Today, I was on my bike on a semi-busy road, pulling a bike trailer with Jader in it, when a car full of teenage boys passed me, lit a firecracker, and threw it at me! Although I didn't get burned by the firecracker, I felt the heat of it, and it really frightened my daughter.
I followed the car full of boys to the high school, and confronted the group in the parking lot. I asked the boys to follow me to the office because I wanted to press charges. They denied being involved, and left me in the parking lot. I knew, however, that these were definitely the boys in the car. I got the license plate of their vehicle, and went inside the high school to report it to the security officer.
The officer and I looked at the security film to sort out a lie one of the boys told me. Then, I filled out a witness statement, and told the officer that he could contact me at home after he talked to the kids. The officer also said he would pass along the information to the city police since the incident happened off high school grounds.
Thankfully nothing happened to me or to Jader. Thankfully her trailer didn't catch fire, or I didn't crash trying to avoid the firecracker or get hit by a car while trying to avoid it. I mean, really, thankfully we didn't get hurt. But, I still want those boys to learn a lesson. Whether it is a monetary punishment, or community service, I just want them to realize that what they did was wrong and they should never do something that stupid again.
Tell me, am I overreacting?
ETA: The high school security officer called my home this morning to inform me that the three boys were called into the office, their packs and car were searched, and a lot of explosives (the firecrackers) were found. They also found cigarettes on their person. Two boys were already on probation for errant behavior, so they were given a more harsh punishment than the third boy. The boys all received ten days suspension, and they were cited for the explosives on campus. The officer said I could follow up with the city police if I wanted to, but I decided their punishment was just. I really just wanted them to learn a lesson, and to realize that they messed with the wrong civilian. I have a background in law enforcement, and I really don't like it when teenagers misbehave and act so stupidly. Maybe this incident, and the subsequent punishment, will help them somehow down the road.
7 comments:
Not at all. We have some boys shooting air guns at the kids as the get off the bus. One girl was hit just below her eye. The boys of course thought it was really funny. Incidents like these can really cause harm. They need to be stopped before someone is really hurt.
I think they need to realize that even though they think they might be having fun or something is funny.... it can be really damaging. Sometimes it takes someone pushing them into their senses before they'll realize how stupid they were being!
Thank goodness nothing bad happened! Hopefully they will learn!
I don't think you're overreacting! Kids these days are out of control and somebody needs to let them know things like this are NOT okay. I just hope the cops actually follow through. I'm glad you guys didn't get hurt.
I also don't think you were over reacting and that you obviously did the right thing because of what they found in their car. Now they just need to search their bedrooms!
Ugh...kids these days. Well, some adults are just as bad too. It's really pathetic...
I don't think so at all. I would have done the same thing. Stupid kids.
From a male point of view, I think boys will be boys. NO WAY!!! Boys are jerks, I know I was one of them! If it would have been me in your place, I would have had a hard time not hitting them or shoving some firecrackers in thier mouths or something! You sounded very calm even though I am sure your nerves we going crazy! Good job.
Way to go! I'm glad you didn't let them get away with it. That kind of senseless "fun" could have really hurt you and your daughter. It makes my blood boil just thinking about it. You did the right thing.
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