I just got robbed [Archive]

Husar

01-12-2011, 01:21

Well, yeah, that's the short form, the long form is this:

I was coming home from work, just left the subway station and was halfway to my house (it's just one block) when some guy approached me and asked whether he could call his friend via cellphone or landline, he seemed like someone who wouldn't easily let go if I had an excuse, but not like a strong or intimidating person either, a bit rundown and physically weak.
So, since I don't usually decide to lie, I asked him for the number, called it on my cellphone (no way was I going to call him from my home, which was close, so by going there he would've followed) and put it on loudspeaker. he wasn't okay with that and kinda grabbed it from my hand, said don't worry etc.
Then he called again and talked to the guy while strolling along into a sidestreet, I stayed close and started to tell him to stop, he said another minute and seemed to stop, then he moved on, I started to become harsher and told him he should get done, he wasn't asking to get picked up anyway(which was how he approached me).
Then he asked whether I was healthy, I said yes, thinking if I seem strong and healthy, he won't try anything, but he did.
He took something out of his pocket and said he had HIV, and if I wouldn't just walk back home (I kinda told him it was close, at the corner before), he'd stab me in the throat/neck with it.
So I told him it's password protected anyway (4 digit code, deletes phone after ten failed attempts)and wouldn't be of much use to him anyway, he wasn't impressed of course and I said "thanks, I just wanted to help you", then went home and called the police.
Of course they had two send two officers, one of whom was a bit of a not so nice guy, didn't say much, looked around my house and asked for the bill I got with my phone etc.
I provided that and my ID, they made me sign a paper etc. and of course said it's unlikely they'll find him. Oh yes, the "nice" officer also said I'm naive, partly because I think I kinda said I gave him the cellphone, which I later remembered wasn't really true as I tried to make him talk with the loudspeaker first.

The cellphone is also insured, as I was afraid it could fall and break, I'm pretty certain the insurance also covers theft etc. but now I wonder whether they'll pay, especially if I told the police a somewhat wrong story (I was still shocked, nervous, shaking somewhat when they came).
I asked the policeman about that he knows where I live and he said I shouldn't worry, guess he was right and a junkie might forget anyway. :shrug:

But if anyone has some advice, it would be appreciated.
My personal list for things to do tomorrow is as follows:

- talk to the insurance/my provider to get a new phone/ask whether the old one can be deleted remotely (there's still the code and some other programs have their own codes but still)

- have the card deactivated etc., basically have them deactivate and destroy everything they can if possible

- call some people like my boss to tell them my cellphone has been robbed

- talk to the bank, I had a homebanking program on it with my bank account number saved, it's also password protected (longer password, also deletes after three attempts, no PIN or TAN saved) and encrypted but sure is sure, want to know he can't do anything with it

- calm down, well actually that I will have to do before sleeping but I'm also incredibly hungry so will have to eat first

As I said, any advice would be greatly appreciated, I know at some points I may have been a bit naive but in retrospect he wanted to rob me, would he have believed me that I had no cellphone with me? He mentioned the landline, what if I had walked on to my front door with him behind me? Was I really that dumb? What will the insurance say? Can my somewhat detail.less report to the police become a problem? etc.

:help:

Oh yeah, at least I'm not hurt, but that isn't very calming right now.

a completely inoffensive name

01-12-2011, 01:52

It is just a cell phone man. You didn't get in a fight and he didn't take much more important things, like your wallet. It was isolated away from your house so he doesn't know where you are and it seem s as if everything will be cleared up with your phone company. Very, very worst case scenario is that you might have to pay for an entirely new phone. I suggest maybe finding a different, probably longer but safer way home? Or keep some sort of personal protection on you, like a small taser. Next time someone starts moving around with your property bring out your aggressive voice and if the next guy pulls the same move at least you won't have been dragged into a side street. Or at least, just be more paranoid and not hand out your cell phone to people. Sucks for any legit people, but that's life. You are lucky he didn't have a friend waiting there to ambush you.

Just mark it as a bad experience and take measures to prevent it next time, no need to worry. I doubt this incident had anything more then the short term consequence of having to deal with annoying cell phone companies. Considering how this could have gone down, this turned out for the better considering you are not harmed in any way and still have your credit cards.

All in all, you should calm down, take the rest of the day off and inform your friends or family about it. They can provide support if you need it.

Husar

01-12-2011, 02:07

Yes, he kinda knows that I live on the corner though, it kinda slipped out when I got more angry. Though I guess had he wanted to harm me, he would have already done so. :shrug:
I know it's just a phone, just found that I could order the SIM card locked online, cost me some money though, at least he shouldn't get any facebook or other notifications anymore once it is locked(then again he should have turned it off to avoid tracking)...

I can calm down, I was hit and possibly almost killed by a truck before, seeing that come was scarier than a small guy with a needle, it's just that the guy may come back (even if unlikely as I said above) and I'm a bit worried about the insurance and the data on it, even if I did take some precautions.
Oh yeah, and then it did come a bit as a surprise as my biggest worry before that was my empty stomach and getting home, perhaps I should've been harsh but that could have lead him straight to my door as it was only around 30m away, one reason I decided to let him call in the first place (running around half the city to pretend to live elsewhere didn't come to mind, someone waiting to be picked up would have stayed in the area anyway etc. so many what-ifs :shrug: )

a completely inoffensive name

01-12-2011, 02:18

naut

01-12-2011, 03:13

Phone your phone provider, every phone has an IEMI number (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Mobile_Equipment_Identity#Blacklist_of_stolen_devices), tell them it's been stolen and ask them to blacklist it. That way even if he figures out the password it is completely useless.

Louis VI the Fat

01-12-2011, 03:24

1 - Sorry about the phone, I'm glad to hear you are alright.

2 - I was mugged once, by some filthy character with an injection needle. I decided it wasn't worth risking HIV over twenty euros. No shame in that.

3 - All of the below is meant with the best of intentions:
You seriously need to man up. What's this nonsense about you worrying whether this guy knows where you live? There's only a blunt way to say this, so here goes: Husar, you're a wuss and you need to grow up or you're going to get bullied all of your life.
This useless pest NEEDS to know where you live, so he can avoid going anywhere near it for the rest of his life lest you bash his bloody skull in with the nearest blunt object you can find. He should be avoiding you from now on, not the other way round. We're not talking about a six man gang with guns here, eh? It is the junk who ought to worry about you two ever meeting again, not you. You need to look forward to that, because you're not going to be caught offguard again. You're prepared for him.

Also, and this took me ages to understand too - you need to tell somebody like that to :daisy: off straight away. The guy was testing his luck, was testing you out. Bit by bit he discovered he could push you around, then took advantage of it once he understood he could get away with anything. You shall have to work on that. For starters three points:
If you say that you are making the call, then you are making the call and he can not smoothtalk/wriggle the phone out of your hand. It should've ended right there.
Never negotiate, and never let any line you've set be crossed, or they discover you can be pushed around.
You tell him once to give your ****** phone back, and then you take it. If you are not willing or capable of taking it back, then you shouldn't hand it over in the first place.

Crazed Rabbit

01-12-2011, 03:45

ACIN makes good points.

