Happened to me today...

[elvis.alive]

Hi all!!! Just to introduce myself, I'm fifteen, but wanted to hear some decent advice from someone other than the cop at my school.

Right now I'm a sophomore in high school, and was biking to work at 5:30 on the bike trail that runs through our town (the W&OD for those who know it.) This trail passes through the "business" part of our town before hitting streets that people actually use. I was biking past one of the auto repair shops, and was approached by a man who had been standing at the edge of the path. He asked me if I could help him out for a minute, and I said sure, because I have a really hard time turning people down. I put down my bike near the path, and walked through 15 feet of knee high grass to get to the parking lot. He asked me if I could help him push a car into a parking spot, as he said that everyone else at the business was gone. This struck me as kind of sketchy, but I agreed. I took a look around, up and down the parking lot, and as far as I could see from where I was into the garage. I put my string backpack down next to me, and he asked if I could just push on the hood of the car while he steered it into the spot. This seemed to me as if he was trying to set me up for something, so I looked around again and agreed. I kept looking around as I was pushing, and stopped when he asked me to. I then left after the man thanked me, and biked on to work.

Sorry for the incredibely long post, but I had a few questions. One, did I do the right thing, safety-wise??? And two, does anyone know what knife laws are like for minors in Virginia??? I usully carry around a Kershaw pocket knife with a 2.5" (I think) blade that has a little stud on the blade so I can open it with one hand. I neglected to bring this because now that school is in, I do not keep it in my backpack. So, sorry for the lengthy post, any spelling / grmmar mistakes, and thanks for your time.

 

[jester_s1]

You did a nice thing, but not a safe thing. I seem to recall "Don't talk to strangers" from somewhere back in the day. It's a good policy, especially when you are alone. Keep being a nice guy, but understand that there are plenty of people around who would put you in the hospital for a used bicycle and your lunch money.

 

[elvis.alive]

Sorry, I forgot to add that I'm 6"5 and 150 pounds. Not that that really makes a difference, but just some more info. Thanks everyone.

 

[Mauserguy]

Well, it sounds like that fellow was just having mechanical problem, something that has happened to me once or twice. I don't think that he had any ill intend. Having said that, though, I think that you should have just kept on peddling. If nobody else is around, don't put yourself in a vulnerable position. Be a good sameritan when it is safe. Let him call AAA when it is not.
Mauserguy

 

[jester_s1]

It doesn't matter how big you are. Criminals don't fight fair. If he had been a mugger, he would either have been armed or would have had a buddy sneaking up behind you. You were smart to check around yourself, but the truth is a mugger is going to have the whole scenario planned out and won't make his move until you are distracted or in a bad position. Just keep peddling next time.

 

[bdickens]

Sometimes, some people really do need help.

 

[DFW1911]

It's okay to help people out, just keep your guard up.

On Friday I helped some poor guy who managed to get his Ninja stuck in mud in the median push it back onto the frontage road (Texas loves its frontage roads).

I was cautious to a degree...I also was carrying an XD9

Be careful and be a decent human - something we could use more of these days.

DFW1911

PS: What position do you play on the bball team .

 

[SpotlightRanger]

Bad guys don't ussually pick out the 6'5" teenager as a target. They will move on to someone smaller. Don't think that this makes you not a target, you still are, just not first on the list.

 

[cassandrasdaddy]

i 6' 5 teenager is first n my list for helping push something heavy. elvis sounds like a nice guy and its a shame we have to be a lil paranoid nowadays but its a reality. do you carry a cell phone elvis? maybe pause and call home to tell em where you are a brief description and that you'll be on your way in a few mins after you push mr (blank)'s car for him. no harm if hes legit and it might make him nervous if hes not.

 

[heron]

Elvis, you did put yourself in a potentially risky situation, but at least you stayed alert, which is good.
Don't abandon your bike if it's worth anything at all to you -- your situation seemed like a perfect setup for bicycle theft, which is hopeless to get any relief from other than any insurance you may have on it. Some bicycle commuters deliberately use a beater-bike for this reason. You could probably carry pepper spray. When moving into a potentially troublesome situation, you should also survey your surroundings for escape routes and/or nearby objects that could be used as weapons (anything harder than your fists) if you were attacked.

 

[mustang_steve]

Rule 1 is "always trust your gut instincts". That said, if you felt uncomfortable...then don't help him....you can offer to get help for him if he stays put though....just find someone in a better position to defend themselves.

Rule 2 is "never underestimate a person". I've seen elderly people and overweight people with exceptionally high levels of strength. Same for very thin people. So be careful out there.

Rule 3) always know the entire situation. Ask why he needs a push, anything to size up the problem. If you know an alternative that wouldn't require a push, then offer it.

