting for them to respond.

So you were riding your bike on a regular route and you were going back to your car?

Roxy

[luv2climb]

Good job on helping to get those poster children for birth control off the streets!

I love stories like these! Good news is the only news I read nowadays.

[Bike Chick]

How awful for you and how great that you called 911 and didn't allow yourself to be victimized. This one had a positive ending. Good job.

[Crankin]

I would have been scared to death, but you should be proud that you helped catch these morons.
DH was just saying that it has been years since he has had anything thrown at him. This used to happen routinely about 10-12 years ago, especially when he was riding with DS. It was always a guy in a pickup, throwing a beer bottle, calling them homophobic slurs.

[redrhodie]

I also am so impressed by the police, especially since in hindsight, they must have turned. If they had continued straight, I would have seen them get stopped. So, quick thinking by the cops, for knowing they were getting on a different road. There is a great police presence on that road. I pass one most evenings. Yes, Roxy, this is my regular route. I park my car at a park and ride lot, since the bridges are non-cycling, I have to drive part way to work.

I rode yesterday, and felt really good. No residual anxiety or fear. This was actually really empowering for me. It confirmed calling 911 is valid for this kind of offense. We all know it is, but I suspect a lot of police may think it's not, so I wouldn't be surprised by police not taking quick action. I just happened to be in the right town. They took it very seriously.

Crankin, they were from your state. Most of the incidents I've had have been with out of state cars. I think it's partly because we're an easy drive to nice beaches, so we get a lot of young groups in cars, and it's that group dynamic at work, as well as alcohol.

[malkin]

You are so brave!!!
What a woman!

[Grog]

It really sucks that this happened, but you totally did the right thing...

And you made my day by posting it for us to read. Thanks!

[Crankin]

Sorry to hear the azzholes, were, well, Mazzholes.

[redrhodie]

I just followed up with the police. They were held overnight and booked. One kid was charged with throwing stuff at me, and using a stolen credit card, which are misdemeanors (I'm kind of surprised using a stolen credit card is a misdemeanor). Another kid was charged with possession of stolen property, which is a felony. I may be called to testify. I'll do my best! Probably, this will never go to trial, as in cases like this, they usually just take a plea deal, but I'll be there if they need me.

[smilingcat]

Good for you!! And I would do the same if it had happened to me. It's bad enough to be harassed while riding, screamed at, had my butt slapped, cat calls. They need to spend some time in the pokey!!

[redrhodie]

We all know about way too many cyclists getting killed with no charges filed, so it's kind of ironic, isn't it? So, yeah, I'm going to see this through! Even though it's "just" a misdemeanor, it has significant meaning to me.

I wonder how that night in jail went? I imagine the kid who got the felony, the one who didn't throw the stuff, was not happy with the one who did.

[Desert Tortoise]

Red, you rock! Glad you stayed safe and are ok.

The easiest thing to do would have been to let it go and hope they didn't come back. Your actions not only stopped them from doing something else to you, but also brought justice and safety to others. SuperRed!!

Now, when I next have my encounter I'm going to have to think, how would RedRhodie handle this? I will get an image of a determined woman (face nicely framed by 2 braids) leaning forward on her bike, pedaling hard, her superbicyclist cape flowing behind her (of course it convinently does not get tangled in her wheel or anything)... and take action. Smartly of course. That is part of the standard you set. Brave and smart, only on TE ;)

[redrhodie]

Heard from the police today. The adjudication for the guy who threw the stuff was yesterday. He pled "nolo" to the charges, and got 20 hours community service, and has to pay restitution for the credit card use. He also has some other thing that's like a step below probation, I forget what it's called, but basically it means if he commits any other crimes in the next year, this comes up on his record and makes the charges worse.

His buddy hasn't gone to court yet.

I hope his community service is sweeping the bike lane. That would be perfect.

ETA: I'm really satisfied with this sentence. I think it's appropriate for what he did, considering I didn't get hurt. That he spent a night in prison, gravy!

[SouthernBelle]

pre-trial diversion

[Biciclista]

Good, thanks for the update

[Velocivixen]

How about mandatory vasectomies for all involved so they won't spread their cr@ppy attitudes around. (I am being very sarcastic here and don't mean to offend).