One thing I'll add: when shady people approach me asking for stuff, I will lie straight through my teeth at them. Never think you're under any obligation whatsoever to lend someone your cell phone or anything. It doesn't matter if they see you talking on it, don't feel obligated by what you think people expect. The simplest thing is just to say 'no'. Don't bother thinking up a reason or excuse. Say no, strongly, and keep moving (though keep an eye on them)

Importantly, you're alright and the phone was insured. Now, I'd suggest moving up the schedule for canceling the phone, changing bank account numbers, everything. Don't wait.

I think in this case (after you did agree to make the call) it would have been best to just start demanding he give you your phone back immediately after he grabbed it. Start loud and move to shouting quick - and then start yelling to the general public about stopping this 'thief' and yelling that someone should call the police. If he doesn't give it up, consider following at a safe distance.

EDIT: I'll just say that I agree with what Louis says in his own edit, the last paragraph.
This (NSFW: Swearing!) video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIlObKYwUyI&feature=player_embedded) illustrates the correct mentality. It's about a woman calling out the ass who tries to flash her on the subway.

CR

Greyblades

01-12-2011, 03:47

1 - Sorry about the phone.....then you shouldn't hand it over in the first place.

I have to disagree, unless husar was in or near a group of people I cant help but think that advice is more likely to get him killed than anything else. Anyone stupid enough to use a disease to get a poxy mobile telephone isnt going to be intimidated by telling them to frack off unless you happen to be built like a brick latrine or are in a group. And if that someone is willing to go to that amount of force over a harsh tone god knows what he'd do when he panics over a failing mugging.

Crazed Rabbit

01-12-2011, 04:03

I must disagree with you Greyblades. Telling someone, loudly and with confidence, to *go elsewhere* will let them know you're not going to be pushed around. They won't push it further, they'll look for an easier mark.

CR

Greyblades

01-12-2011, 04:16

That seems more likely to startle a mugger into attacking than making them run screaming. Not to mention having the confidence to tell someone off is kinda hard when he's the one with the weapon.

Louis VI the Fat

01-12-2011, 04:31

I have to disagree, unless husar was in or near a group of people I cant help but think that advice is more likely to get him killed than anything else. Anyone stupid enough to use a disease to get a poxy mobile telephone isnt going to be intimidated by telling them to frack off unless you happen to be built like a brick latrine or are in a group. And if that someone is willing to go to that amount of force over a harsh tone god knows what he'd do when he panics over a failing mugging.It is not about physical strenght. I think two twelve year old girls could easily beat me up. I've never been in the least bit interested in knowing how to fight, or in any weapon whatsoever.

It is about attitude. In many crimes, victims choose themselves. Sometimes, to further complicate matters, by being too provocative in telling somebody off. A mistake that more than once caused me a good fright - I do not always find it in me to conceal my contempt for scum. Fortunately I am quite swift and understand the art of dissapearing in a crowd.

Then there is the complication that one wishes to be a kind, well-mannered citizen, willing to help others out. One should not be aggressive and rude oneself in the public sphere out of retaliation, or as a social protection. This is sadly the real cost of crime. The cost tonight is not the telephone, it is that a decent and kind man like Husar learns he can not be nice and decent. Which is a tragedy.

That seems more likely to startle a mugger into attacking than making them run screaming. Not to mention having the confidence to tell someone off is kinda hard when he's the one with the weapon. The weapon was only pulled near the end. It wasn't even necesary, Husar had already been pushed around/strongarmed/intimidated/made advantage of.

In this case, a stern 'no' would've been best. No explanations are required, it's your phone, you do not have to excuse yourself to anybody. If you are willing to make a call for somebody, then a stern 'no' it should be when they try to take over the phone. Again no explanations or negotiations. ('Just one minute, I'll stay right here...'. Then they slowly move away, and discover they get away with that, and so they understand they can keep the phone for more than a minute too)

Lemur

01-12-2011, 04:35

I think two twelve year old girls could easily beat me up.
If I believed in siggies, this would go in. Immediately.

miotas

01-12-2011, 10:08

It's an orgah crime wave! Some :daisy: made off with my wallet and withdrew $800 before I could have my accounts put on hold. Now I'm gonna have to take the morning off work tomorrow to get my licence and cards replaced and fill in an incident report with the bank so I can get my money back. To top it all off I was going to go shopping this afternoon so now all I've got to eat until I get new cards is rice and stale bread.

Husar

01-12-2011, 11:25

You seriously need to man up. What's this nonsense about you worrying whether this guy knows where you live? There's only a blunt way to say this, so here goes: Husar, you're a wuss and you need to grow up or you're going to get bullied all of your life.
This useless pest NEEDS to know where you live, so he can avoid going anywhere near it for the rest of his life lest you bash his bloody skull in with the nearest blunt object you can find. He should be avoiding you from now on, not the other way round. We're not talking about a six man gang with guns here, eh? It is the junk who ought to worry about you two ever meeting again, not you. You need to look forward to that, because you're not going to be caught offguard again. You're prepared for him.

Also, and this took me ages to understand too - you need to tell somebody like that to :daisy: off straight away. The guy was testing his luck, was testing you out. Bit by bit he discovered he could push you around, then took advantage of it once he understood he could get away with anything. You shall have to work on that. For starters three points:
If you say that you are making the call, then you are making the call and he can not smoothtalk/wriggle the phone out of your hand. It should've ended right there.
Never negotiate, and never let any line you've set be crossed, or they discover you can be pushed around.
You tell him once to give your ****** phone back, and then you take it. If you are not willing or capable of taking it back, then you shouldn't hand it over in the first place.

I WAS willing and I WOULD have beaten him up, there are two things to consider though:

1. With all the rules and laws I'm not very keen to beat anyone up, this I consider a last resort, it never happened because he drew the needle.

2. he could have stabbed me with the needle while fighting, of course I couldn't have known that, but afterwards it's too late, he seemed VERY confident once he had his needle which was exactly why I decided to break it off there and call the police

And again, the reason I didn't go and tell him that he couldn't call was that, or at least so I understood him, he wanted to call from my cell or landline, so if I had gone the 30 meters to my door instead I would have expected him to follow me and beg me to come in, maybe even do what he did anyway and draw the needle, the door is in a dark corner as well. I decided giving him my cellphone couldn't end up worse than showing him straight away where my landline (and many other things) is, that may sound weird considering I didn't consider him a threat at that point (precisely because he was physically weaker) but I don't like to show everyone where exactly I live usually, maybe this lead to a wrong decision, maybe I prevented worse. :shrug:

The whole lieing straight to your teeth is fine, I get it, but it is not my nature, my nature and usual first reaction is to tell the truth, or maybe it's just my upbringing, but it is how I am, I wouldn't take pride in being a good liar but maybe I need to learn a bit in that regard, I certainly won't be as willing the next time.

al Roumi

01-12-2011, 11:37

Sorry Husar, some drunk guy and his 3 mates tried to mug me for a (fake) leather jacket once. It shook me up a fair bit because it did get violent (i resisted when 1 guy was drunkenly swinging at me (sober) but 3 was a different proposal). Seems an absurd event now -with distance and time, but there's no denying it's deeply unsettling. Louis is right that you shouldn't be the one running scared but you also did the right thing in not risking yourself.

The difficult thing in the long run is that i'd find it harder to help soemone out if they asked for it. You just have to help them in a way that is safe for you. You could do with some righteous indignation, this guy :daisy:ed you over and you are not going to let that happen again!

Vladimir

01-12-2011, 14:57

It could have been worse. You could of got shot.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Knjn1VGfSY

:shrug:

I hope you feel better soon but I’m glad you feel bad right now.

