First of all I would like to question why some people on this site take offense or pass judgement so easily, quickly and sometimes sarcasticly. I thought we were all here to learn from each other by sharing our experiences and helping one another make good or better decisions if we are confronted with similar incidents. If people get tired of the topic then go to another one (there are 100's of other topics on THR).
There have been some excellent observations, opinions and suggestions made here in dealing with this issue and I feel certain everyone reading them has learned a lot.
Just my opinion: Webb should have remained in his house. He should have called the police and explained his concerns, suspicious car, strange activity, possible intoxicated driver and given as much discription of the car as he could see from his house. When he first turned his light on the car he created a situation. People don't like having a light pointed at them, especially when they are smoking pot or making out with the neighbors daugher. When he walked out of his house towards the car he escalated the situation further. When he once more turned the bright light on the car it was further escalated. That is likely what brought on the verbal altercation with the driver. His failure to back down tells me this guy is a potential risk. When Webb patted his side indicating he was armed the situation took a HUGE jump and seriously increased the danger. Only some very good luck kept it from getting out of control and someone getting hurt.
As far as calling the police I can understand the comments about not bothering them with the problem and checking it out yourself. I think we all feel a little macho, especially when we are packing and we think we can "do it oursleves". The attitude is that this is my neighborhood and we have a tendency to want to protect what is ours. However in this day and age it just isn't practical to do get as involved as happened in this case. There are just too many variables that can suddenly get you way in over your head.
BTW I don't know many officers that feel they are bothered by being dispacthed to check out a call like this. It's their job and believe it or not they do want to do their job. Of course with as many 911 calls that are received and the number of police officers there are to handle them there has to be some prioritizing. I do feel that this call deserved a 911 call and not a call on the business line. Maybe what is going on doesn't seem particularly important to you at the time and you can check it out yourself but maybe that car in the next door neighbors drive way was being used as a get away car from a serious crime that was being committed by accomplices (say robbing or raping the widow). The car might fit the discription of a car used in other crimes and MO's (methods of operation). The police are probably going to have more knowledge about this than the homeowner and can respond to the call accordingly. Let them make that decision. As far as police not showing up right away at a loud party I can understand the frustration when they take awhile to show up. However like I said before, the calls have to be prioritized by the nature of the seriousness of the call. Do you have any idea how many noise complaints a police department receives in one night? This doesn't include calls of robberies, assaults, domestics, vehicle accidents and the list goes on and on. Police officers do appreciate the assistance of the public but the public needs to try and understand the situation from their position as well. Upon arriving at any situation emotions are likely going to be high and a lot of yelling going on. The punk would most likely have yelled at police "that guy pointed a gun at me", he told the girls father that. Had the police arrived while this situation was in progress they wouldn't know who was the bad guy and who was the good guy. If a gun was mentioned Mr. Webb would have found himself at the point of their guns and nothing was going to get resolved until any gun is under their control. The police officers job first and formost is to protect everyone involved. Like I said the potential scenarios for someone getting hunt are endless. My opinion is that people should report suspicious incidents to the police and let them handle it. That was also pointed out in several posts and is good advise, be a good witnes not a suspect or a victim. Stay in your house, protect yourself and your family and the gun doesn't get used until someone breaks through your door or window.
On the subject of trying to stare down this punk I don't feel it is a very good idea. What might have been dropped and forgotten was just refreshed and if this kid is the punk he sounds like he is he may not be finished with his grudge and cause further probems. Just ignor him if there should be another meeting.
Boy did I ever get long winded. Just my humble opinion. Feel free to disagree.
when you write stuff like that so we'll all know you're kidding.
