Me and my friend (We're both 13) often go up to a pizza shop where we know most of the workers.. We thought we were decent friends with a guy who used to work there and shows up sometimes. (He's at least 21) This guy is from ohio so we decided to play a harmless practical joke where we taped a sign that said "Ohio Sucks" to the back of his car. When he caught us doing it he FREAKED out... he threatened to kill us multiple times and dropped the f bomb and others at least 5 times. He also pretended to punch my friend by starting to punch and stopped before he hit him.. He even said we couldn't come back when he didnt even work there! Are there any charges for this?
2007-08-25 08:37:23 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
P.S We have some of it on tape.. cell phone camera..
2007-08-25 08:52:13 · update #1
for AD: We used scotch tape... and it was only on for a few seconds so the chances of actually damaging it were very small.
2007-08-25 09:06:37 · update #2
Also for AD: I don't understand why you blame this on us.. you say we should be more responsible when hes throwing death threats at us and all you can see is we should be more responsible.. unbelievable..
2007-08-25 09:10:08 · update #3
Spencer,
He didn't physically assault you, but he very nearly did and he verbally threatened your life. I would make sure you tell your parents about this incident, document it on paper (write down date, time and place this incident occured). But unless you can prove slander (defamation of character, which from what you described has not occured), physical assault or attempted murder, I'm afraid there's nothing you can do legally. Just keep the documentation in case you encounter this person again. In the mean time, I would avoid this person. But do not let it deter you from this place of business! You have the right to go there. If there is a problem with this person, you can write or call the manager of the business and let him/her know that this person (a former employee( is verbally threatening and almost assaulted you and is banning you from their resteraunt. Most likely, after they hear that, it will be HIM who can't come back!
Bottom line- this guy is an adult...and you are underaged minors. That behavior is unacceptable. It was a harmless practical joke, sweetie...and you don't deserve that kind of treatment.
2007-08-25 08:48:51 · answer #1 · answered by hrgirl1701 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No you can't press any charges since you provoked the incident. And all his trash talking will be called "rage talk" and not a "real" death threat.
Now if he had actually punched anyone he could be charged but his trash talking was proportional to the offense, and no physical harm was done.
The law is clear: you can't provoke people, break the law and them play victim if you get caught.
So just let it go and thanks the guy didn't call the cops. And don't be so scare, the guy is not planning on killing anyone that was he just talking trash because he was upset; if he were going to kill anyone he would have done it right there when he caught you, right now he is not even thinking about you guys.
2007-08-25 11:10:46 · answer #2 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about you accept some personal responsibility.
You choose to put a sign on the man's car. It may have been a "harmless joke" but he did not think was funny. So how about you learn from it (IE...people don't like to be the but of jokes - so don't play them anymore b/c sometimes people get mad when you do it.).
Cause - if that sign you put on his car damaged his car in any way - yes even just a little tiny scratch - he's going to hold you/your parents responsible - and you'll get to pay to paint that panel and blend into the adjacent panels. I suppose he could also charge you with vandalism.
Grow up - let it go - learn from it and stay away from him.
Next time keep your hands off of other peoples property and you won't get yourself into this kind of trouble.
2007-08-25 09:03:26 · answer #3 · answered by Boots 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If this is a guy you ever have a chance of running in to again, I would most certainly notify your parents and call the police. It may seem at 13 that you guys did something to invite his reaction, but you did a very innocent childhood prank. His reaction is dangerous and adult.
Yes, call the cops. You will not be in trouble, but this guys appears very dangerous. If he hurt another kid think about how guilty you would feel for not reporting him and trying to stop his crazy reaction.
2007-08-25 08:45:57 · answer #4 · answered by LBee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes actually!!! he threatened to murder your life and other friends. You can press charges because even if you say something like " I'm going to murder George W. Bush"(its an example no need to worry) its still a federal offense. You often have to have proof and witnesses for their to be an actual trial though. Hope this helps! =)
2007-08-25 08:47:56 · answer #5 · answered by This Is How The World Ends 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No charges can be brought because there was no physical damage done to you by him. However, he doesnt work there anymore so you can go back as you please. The actual business hasnt barred you from the place so you are free to go as you please.
Just be careful next time who you play pranks on or just eliminate them altogether k?
Good luck and be safe out there!
2007-08-25 08:46:22 · answer #6 · answered by 100% Woman, yes indeed! 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
There is no such thing as a harmless practical joke.
2007-08-25 09:43:42 · answer #7 · answered by Happy Camper 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. You and your friend just found out that you need to pick your targets better when playing practical jokes. Better yet, don't do it to anyone anymore. You're safer that way.
2007-08-25 08:45:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I guess it is possible. But maybe he was in a bad mood or something, so maybe the best thing would be not to do anything about it.
2007-08-25 08:43:27 · answer #9 · answered by Avner Eliyahu R 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