That cell phone tactic seems to be international. As I was leaving school one night a black guy and his girlfriend (sorry people, it was DC and that’s how it goes) approached me. The guy asked the same question about phoning a friend. I was in an adventurous (and stupid) mood and decided to help him call two friends; none of them answered.

Now, this was on the heals of someone else getting robbed at the same location. A good guy, but short, white, somewhat submissive, and terribly out of shape. So, yea, I basically knew what could happen. Fortunately, I was ahead of them (and a head above them) and know how to act in those situations.

Usually I would just lie and say it’s being charged at home; a long way away…but was in one of those moods where God should have taught me a little humility. Oh, and the HIV virus dies once it’s desiccated. So in less the guy would have stabbed himself first then stabbed you it would have been fine. You could have confronted him with that knowledge to distract him long enough to recover your phone. It doesn’t matter if it’s true as long as it gives you a window of opportunity.

Don’t be nice to people; be good to people.

Beskar

01-12-2011, 16:18

Last time some one attempted similar to be, I had some change in my pocket and pointed towards a phone booth. The door got upset and I just walked away, he was going to give chase, but there were a group of people I knew coming opposite direction anyway, so he ran off.

Shibumi

01-12-2011, 17:00

Husar, you met a desperate person and got out of the situation unharmed. Whatever anyone else have said, bear that in mind. That is all that matters.

With this said, Louis is right about the "push around" thing. People like these are like hyenas, they sense weakness. Grow some balls next time (I mean this in the nicest possible way), and the situation will not escalate, as there will be easier victims.

However, lessons like that will only come with experience, good for you that you got that experience so cheap - me it cost a whole lot more. Also bear that in mind!

Husar

01-12-2011, 17:38

Well, I did grow balls once it became obvious that he was exploiting me, and when he noticed that I wouldn't just let him walk away with my phone, he drew the needle...at which point there wasn't much I could do, following him while calling the police would be fun, with a cellphone, which I didn't have.
Again, after he took the phone from my hands, nothing was obvious, he could have sued me for assault had I done much, or poked me with the needle right away...
Or he could have come to my door and forced me into my home with his needle and robbed me there, one reason I decided whatever he wanted would be better dealt with right there on the street instead of in my personal comfort zone.
Well, I was also tired and hungry, so in general I would defend my stupidity with this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cY_oKve-bH0

Fragony

01-12-2011, 17:43

If someone holds a needle I'll give him everything he wants, phone gone too bad

Husar

01-12-2011, 20:41

Duh, yeah, UPDATE:

So today I went to work, talked to colleagues, calmed down a bit.
Then I went to my provider and they had a lot of understanding, tried to call a friend who works for Apple even to get it locked, but apparently not much can be done about remotely blocking it or so (the SIM is already locked). Then they let me call the insurance from the shop so I wouldn't have to pay the hotline fee myself etc.
The insurance needs some things from me of course, including the police report about the complaint (if that's the right word?) I filed with the police.
So I went to the police and talked to a really nice officer who also went a bit above his duty to talk to me(also said the criminal police may want to talk to me again to get a better description of what happened, so it's not like they do nothing it seems), afterwards I went shopping and headed into the subway to get home.

Now I've asked myself whether I'd actually notice the guy if I ever saw him again, but the question solved itself when I looked towards the other door, and, believe it or not, there he was, entering the same subway wagon! My heart was pumping really fast and he seemed to notice me as well, I pretended not to have seen him best as I could and he sat down trying not to get noticed by me.
I couldn't call the police as I obviously don't have a cellphone, thought about asking someone but then there could have been a panic or an escalation had he noticed so I slipped out at the next station and ran(walked fast) back to the police station to tell them everything.
So now they're going to get the subway camera footage and will probably notify me to come look at it.

Of course now I took a somewhat different way home which may have been a bit much but duuurn, I don't really want to get close and personal with him again, especially not if he has a needle again (yes, yes, I'd beat him up if he doesn't, but last time he did).

Calming down again now, this time it's not as bad but it doesn't look like he left the area or anything.

Strike For The South

01-12-2011, 21:24

You should've broken his neck

Beskar

01-12-2011, 21:32

Husar, don't clench your rectum muscles over him, he isn't worth it.

Louis VI the Fat

01-12-2011, 21:52

For God's sake, man up. Still this rubbish? A two bit punk making you run, making you take a different route home. You needed to to kick him in the face, confront him, make a scene, have everybody else call the police, take pictures and video of him, whatever. You look clean cut and he looks like a junk, right?

You can't keep running all of your life. Take a stand and fight mate. The idea was for you to find him, remember? Why did you not carry a knife with you today? When you knew there was a good odds of you seeing him again? He is supposed to be running scared of you from now on, not the other way round.

At this rate, if I were this junk, I'd have you pay me a tenner every day just so you can sit in the same train as me.

Sorry, I don't want to sound all E-tough and everything, but come on eh? Don't be too scared. The guy is a junk, he is scared of the police, and of other people.

Strike For The South

01-12-2011, 21:54

Vladimir

01-12-2011, 21:56

This is just wrong. Befriend him, tell him you understand, tell him that God has a plan for him...then tell them that you booked an appointment before sending him to it.

Strike For The South

01-12-2011, 21:59

This is just wrong. Befriend him, tell him you understand, tell him that God has a plan for him...then tell them that you booked an appointment before sending him to it.

"YOU GO TO HELL"

"You first"

Husar

01-13-2011, 01:39

For God's sake, man up. Still this rubbish? A two bit punk making you run, making you take a different route home. You needed to to kick him in the face, confront him, make a scene, have everybody else call the police, take pictures and video of him, whatever. You look clean cut and he looks like a junk, right?

If he isn't a disease-ridden drug addict, what did he need my phone for again?
If he is a disease-ridden drug addict, what are the chances that he will
a) actually have HIV and what are the chances to get infected in a fight?
b) sue me for assault and have a whole train of witnesses while I have exactly zero for the robbery?

The policeman told me not to talk to him and let the police handle it and I trust him more than some pdeudo-tough guys who aren't the ones taking the chance of an HIV infection. :furious3:

Oh yeah, the advice on what to do before a weapon is drawn was good I think. Just after he threatened my life I'm not going to change my opinion.

PanzerJaeger

01-13-2011, 02:32

Why are you guys being so hard on him? "Grow some balls"? Are you serious? You do not confront a criminal with a weapon... He did exactly the right thing.

Crazed Rabbit

01-13-2011, 02:32

a completely inoffensive name

01-13-2011, 02:38

Quoted for truthiness.

That video I posted? A small-average sized woman confronted and told off a man larger than her.

Even if you don't go and knee him in the face, confront him. Other people have phones.

CR

Dude was surrounded by who knows how many other people, trapped on the subway. It wasn't one on one.

It's not like your pride or honor is at stake here guys, there is nothing wrong with running when you have no self defense except your fist (which do not trump possible infected needle). If you have a taser or a gun, good you have the option of using it or you can still run as well. Stop telling people to grow some balls and accommodate for their nature which may be naturally non-aggressive.

Crazed Rabbit

01-13-2011, 02:46

Dude was surrounded by who knows how many other people, trapped on the subway. It wasn't one on one.

It's not like your pride or honor is at stake here guys, there is nothing wrong with running when you have no self defense except your fist (which do not trump possible infected needle). If you have a taser or a gun, good you have the option of using it or you can still run as well. Stop telling people to grow some balls and accommodate for their nature which may be naturally non-aggressive.

