Caught!

[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.

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.

[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.

[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!

[tangentgirl]

wtg, rr!

[Geonz]

wtg, rr!

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

[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. I'm looking forward to getting on my bike, and saving lives. 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

[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.

[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.