A neighborhood idiot...

[Jess from VA]

jumped an 8 inch curb and demolished the stop sign on my neighborhood corner lot.

I was out there working, heard the crash, ran over and saw what happened, then ran after the car to try and get a plate number.  But he saw me and took off before I could get it (well over 25mph).

The crash and impact was so loud, I thought he did it on purpose.  OR he was texting, drinking or drugging or all three.  People blow that sign every day (horns and brakes).  He tore the 2 inch square steel pole in half, and left small and large pieces of his car behind.

The sign would not stand up, so I got a crowbar and drug the heavy water manhole cover aside (it's right there), and stuck the sign down in the hole.  Only now it's only 3 feet high.

I called VDOT (VA Dept of Transportation) and reported it, and that that corner is a big bus stop for little kids all day.  Then I called the non emergency cops.  I told the guy I had no case... no plate, a small black mini SUV (no make/model), and young guy, that's all I got.  He said he'd send a patrolman, and I said it was a waste of time, but he insisted.

Officer Brandy showed up shortly and I apologized for wasting her time (it wasn't my idea to have an officer respond).  I told (and showed) her I saved a big piece of his car if she wanted it, and she laughed.  I'm sure that kid lives in the neighborhood, somewhere.

I showed her how I fixed the sign by sticking it down a water main, and asked if the county water dept would fine me $1000.  She laughed again.

I got a nice 4 hour ride in early before the heat (and the excitement). 

 

[GiG]

Dickweed 

[Chrisj CMA]

Well…….did you get her number???!!

[Jess from VA]

Well…….did you get her number???!!

You know.... I never hit on cops.   

She was very nice and friendly, but all business too. 

I thanked her for her service.

[scooperhsd]

Well…….did you get her number???!!

You know.... I never hit on cops.   

She was very nice and friendly, but all business too. 

I thanked her for her service.

Of course - that was the proper thing to do.

[Jess from VA]

Well, I rarely feel like I get any return on my large VA tax bills.

But I got professional treatment on the phone with both VDOT and the county police.  And a police officer arrived in under an hour, and VDOT showed up later to install a new stop sign.  The village idiot hit it so hard they couldn't get the support base out with a sledge hammer, so they yanked it out with their truck.

I'm going to keep my eye out for that car I'm sure is in this neighborhood.  This obviously wasn't the crime of the century, but if I do find it I'm thinking of walking down there after dark and duct taping the great big piece of his front end to his hood.  One small crime deserves another.  I wouldn't bother the cops again even if I find it.  I am civic minded, but would not enjoy sitting in a crowded courthouse all day to give 2 minutes of testimony, if it came to that.

[Jersey mike]

Someone in the neighborhood may have a Doorbell camera or other types of device.

[Jess from VA]

Someone in the neighborhood may have a Doorbell camera or other types of device.

I'm well aware of that, those things are everywhere now.  Proper surveillance and planning are the way.  I'm not a village idiot.   

I even put up an $8 fake one which stopped a guy from emptying his big dog diarrhea in my side curb yard every day (but never again after the very plain view camera went up). 

[Jersey mike]

Someone in the neighborhood may have a Doorbell camera or other types of device.

I'm well aware of that, those things are everywhere now.  Proper surveillance and planning are the way.  I'm not a village idiot.   

I even put up an $8 fake one which stopped a guy from emptying his big dog diarrhea in my side curb yard every day (but never again after the very plain view camera went up). 

 

[Rams]

All I'm gonna say is, it wasn't me. 
Although explaining the damage to his insurance company could be interesting to observe.

Rams 

[Jess from VA]

All I'm gonna say is, it wasn't me.  
Although explaining the damage to his insurance company could be interesting to observe.

Rams  

What he would do is tell them someone backed into him when he was in a store shopping.

If he needs a police report, he'll tell them that too.  (except what happened to all the broken parts that fell off?????_

[GiG]

When I was a teenager, cops came around investigating  missing street signs in the neighborhood. Must’ve     
Assumed I had taken them    - nope not my style- I would never tamper with a sign   
Might wanna check under kid sisters’ Buick, though, maybe it’s there along with 3 or 4 others 

[Farside]

   Well I hope you spot that small black SUV in the hood with a busted up front end and a maybe a out of round wheel. Then I want to hear how you got your lady copy friend back to investigate

[Jess from VA]

I may have located it but all the way up at the house, nose in, and I can't walk up there in daylight.

I won't be calling the cops again even if I find it. 

[NewValker]

Jess, some night, toss the wrecked sign into his yard, let him know someone knows….

Craig

[Jess from VA]

Jess, some night, toss the wrecked sign into his yard, let him know someone knows….

Craig

Craig, you're reading my mind. 

The VDOT guys told me if I took the sign before they got there, fine with them, but it is State property and they must take it with them.  I already knew this, and would not take State property.

However, I saved the biggest piece of his wrecked front facia he left at the scene (about 2 foot square), and I'm thinking to leave it on his windshield one night (IF there are no cameras anywhere).  And if I find the car; I may or may not have actually located it.  Just to worry him.

[Rams]

Jess, some night, toss the wrecked sign into his yard, let him know someone knows….

Craig

Craig, you're reading my mind.  

The VDOT guys told me if I took the sign before they got there, fine with them, but it is State property and they must take it with them.  I already knew this, and would not take State property.

However, I saved the biggest piece of his wrecked front facia he left at the scene (about 2 foot square), and I'm thinking to leave it on his windshield one night (IF there are no cameras anywhere).  And if I find the car; I may or may not have actually located it.  Just to worry him.

Just be aware that a lot of folks have security cameras now.   He might recognize you from your walking expeditions.   This assumes you don't wish to be recognized.

Me, I'd walk up to the car and if it's the one, I'd knock on his door and asked if he lost this............ 


Rams