I got the impression this punk thief wasn't with anyone, there was just a crowd on a subway. I don't think it'd be one on one; it'd be the subway car against the thief if Husar told people to call the police. What would the guy do? Take some needle out and threaten everyone?

CR

The Stranger

01-13-2011, 02:55

a phone just isnt worth it imo... ignore the rabbit.

The Stranger

01-13-2011, 03:00

a completely inoffensive name

01-13-2011, 03:10

I got the impression this punk thief wasn't with anyone, there was just a crowd on a subway. I don't think it'd be one on one; it'd be the subway car against the thief if Husar told people to call the police. What would the guy do? Take some needle out and threaten everyone?

CR

I was talking about the pervert in your video. That guy showing off his junk was surrounded by at least 15 other people while the woman was screaming at him about turning him in. In Husar's case if I gather correctly, he was off the subway and was walking down the block by himself when the guy came out to ask for his phone.

EDIT: I was basically saying that there is a bit of difference between the situation where the woman stood strong and where Husar apparently "didn't have any balls".

Husar

01-13-2011, 03:26

Take some needle out and threaten everyone?

Yes, do you think a guy with HIV has a lot to lose? Or alternatively some people would worry and panic.
Besides, people have been raped in the middle of the city before, trusting on the public to help you is not something I'd consider lightly, the more people are around the more likely they all think the others should act.

And another besides, if I'm shaking no rational argument will stop it, it simply isn't rational, call me a wuss but there is not much I can do to stop it. Growing balls is not something you do within a few seconds, it's grow, not spawn or summon. It's not the guy who scares me, it is what he supposedly has on a needle and inside him that does, you cannot explain HIV away by being tough, it's one sting that changes your life and makes it considerably shorter as well. No way I'm going to get close to this guy again. Some guy who never saw him assuring me that it was a bluff is hardly something I'd make my life depend on, how stupid would that be?

Oh and then police might have to let him go anyway as I have no witnesses, then what did I gain? I made him really angry perhaps...

Crazed Rabbit

01-13-2011, 03:40

I see I should clarify. Husar, I don't think you should have attacked the guy after he pulled a needle.

I don't think you should have attacked him on the subway.

I do think there were other ways to handle it than getting off the subway at the first opportunity.

But don't just live in anxiety about what your actions will cause him to do. He tried not to get seen by you on the subway, right?

Because he's afraid, man. He doesn't want to get caught and go to prison.

CR

Husar

01-13-2011, 04:03

But don't just live in anxiety about what your actions will cause him to do. He tried not to get seen by you on the subway, right?

Because he's afraid, man. He doesn't want to get caught and go to prison.

CR

Yes, I get that, on a rational level, but my lizard brain makes me all shambly trambly run away as soon as I see him because it imagines looking at a giant AIDS virus. ~;)
I'm positive this will go away after a while, it just takes time until the rationale overrides the instincts.

Centurion1

01-13-2011, 04:06

my grandmother got mugged she was shocked and said no and just walked away. he got arrested where he will likely be raped and beaten for trying to mug an old lady. everyone has a grandmother.

on a more serious note. dont do favors for trash. i remember some obviously drug crazed guy at a checkers asking for some money for a snadwich. i obviously said no..... my friend gave him a couple bucks. he followed my friend to his car and tried to mug him my friend whupped his ass (football player vs. drug crazed maniac) and had to fill out a lot of annoying forms and go to court.

lesson? dont help people like that they dont want to be your friend. and if you do be firm and if you really do beat some ass. carry some mace. i would i dont care if thats what women do...... and watch the loser try to stab you with a likely uninfected needle blind. mwahahaha

Megas Methuselah

01-13-2011, 06:13

Be a man, Husar. My God.

Fragony

01-13-2011, 07:16

Dude was surrounded by who knows how many other people, trapped on the subway. It wasn't one on one.

It's not like your pride or honor is at stake here guys, there is nothing wrong with running when you have no self defense except your fist (which do not trump possible infected needle). If you have a taser or a gun, good you have the option of using it or you can still run as well. Stop telling people to grow some balls and accommodate for their nature which may be naturally non-aggressive.

Wise words. No shame in being scared. Situations like this take you by surprise anyway. Give up the phone and call insurance, and secretly hope he overdoses. Only pick the fights that are worth the trouble.

Louis VI the Fat

01-13-2011, 10:56

If he isn't a disease-ridden drug addict, what did he need my phone for again?
If he is a disease-ridden drug addict, what are the chances that he will
a) actually have HIV and what are the chances to get infected in a fight?
b) sue me for assault and have a whole train of witnesses while I have exactly zero for the robbery?

The policeman told me not to talk to him and let the police handle it and I trust him more than some pdeudo-tough guys who aren't the ones taking the chance of an HIV infection. :furious3:

Oh yeah, the advice on what to do before a weapon is drawn was good I think. Just after he threatened my life I'm not going to change my opinion.Yes, I was a bit stupid. I sounded like a fifteen year old. Do not bring a weapon and do not seek out a physical confrontation. What was I thinking?

It's just...you need to remember who is the criminal here and who is the law abiding citizen. The criminal must fear broad daylight, must be afraid of taking the same route every day, must be afraid of stumbling into people he has mugged. It can not be other way round. Do not be too afraid of what he might do to you.

Andres

01-13-2011, 11:10

Meh, internet tough guys.

Husar, the first time, you did the right thing. The only thing one can blame you, is that you're a nice, friendly and helpful guy. Now, I could tell you that you should become like most people when a stranger asks them for help: angry look, ignore, quickly run forward, but that would be wrong. There should be more people like you, not less. Don't feel ashamed for being scared; those who are rude and walk forward, are as scared as you; at least you had the guts to listen to the man, talk to him and even tried to help him; YOU didn't run away, like most people, including the tough guys here, would have done. You have more balls than 99 % of the people taking the subway, those 99 % would have run away from the guy.

About your second encounter, what can I say? You're unarmed. The guy sits on a chair. A whole bunch of witnesses around you. What could you have done? Step up to him and provoke him to get violent? If someobdy would intervene, he might as well see you as the aggressor and give you a few punches. And at what purpose? The phone is reported stolen and is blocked; you're insured. Besides, for all you know, the junk lost it already. You also risk getting sticked with a needle; the thing you, luckily, avoided the first time. And even if you would have "won" the fight, beating a guy up because he stole your cellphone the day before, is not allowed by the law. It might have well have resulted in you ending up in jail (there would have been plenty of witnesses of your crime) and having the rest of your life ruined because of it.

Don't let all this tough talk of guys who are not in your situation (unarmed vs. a nuts drug addict keen on infecting you with HIV) get to you. I think you've handled this correctly. All of this happened shortly ago, so I find it perfectly normal you're still very impressed by these events.

Fragony

01-13-2011, 11:42

Listen to Andres, I agree at least. Aggresion is scary, I'm intimidated by it even if I can hold my own fairly well. If you got to feel like Xena get a kubotan it isn't seen as a weapon by the authorities, but better to just take your loss it's not worth it

HoreTore

01-13-2011, 11:57

Fact: you're going to lose a fight with a junkie hooked on amphetamine. There's a reason rehab cebters hire those huge security guys, pinning down sa guy like that is next to impoossible and usually rakes around 4 huge guys. Amphetamine screws up how you react to pain. You can punch him straight in the face and break his nose, and he will react by laughing. Just don't do it.

