Got Busted By A 78 Year Old Man Today

[Mountain Gardener]

Just read the thread about someone getting busted by DOT. Sorry, but I just had to laugh even though it's not funny if it's you.

I got busted by a little 78 year old man today because he thought I was stealing water from a fire plug. We were hydroseeding a new home accross the street from him and getting our water from the plug with a meter, with our name all over our truck and hydroseeder, and with another lettered truck about 100' down the street.

I heard my employee yell OH SHOOT! (or something like that) and take of like a rocket. I turned around to see this gentleman with a 20ga behind me saying he was placing me under citizens arrest.*trucewhiteflag* He had already called the police before he came out. I tried to explain to him that we were legally getting the water through a meter and that with my company name all over our trucks and equipment, stealing water was not something we did.

He never did point the gun at me and he was certainly a gentleman in words and action. After a few minutes his legs began to give out and he needed to sit down before he fell down. He sat down on the edge of our trailer and after another minute or two, handed me the gun and told me I was probably ok after all. Police show up and retrieved the gun, called his daughter to come down, and help her dad. I refused to file a police report or charges. Old fella gave me a hug before was walked back to his door and a little later he and his daughter came back out with chairs to sit and watch us work. We talked back and forth through the day with them. They were really nice people.

[PerfectEarth]

Old people are funny.

[howardsells2000]

I don't know if i would have thought it was very funny. If someone brings a shot gun outside things could go bad real fast. I'm surprised the police didn't arrest him for brandishing a fire arm or something to that effect.

[Americal Vet]

Mountain Gardener - What a day you had!!! I'm sure the old man felt he was doing the right thing at the time. :drinkup: to you for keeping a cool head and defuseing what could have turned into a bad situation.

I've run into a couple of folks like that around Cotter while trout fishing in the White.

[RedMax Man]

Was that guy on drugs? sounds like he was out of his mind.

[Juan_Deere]

I don't know if i would have thought it was very funny. If someone brings a shot gun outside things could go bad real fast. I'm surprised the police didn't arrest him for brandishing a fire arm or something to that effect.

As long as the firearms safety rules are being followed, I totally disagree with you. The old timer obviously knew what he was doing with the firearm, and everything turned out alright. I think it proper the police didn't arrest him for brandishing a firearm. It shows that not everyone has fallen for the ****** notion that firearms in and of themselves are evil. No offense to you or anyone else, but I think the right to bear arms should have been the first amendment, not the second. Firearms are tools, and they were instrumental in creating our great nation. Anyone that doesn't understand that, and the fact that they should continue to be a part of every law abiding citizens life for the remaining life of our country, needs to move to another country. Or California.

[jpp]

Glad this worked out for you. I am sitting here laughing just thinking of that employee high tailing the other way while you stuck there with the old guy. Don't take it the wrong the way but I have a picture of the guy diving behind a truck to hide.

JP

PS Before I get bashed for laughing I know it could have turned out for the worse. I am not laughing about what happened but just at the guy taking off leaving him by himself

[corey4671]

actually it made me think of Grandpa Simpson.

[TreeCo]

I wouldn't want to be a climber in a tree with that old man around.

Old fools can kill.

I'm glad it worked out alright this time.

[Vikings]

actually it made me think of Grandpa Simpson.
I thought of Granny from the Beverly Hillbillies only she wouldn't have let you go.

[lawnman_scott]

As long as the firearms safety rules are being followed, I totally disagree with you. The old timer obviously knew what he was doing with the firearm, and everything turned out alright. I think it proper the police didn't arrest him for brandishing a firearm. It shows that not everyone has fallen for the ****** notion that firearms in and of themselves are evil. No offense to you or anyone else, but I think the right to bear arms should have been the first amendment, not the second. Firearms are tools, and they were instrumental in creating our great nation. Anyone that doesn't understand that, and the fact that they should continue to be a part of every law abiding citizens life for the remaining life of our country, needs to move to another country. Or California.Your right, the problem isnt guns, its idiots with guns. When the police have to ask if you want to file charges, and then call the daughter home to look after the senile old man I would say that is when a problem could occur.I would have pressed charges unless he gave up the gun FOR GOOD.

Wonder where the term gun nuts comes from? How can you possibly defend a guy using his gun to defend the water meter????????????? I guess thats life and death?