Secondly, people are not always what you see. A small story of a robbery:

A 16-year old kid(who was thin and scrawny, and looked even younger) walks into a convenience store and heads for the
register. When he gets there, he shows a paper to the cashier, saying "this is a robbery, give me your cash". This was i the middle of the day, with three other registers in use, and more than a dozen customers waiting in the lines. The cashier thinks "wtf", and ponders punching the kid. The kid shakes the paper once, and the cashier thinks "wtf" again, but hands him a 200 NOK bill(about 40USD). The kid once again shakes his paper, and this time the cashier gives him 500 NOK, thinking he must be satisfied now and that he'll piss off. But the kid is NOT satisfied, and instead produces a sabre he had hidden in his pants, and cuts down oveer the register, and the sabre gets stuck in the cashiers chair, right between his legs. The cashier faints.

If he had done a horizontal slash instead of a downwards chop, the cashier would be missing a head, the blade was razor sharp.

Don't confront a robber, either flee or comply. You have no idea what they could be capable of. Its better to lose your phone than lose your head.

Sigurd

01-13-2011, 12:40

what a lot of bs... carrying a knife doesn't make you tough. and running is sometimes the best thing to do.
It helps knowing how to use one for sure, both on confidence and in the event that you would need the skills, like fending off a needle.

Intelligence, as in information about your adversary and his methods, are always good to boost confidence and device defense/attack plans.

What are the chances of being infected with HIV anyway? Was it a syringe with blood in it, or just a sharp object? The difference matters (http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/insite?page=ask-01-06-11).

IMO Husar did the right thing. Playing poker with your health is not worth it. People with skills could call your bluff.
If on the other hand Husar was trained in Haganah or Krav Maga or spent time in the military, he could have just-fully threatened the guy.
Screaming your lungs out just tells the criminal that you can't back up your bluff. These perpetrators would be more afraid of quiet but direct orders.
As I was told by the riff-raff I met in Scotland, "We are more afraid of the quiet ones".

The Stranger

01-13-2011, 14:10

It helps knowing how to use one for sure, both on confidence and in the event that you would need the skills, like fending off a needle.

Intelligence, as in information about your adversary and his methods, are always good to boost confidence and device defense/attack plans.

What are the chances of being infected with HIV anyway? Was it a syringe with blood in it, or just a sharp object? The difference matters (http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/insite?page=ask-01-06-11).

IMO Husar did the right thing. Playing poker with your health is not worth it. People with skills could call your bluff.
If on the other hand Husar was trained in Haganah or Krav Maga or spent time in the military, he could have just-fully threatened the guy.
Screaming your lungs out just tells the criminal that you can't back up your bluff. These perpetrators would be more afraid of quiet but direct orders.
As I was told by the riff-raff I met in Scotland, "We are more afraid of the quiet ones".

nope trust me. it is all false confidence. if you dont know how to handle a knife dont carry one. (using a knife for bread and butter is something else than knifefighting) besides if u take out your knife the entire thing might escalate and considering we are talking about a criminal offender the odds that he carries something that will beat your knife is big.

The Stranger

01-13-2011, 14:12

Yes, I was a bit stupid. I sounded like a fifteen year old. Do not bring a weapon and do not seek out a physical confrontation. What was I thinking?

It's just...you need to remember who is the criminal here and who is the law abiding citizen. The criminal must fear broad daylight, must be afraid of taking the same route every day, must be afraid of stumbling into people he has mugged. It can not be other way round. Do not be too afraid of what he might do to you.

there is a difference in living in fear or what might happen to you at any given moment and being afraid of what a certain lunatic might do to you in a specific circumstance.

Husar

01-13-2011, 14:15

Thanks, and by the way, I didn't run, he asked me almost kindly to just let him go and walk home or else he would harm me. So I let him go, told him that this was a nice way of him to thank me, that he couldn't use the phone anyway as it had a password etc. Then as he walked away I turned around and went home to call the police since I didn't for one minute intend to let him get away, it doesn't matter that I'm subconsciously scared, I will give the police as much info as I can, I'm just not willing to confront him physically as long as he could infect me with HIV.
I do trust my reflexes a lot in some cases although I'm usually a slow person, but even if I could stop him from putting the needle into my throat, he could still get my hand or arm instead etc. Those are things I considered in the few seconds when he pulled it, it's a freaking needle, it's designed to penetrate skin.

That said, I had no idea whether it actually was a needle, he had already lured me to a darker area in a side road and I looked at his hand shortly but couldn't make out much, I had become a bit nervous, the view on his hand was blurry, I pondered the abocve, including it could be a bluff but decided his hand was already too close to my throat and he seemed way too confident of it to risk anything. Keep in mind he probably fooled me to think he was actually calling a friend as well and made me relax a bit when shortly before he pulled the needle he supposedly told the guy what I had just told him to say, that he had another guy's phone and couldn't talk for long. So I expected to get my phone back soon and then he asked whether I was healthy, I expected him to try and run away if I said "no, I'm cranky and miserable and have an artificial knee" so I said I'm fine and then he turned around "you know what, I have...." and so on. In hindsight it seems very clever, he approached me on a big street and lulled me into thinking he was just some weird guy doing a phone call to a friend until we were in a dark place. I wasn't going to use violence for him walking a bit with my phone, but if anyone tries that again (after getting my phone somehow which I won't let anyone take out of my hand anymore) I will bring them down very hard, after all I walked behind him for a bit.

However, next time it may be three muscular guys with knives and guns and balaclavas and then I would rather show that I'm not the worst sprinter...

You don't win such an encounter by being the victorious slayer(although that does have a great appeal, yes, I'm a quiet guy...), you win it by preventing the other guy from getting what he wants and/or getting out mostly unharmed.

I'm happy that he didn't ask for my wallet for example, as the policeman said, it is easier to keep in your hand what you already have than take it from someone, I should have stopped him more thoroughly from grabbing the phone in the first place, that much I admit, but afterwards you always know better as we say.

Sigurd

01-13-2011, 14:30

nope trust me. it is all false confidence. if you dont know how to handle a knife dont carry one.
As I said... You need to know how to use a knife in order to carry a knife. It will boost your confidence if you know how to defend yourself against a blade or a needle (Krav Maga). A little training is all it takes.

Fragony

01-13-2011, 14:37

Hussy even if you stab him with a knife he won't even notice that he's wounded, it doesn't hurt and it won't stop him, you are only going to get yourself into trouble. It must have been kinda humiliating but you handled things nicely.

The Stranger

01-13-2011, 14:43

As I said... You need to know how to use a knife in order to carry a knife. It will boost your confidence if you know how to defend yourself against a blade or a needle (Krav Maga). A little training is all it takes.

even then i would not recommend that you carry one. though i guess it kinda depends what country you are in though. when i travelled through australia i did carry a knife (mainly cuz i was hitchhiking) but in the netherlands i wouldnt carry one

Fisherking

01-13-2011, 14:50

Humm,

Well, I can understand not wanting to get into a physical scuffle with a little creep with a needle who says he has aids.

Never the less I suppose you could have started yelling and pointing...thief, robber and so on. That would draw attention and get you some witnesses.

I usually makes them run too. If not I guess you would have to run if he/they came for you.

It was insured so not worth the risk of permanent harm to your self.

Now go and get your self the i-phone you have been wanting.

You will do better next time!

Lets hope there isn’t a next time.

Vladimir

01-13-2011, 15:25

All this talk of Krav Maga has me thinking. Maybe you could buy a cell phone from an Israeli manufacturer. You know, the one that makes cell phones for Hezbollah. That way if someone steals your phone all you have to do is push a button. According to quantum physics you can recover your phone and he'll never rob someone again. :yes:

Hax

01-13-2011, 15:32

Maybe you could buy a cell phone from an Israeli manufacturer. You know, the one that makes cell phones for Hezbollah.

Wait, what now? Why would Israeli manufacturers make cell phones for Hizbollah?

Fragony

01-13-2011, 16:03

Wait, what now? Why would Israeli manufacturers make cell phones for Hizbollah?

Been used to home missiles on

Husar

01-13-2011, 16:11

UPDATE:

I'm low on time so let me copy what I just said in IRC:

<Husar> I got a replacement phone
<Husar> really cheap one
<Husar> for now
<Husar> AND
<Husar> when I was there
<Husar> I logged into my online customer ccenter account
<Husar> because they needed my customer ID and I forgot to btring it
<Husar> so I noticed the used minutes this month had gone up from 4 to 10
<Husar> and now I got the number he called

Got to work soon but tomorrow I'll let the police know, it underlines that I'm not lying and maybe the other guy will admit to the call etc.

Vladimir

01-13-2011, 16:19

Wait, what now? Why would Israeli manufacturers make cell phones for Hizbollah?

Why do you think?

Well, it's more like an upgrade where they reduce the battery size yet increase the potential energy stored in the phone.

Husar

01-13-2011, 16:32

Why do you think?

Well, it's more like an upgrade where they reduce the battery size yet increase the potential energy stored in the phone.

I've had this idea already, I'm not short on brutal ideas and fantasies, had he used the needle he would have ended up dead with a cracked skull(a bit of a MAD situation), the only problem is if I want to stay alive and out of jail, most of these ideas aren't very useful, albeit very entertaining.

Greyblades

01-13-2011, 17:13

Are tazers legal where you live?

Strike For The South

01-13-2011, 17:45

I AM A TOUGH GUY IN REAL LIFE TO :anger:

Vladimir

01-13-2011, 19:54

I've had this idea already, I'm not short on brutal ideas and fantasies, had he used the needle he would have ended up dead with a cracked skull(a bit of a MAD situation), the only problem is if I want to stay alive and out of jail, most of these ideas aren't very useful, albeit very entertaining.

Yea, but a little fantasizing about revenge is healthy so as long as you don't end up in handcufs.

Strike For The South

01-13-2011, 19:55

Yea, but a little fantasizing about revenge is healthy so as long as you don't end up in handcufs.

But what if that's how I want my fantisies to end up?

Vladimir

01-13-2011, 19:57

But what if that's how I want my fantisies to end up?

:laugh4:

Sorry. Didn't see that angle at first.

Husar

01-14-2011, 00:56

Are tazers legal where you live?

Unfortunately not, it seems the ones that were legal, where you have to contact the other person, were mostly or completely outlawed lately.

Yea, but a little fantasizing about revenge is healthy so as long as you don't end up in handcufs.

Indeed. :laugh4:

UPDATE:

Well, it's hard to believe, but as I had almost forgotten about him and started to think of other things since he shouldn't show up at work(where I was headed), he was in the subway door that I wanted to enter!
I saw him briefly, got a shock and tried to get into the next door so I wouldn't have to walk past him(think of the needle! :fainting: ) but the driver had already locked the doors and drove off (see, I didn't want to run away, I just didn't want to confront him directly, which would have been unavoidable had I gone into the first door).
I called police anyway and shortly after my call the boards announced that the trains may run up to 20 minutes late due to a problem (ooops, I got a taste of POWER there... :laugh4: ).
I was supposed to wait for police but since my description was bad and I wasn't on the train to keep police updated they called me again and said the thing was off, too vague.
Well, I was 15 minutes late for work and that was it for today.
Given that he is such a frequent subway user, I guess it won't take too long to get him, weekend will be spent with the parents anyway.

Vladimir

01-14-2011, 15:23

Good. It looks like you're taking action.

If the police need a better description tell them it's the guy laying on the sidewalk with a blow to the back of his head. 2 X 4 > needle

Greyblades

01-14-2011, 15:45

Oh please. That is so uncivil; a nail gun is the right way to go. Quick, clean and if its powerful enough you can stick him to a wall and not worry about staining the carpet. :grin:

Vladimir

01-14-2011, 17:49

Oh please. That is so uncivil; a nail gun is the right way to go. Quick, clean and if its powerful enough you can stick him to a wall and not worry about staining the carpet. :grin:

Well, this is one of my heroes:

https://img203.imageshack.us/img203/5070/hacksaw.jpg (https://img203.imageshack.us/i/hacksaw.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (https://imageshack.us)

Fisherking

01-14-2011, 22:48

Looks like your avatar with whiskers

Husar

01-18-2011, 23:22

UPDATE:

As I wanted to go to work today, he was strolling along the street right in front of the house I live in, to make it short, he went across the street, I went a block further, called police while peeking around the corner to keep an eye on him and in the end he got arrested.
I had to go near and identify him of course, then went to work.
I guess the police will update me on what happens next but the policeman already said he's definitely a heroin addict.

Vladimir

01-19-2011, 13:52

Outstanding. Good to see you were diligent and that he was arrested.

Husar

01-19-2011, 15:26

Even better, I just went past him across the street...

Beskar

01-19-2011, 16:59

The Police service surely got soft in the last 70-80 years.

Strike For The South

01-19-2011, 17:39

Why have you not beaten the tom out of him

SRSLY

When we meet for the big ORG jambaree and cookout I'm going to take all your stuff

Vladimir

01-19-2011, 17:45

Why have you not beaten the tom out of him

SRSLY

When we meet for the big ORG jambaree and cookout I'm going to take all your stuff

Have we settled on a location then? I didn't see it in last week's meeting notes.

Husar

01-19-2011, 18:00

Why have you not beaten the tom out of him

SRSLY

I thought I already addressed this, he has needles, I beat him up, I accidentally hit his needle, I get HIV and prison time because 20 people saw me going up to him and beating him up...

What exactly did I gain then?

Strike For The South

01-19-2011, 18:02

Louis VI the Fat

01-19-2011, 18:02

a completely inoffensive name

01-19-2011, 22:53

Just walk away man. Just walk away.

Crazed Rabbit

01-20-2011, 05:20

I thought I already addressed this, he has needles, I beat him up, I accidentally hit his needle, I get HIV and prison time because 20 people saw me going up to him and beating him up...

What exactly did I gain then?

Husar, surely thousands of years of civilization has not been wasted on you. Man invented tools; use them! A bat will keep you at a comfortable distance from any needles, and his head at a comfortable distance to a hard, fast moving object. As to the second part, follow him until he goes into an alley and then commence your salutions.
(I am, of course, kidding).

And by this:

Even better, I just went past him across the street...

Do you mean he's already been let out on bail or something?

Seriously - you should ask the police if they have any info on him having HIV.