[procut]

Thats old people for you. I most likely would have filed charges/had him arrested. Hats off to you for handeling it the way you did.

[Mountain Gardener]

A few more details.

Cynthia (his daughter) called this morning and wants me, along with her dad, to have the shotgun. I told her that I would be honored. There are also a couple of other guns they want to give me. Her dad is becoming frail and he knows it. They feel it would be better if guns were out of the house after yesterday.

The gun was never loaded when he approached me. He never pointed it at anyone before giving it to me. Was very polite the whole time before and after police arrived. I'm certain he was not looking for trouble but thought he was doing his civic duty in that he called police before approaching me.

I never felt threatened when I saw him because of his demeanor. He was almost apologizing for being there.

ARREST HIM???
What do you do with a 78 year old man in poor health, with great family support, who is probably a little senile, that made a mistake while trying to be a good citizen??????????? I damn sure don't think you have him arrested and thrown in jail. What kind of sentence should the judge give him?? Maybe a sentence of 6 weeks to life in jail would be appropriate!! NOBODY there wanted him arrested, including the police.

[TreeCo]

Nobody wants the old coot arrested but get real dude.

It is not acceptable behavior!


"What kind of sentence should the judge give him??"

The judge should make sure he is never around firearms again and send him home.

[topsites]

Not so sure if I could've been but so cool with a 20ga but otoh I don't get but so argumentative in the face of firepower either...
Guess this guy done heard how some of us can get (guilty) so he brought a little equalizer along...
If he'd a been a 20 year old, it would've been all over.
But this is just one them cases, I been saying it for some time, age helps :)

LOL, it's actually funny, the things I get to look forward to, walk around shoving a gun in people's face and get away with it.
You dang straight, show them punks what it's all about, lol.
Then when the cops show up, unlike 40-60 years ago, this time they let you go.

:laugh:
Sorry, I had to say it.

[Mountain Gardener]

TreeCo,
Unacceptable behavior for sure. His daughter is taking care of her dad better than any judge could and with her dad's cooperation. He is probably soon to be moving to a care center.

Topsites,
Quote "If he'd a been a 20 year old, it would've been all over." Really! Sound like you are certainly tougher than me! Remember - There are some things you can't fix no matter how tough.:dizzy:

I believe this thread is worn out.

[bahamamills]

Moutain.....thread is worn out but I had to echo some of the positive feedback of how well you handled it. I am sure he thought as I would have that you could have been stealing from his daughter (city water bill).

My parents are getting older and it won't be as long as many think before we ourselves are in their shoes do crazy A(*&SD. I hope there are people around like you who won't jump and throw me in jail.

[Oasis-Outdoor]

He needs someone keeping a little closer eye on him. I agree with right to bear arms, etc. I am a Police Officer & Firefighter when I'm "working for the man". The situation did not warrant any citizen brandishing a weapon. That sounds like a situation that could have easily taken a major turn for the worse. Glad no one got hurt!

[Eric D]

Mountain Gardener,

You should be proud of the way you handled the whole situation. It sounds to me you did just what you should have. Way to go man!

Regards,

Eric D

[howardsells2000]

As long as the firearms safety rules are being followed, I totally disagree with you. The old timer obviously knew what he was doing with the firearm, and everything turned out alright. I think it proper the police didn't arrest him for brandishing a firearm. It shows that not everyone has fallen for the ****** notion that firearms in and of themselves are evil. No offense to you or anyone else, but I think the right to bear arms should have been the first amendment, not the second. Firearms are tools, and they were instrumental in creating our great nation. Anyone that doesn't understand that, and the fact that they should continue to be a part of every law abiding citizens life for the remaining life of our country, needs to move to another country. Or California.

I own several guns. I am a believer in the right to bear arms. Now from the story I don't see how you could possibly come to the conclusion that the old timer knew what he was doing. Carrying a shotgun outside to defend a fire hydrant makes no sense. Especially since he already called the police. He was a danger to everyone in his path and he could have gotten himself shot. I think if I was outside at a job site and saw a person walking towards me with a shotgun and I was armed I would probably draw my firearm and that is how situations go bad.

[FearThisDeere]

Great story and good for you for not filing charges.

[kmann]

I wouldn't want to be a climber in a tree with that old man around.

Old fools can kill.

I'm glad it worked out alright this time.

Key word is "this time" next time it might be some kids who go on his lawn and he caps one of em'.