CR

Fisherking

01-20-2011, 09:10

I think you will find that the modern German male is not nearly as aggressive as you might think.
This is the one place you will find that the cops out number the criminals about 10 to 1.
There seems to be police behind every bush and lamp post, except in this one case when he needed them.
It is likely you can find more crime in Ardmore, Ok than you can in Essen, Germany or any other city in the country for that matter...except maybe Hamburg...
The man was very likely shocked that he even saw a criminal, let alone twice.
To him it may have been like finding a space alien in his bath tub. It just doesn’t happen!

Sarmatian

01-20-2011, 09:31

AFAIK, police can potentially track every mobile phone. The problem is, at least in Serbia, is they don't want to do it usually, because it takes time, monitoring and waiting for someone to actually switch it on.

If it can be done in Serbia, I can't possibly imagine that it couldn't be done in Germany.

Husar

01-20-2011, 12:59

Husar, surely thousands of years of civilization has not been wasted on you. Man invented tools; use them! A bat will keep you at a comfortable distance from any needles, and his head at a comfortable distance to a hard, fast moving object. As to the second part, follow him until he goes into an alley and then commence your salutions.
(I am, of course, kidding).

I got pepper spray, it's only legal to carry it for use against animals but apparently you can use almost anything legally for self defense. The problem with melee weapons is if someone more experienced and stronger, perhaps even more than one guy, than him comes I might end up being subjected to my own weapon unless I take extensive training.

Do you mean he's already been let out on bail or something?

Seriously - you should ask the police if they have any info on him having HIV.
I have no idea, I thought they wanted to call me but if they won't I will call the detective working on the case later today before I go to work.

I think you will find that the modern German male is not nearly as aggressive as you might think.
This is the one place you will find that the cops out number the criminals about 10 to 1.
There seems to be police behind every bush and lamp post, except in this one case when he needed them.
It is likely you can find more crime in Ardmore, Ok than you can in Essen, Germany or any other city in the country for that matter...except maybe Hamburg...
The man was very likely shocked that he even saw a criminal, let alone twice.
To him it may have been like finding a space alien in his bath tub. It just doesn’t happen!
:laugh4:
There's some truth to that though, at least from my POV.
While I heard a lot of people saying the police won't do anything, they're useless, typical that they let him go etc. this was the first time someone threatened me in such a way and I've walked through the city at night and encountered strangers at night before.
Women are rather afraid at night anyway, I never really was, that changed a bit now, but not that I am planning to never go out at night again.
Most of the policemen I talked to were very friendly, I tend to take their motto very seriously and try my best to work with them, it's not they who make the laws and if they illegally beat a suspect into a bloody pulp just because I said he's a criminal, would that really be better?

AFAIK, police can potentially track every mobile phone. The problem is, at least in Serbia, is they don't want to do it usually, because it takes time, monitoring and waiting for someone to actually switch it on.

If it can be done in Serbia, I can't possibly imagine that it couldn't be done in Germany.
It can, but it's not pinpoint accurate, the cellphone provider people told me that it would simply cost too much and the policeman I talked to about it said there is an even bigger problem:
The guy has most likely already sold it the same night, so someone else has it now(think fingerprints on it change etc., how to prove the robber ever had it?). Then you can track it to a certain building, say an eight family house, now what? Which flat are you going to search? Do you think any judge would hand out eight search warrants knowing that seven are affecting "innocents" just to find a cellphone that was insured anyway?

More likely, he said, is that some day during a routine traffic control or a raid or so they will find some cellphones, check their IMEI numbers and find the one of my stolen phone among them, of course the then-owner of the phone will have to explain how he got the phone but that's not something I'm particularly interested in right now.
Finding the phone was only really interesting to save my data(probably deleted by now) and prove that the guy robbed me (probably impossible by now).

What seems more likely is that if he robbed others they may chime in now that the police knows who he is and then it's not just me vs. him, but I have no idea yet, may ask the police later.

Odin

01-21-2011, 14:04

1st how the hell did you become a moderator?

2nd, you handled it perfectly. Life can turn on a dime Hussar and cell phones can be replaced. Its wonderful for those protected by the anonimity of the web to tell you to grow a pair etc (how couragous of them) but what you need to do is be honest with yourself. You arent a confrentational person and therefore you put yourself in the best possible position to garnish a postive outcome. Had you become violent and physical you would have been playing to your weaknesses.

The important thing is to always be honest about what you can and cant do. I would have handled it differently but I am a different person. Best advice I can give you is to find alternative routes home and carry some kind of protection like pepper spray or mace (do they allow that in germany?). Its not wimpy or pathetic to use protection, its the complete opposite, bold and competent because it speaks to your understanding of yourself.

Good luck out there kid.

Oh and since its me and since you are a mod now I have to say something gruff and sarcastic (image is important). -hurr durr you :daisy: chicken :daisy:, KICK HIS :daisy:!-

Husar

01-21-2011, 15:09

1st how the hell did you become a moderator?

The .org press gang knocked on my door one day...

2nd, you handled it perfectly. Life can turn on a dime Hussar and cell phones can be replaced. Its wonderful for those protected by the anonimity of the web to tell you to grow a pair etc (how couragous of them) but what you need to do is be honest with yourself. You arent a confrentational person and therefore you put yourself in the best possible position to garnish a postive outcome. Had you become violent and physical you would have been playing to your weaknesses.

The important thing is to always be honest about what you can and cant do. I would have handled it differently but I am a different person. Best advice I can give you is to find alternative routes home and carry some kind of protection like pepper spray or mace (do they allow that in germany?). Its not wimpy or pathetic to use protection, its the complete opposite, bold and competent because it speaks to your understanding of yourself.

Thanks. :bow:
I got pepper spray now and am willing to use it should anyone confront me again (it's only legal to use against humans in self defense, otherwise only allowed against animals).
I am the very definition of de-escalation usually, and in all seriousness, it's partly because I am afraid that once I do go all-out, I may end up in jail myself for manslaughter or assault or whatever and that would obviously ruin my life just as well. I wouldn't usually kick someone I'm angry at until I can run, I would kick them until they bleed or don't move anymore, yes, I've kicked a person who fell onto the ground before.
Don't mistake my usually kind nature to think that I'm incapable of horrible acts of violence, all it means is that I have my inner devil under control and know better than to respond violently to every little provocation or risk my life for minor things, that's how I see it.
That's not to say I want people to look at me as a violent person, but remember that quiet waters are deep or something like that.

Good luck out there kid.
I'm 25...and trying hard to act older. :laugh4:

Oh and since its me and since you are a mod now I have to say something gruff and sarcastic (image is important). -hurr durr you :daisy: chicken :daisy:, KICK HIS :daisy:!-
That's what I expected you to say but I was VERY pleasantly surprised. :bow:

And now to what I came to post anyway:

UPDATE:

:laugh4:

I just called the detective, the guy has already racked up quite a few robberies, he robbed the lottery store which is right across the street from my window, he robbed another store etc.
The only thing they're waiting for is an arrest warrant from the state attorney and then they'll get him and lock him up, in fact he said he's going to call them next week and tell them to hurry up a bit. :laugh4:
(I'm laughing because apart from the fact he doesn't seem to give a ****, he seems really dumb and actually less scary now)

So yeah, the guy is going to jail for a while and I'm not. I sent the papers to the insurance yesterday, so the phone should be replaced.

Fisherking

01-21-2011, 15:21

:undecided:Some times it is just a shame there are no longer bounty on varmints.

:rifle:...ding, ding €50

Oh, okay, not really.

Vladimir

01-21-2011, 15:28

1st how the hell did you become a moderator?

Post reported. Death to the Old Gods!

Kagemusha

01-21-2011, 17:31

I only saw this now.Husar i think you handled this perfectly for yourself with the options you had.You didnt got hurt and the guy was caught. Also now that you own a pepper spray you are more prepared if something similar happens later on. If a junkie threatens you with a needle there is no sense starting a fist fight if you can get HIV as a trophy from it.Its better to live on with this experience,rather then die on aids.Next time with the pepper spray you have more options like showering that possible muggers eyes with the spray while releasing a healthy kick to the genital area afterwards, which should release a phone from anyones hand. Then you can call the police to pick up the mugger while you acted on self defense.

Odin

01-21-2011, 18:50

The .org press gang knocked on my door one day...

Thanks. :bow:
I got pepper spray now and am willing to use it should anyone confront me again (it's only legal to use against humans in self defense, otherwise only allowed against animals).
I am the very definition of de-escalation usually, and in all seriousness, it's partly because I am afraid that once I do go all-out, I may end up in jail myself for manslaughter or assault or whatever and that would obviously ruin my life just as well. I wouldn't usually kick someone I'm angry at until I can run, I would kick them until they bleed or don't move anymore, yes, I've kicked a person who fell onto the ground before.
Don't mistake my usually kind nature to think that I'm incapable of horrible acts of violence, all it means is that I have my inner devil under control and know better than to respond violently to every little provocation or risk my life for minor things, that's how I see it.
That's not to say I want people to look at me as a violent person, but remember that quiet waters are deep or something like that.

I'm 25...and trying hard to act older. :laugh4:

That's what I expected you to say but I was VERY pleasantly surprised. :bow:

And now to what I came to post anyway:

UPDATE:

:laugh4:

I just called the detective, the guy has already racked up quite a few robberies, he robbed the lottery store which is right across the street from my window, he robbed another store etc.
The only thing they're waiting for is an arrest warrant from the state attorney and then they'll get him and lock him up, in fact he said he's going to call them next week and tell them to hurry up a bit. :laugh4:
(I'm laughing because apart from the fact he doesn't seem to give a ****, he seems really dumb and actually less scary now)

So yeah, the guy is going to jail for a while and I'm not. I sent the papers to the insurance yesterday, so the phone should be replaced.

I dont doubt you are capable of violence, most humans are I have seen it first hand and am guilty of it. You did the right thing for yourself, good show. Also, Im still 15+ years your senior so thats why I call you kid, I wont be around much to make the mistake over again. Last, I forgot how much this place sucked in terms of moderation. Thankfully it didnt take long to remember, its like seeing an ex girlfriend, its cool for the first few minuted but you realize very quickly why you broke up with them.

Cheers Husar

Husar

08-26-2011, 14:18

So today I testified in court, not sure whether I'll hear what became of it, they offered me to stay but I rather went home, was a long procedure anyway I think, I think it was the only "case"(everything this guy did) in that room for the whole day...

Which kind of closes this story for me I guess.
Just thought I'd necroclose the thread this way.
And tell you that the justice system in Germany is finally working. ~;)

Oh yeah, I doubt I could help a lot as I couldn't say what he had in his hand, but I stuck to the truth of course.

Vladimir

08-26-2011, 14:53

Cool. Thanks for the update.

Any courtroom footage? I'd love to see you fly across the table at this guy.

Husar

08-31-2011, 11:10

Well, yesterday my boss told me the local newspaper had a story that sounded surprisingly similar to my robbery case so I looked it up on their webpage and actually found two articles, they're anonymized, the robber's name is changed and they once say he's 36 and once he's 38 but they mention me (well, the day I was robbed and the type of phone, plus how he did it and where it happened) and his history fits with what I already knew so I'm pretty sure it's about him.

Apparently they had to continue his hearing yesterday, 15 cases all in all, he admitted a lot (also said he doesn't really have HIV, never wanted to hurt anyone, never had a dangerous needle/weapon etc.) and the attorneys complimented him for that, state attorney wanted five years and four months, his attorney wanted no more than four and a half years.

The judge actually sentenced him to six years and accommodation in a rehab clinic.
The psychiatric thinks this should be his second and last chance to get off the drugs but thinks he deserves it, I hope he uses it.

Fragony

08-31-2011, 12:04

Six years wow, that's quite a lot

Louis VI the Fat

09-01-2011, 05:16

Six years...that IS a lot. And send to rehab. Well done judge!

Shame about those drugs all of the time. Really, the social cost of drugs and alcohol are immense. Sp much destroyed. I hope this guy will somehow get to understand he is throwing his life away unless he gets his habits under control. And apart frm his life, taking to much away from his long, long list of victims.

The traditional small print when posting about legal matters, just to show the world we shall never be bullied into silence about government abuse: the German legal system is full of nasty people who would abuse their authority to prey on the weak.

Husar

09-01-2011, 11:40

Well, he also did say that he wants to order his life now etc., showed some remorse and so on.
How honest that was and whether he will succeed if so, remains to be seen, although I doubt I'll stalk him for the next six years. ~;)

That's funny because I met mostly helpful and friendly people "in the system", there are a few jerks but there are also jerks at work, jerks among my customers and jerks at the university etc. I think any system will have it's jerks no matter how much you complain about it. And I'm sure you would also more easily forgive a buddy or even someone you trust with your life when they make a mistake. It's bad, but we're all able to do it. The whole preying on the weak thing I really haven't noticed personally, some public servants actually seemed to have my interests in mind.

HoreTore

09-01-2011, 11:54

Someone should base their phd paper on "the jerk factor".

Fragony

09-01-2011, 12:04

Someone should base their phd paper on "the jerk factor".

Been done it's called a 'narcistic personality disorder', a rapists mentality really

Vladimir

09-06-2011, 23:22

Love Steve Martin.

Louis VI the Fat

09-15-2011, 01:00

That's funny because I met mostly helpful and friendly people "in the system", there are a few jerks but there are also jerks at work, jerks among my customers and jerks at the university etc. I think any system will have it's jerks no matter how much you complain about it. And I'm sure you would also more easily forgive a buddy or even someone you trust with your life when they make a mistake. It's bad, but we're all able to do it. The whole preying on the weak thing I really haven't noticed personally, some public servants actually seemed to have my interests in mind.There are lots of great public servants and police officers out there. When one generalises about all of them, the naming and shaming of the rotten ones is rendered impossible. I am a bit too refined not to understand this. :shrug:

Nobody in his right mind means everybody involved in a legal system when talking about government abuse, nor does anybody in his right mind understand criticism of abuse of power as some sort of personal attack on all.

My republican values compel me to beat into submission cops and other government employees who don't understand that they serve us, and not the other way round. Compels me to beat the notion into government employees that in a free society government abuse will never be tolerated, nor that criticism of government abuse will ever be censored.
You are all of course welcome to defend censorship of criticism of governmental power as much as you please.

I hate it when the weak and downtrodden get crushed.

Never be weak or vulnerable near police officers and public prosecuters. An alarming amount of them - whether German judges or American cops or French functionaries of state - are frustrated little men, who like a predator go into a feeding frenzy when finally confronted with a completely vulnerable victim. They love the absolute power. It is dangerous to be a drug addict, or to be dirt poor, or to be severely physically handicapped. The police and the justice system prey on you, both are full of nasty little men who will go berserk when they discover they can have absolute power over you.