Rule 4) If you do go into the situation, know an escape route, and have not only a plan B, but a plan C and possibly a Plan D. The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray...it's not just some words from your literature class books, it's wise words on how things go in this world. So backup plans are always a wise investment in all aspects of life.

rule 5) NEVER turn your back on a suspicious person, and never lose attention of your surroundings. If the suspicious individual is talkative to the point of distraction, tell him to you have a headache and would rather he not talk unneccesarily....in as polite a manner as possible however.

by being aware at all times, you will help protect yourself. Knives are a liability at your age if used in that manner....please read up on all the weapons laws in your locale/state and make sure you abide by them. Last thing you need is a self-defense situation gone awry over a local ordinance or the like.

 

[elvis.alive]

Thanks all for the replies. My parents are really paranoid about me getting anything to defend myself with, so I usually carry around the knife, as it's my best option right now. Does anyone know what knife laws are like in Virginia, or even better yet, Fairfax County??? And if there are any restriction on them for minors??? Thanks again.

 

[dkk73]

Elvis:

mustang_steve hit the high points. I would reiterate "trust your gut". The "Gift of Fear" is an interesting read on the power of intuition (it has some anti-weapon sentiment that is easy to ignore).

From what you describe I would imagine the worst *relatively more common* occurrence is that the guy might come on to you. Which is easy to walk away from. Actually a better tactic for perps is to have a girl come on to you and lure you into a vulnerable place.

In my experience, 49 times out of 50 if it seems legit it is. Usually if someone wants something (like angling for a ride), you get a hinky feeling up-front, even if the person intends you no harm. I think this is just because most people cannot hide their nervousness at a subconscious level.

Sociopaths are a different story but are rare.

If in doubt, don't. It's sometimes just a judgment call.

IMHO, knife is a *deterrent* unless you are trained. Ie. more that someone wouldn't want to get cut. Getting into an unintentional knife fight with someone who actually knows how to knife fight is very low on my list of priorities.

Take care!

 

[DFW1911]

Does anyone know what knife laws are like in Virginia, or even better yet, Fairfax County??? And if there are any restriction on them for minors???

Post this question in the Non-Firearms Forum and you'll have your answer; there's a very high level of knife knowledge.

 

[PT1911]

It doesn't matter how big you are

6'5" 150 lbs... yeah.. that is one stocky sum-beach... bet you can turn sideways and hide behind your bike tire... if your bike tire was 6'5"..

Just messing bud, seriously.. with all of the "bad feelings" you got in the situation, it obviously wasnt a "safe" thing to do. That said, I can relate to not wanting to say no to someone who is seemingly in need.. On the plus side, you noticed your situation as questionable (to say the least) and remained on guard.

if all else failed you could punch him while he was still 10 feet away.

 

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // Well done
You helped someone and showed you are on guard while doing it.

I don't know about knife laws. Running is better than wrestling anyway.

Once again well done ...content

 

[21bubba]

Some on here are way too paranoid.

 

[cassandrasdaddy]

Running is better than wrestling anyway.

quoted for wisdom and truth! i'd hate to chase a kid that age

 

[CornCod]

You are a good young man. However, between now and the time you are eighteen you will gain a bit more upper body strength enabling you to better fight off an attacker. I would probably wait till then before helping out strangers with such tasks.

 

[mcdonl]

I am not sure why I have this notion in my head, but "bad guys" are often succesful because they have the element of surprise. By being alert you take that away without them even knowing it. You did well, and you helped a fellow man.

The element of surprise is also a good reason to CC of OC too by the way.

 

[AKElroy]

Be a good sameritan when it is safe. Let him call AAA when it is not.

+111111. I have young kids, and your post is exaclty what keeps paranoid parents like me awake at night. Unfortunately, in our current society safe trumps polite. Next time, keep peddling, and more quickly. I am all for being helpful, and I teach my kids this trait. I also expect them to do so when others are around, or the person being helped could never be considered a threat; IE; your 75 year old female neighbor needing a tire changed or groceries carried.

You mentioned thinking that something was strange about his intsructions and indicated not being at ease with the situation, and yet you yielded to him anyway. As you get older, you will learn to trust your intuition. It is there for a reason.

Welcome to THR! Stay safe.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Man, I was reading your story and just waiting for you to say that you got robbed. I'm so glad nothing bad happened.

Don't live your life in fear that any person you don't know could be out to get you. Most people are honest and decent enough. However, it doesn't mean that there aren't people out there to take advantage of you, or worse.

The #1 rule is to use common sense and good judgment! Think before you act!

Reading your story I was just waiting for that guy to throw you in the trunk, it sounded that spooky. If nobody else is around then you probably do not want to be in that situation. If a person is in mortal danger, call 911. If they aren't, then offer to call for assistance. But until you are comfortable with the situation, keep your distance!

I have helped several people change spare tires out in front of my office. Mostly because its the only place to pull over on the road. One time it was a couple teenagers, neither had the first clue on what to do. I remember my father making me practice changing a tire before he even let me drive!

 

[JMusic]

I'd a shot one warning shot and then shot him in the knee. He could have at least paid you.



Jim

 

[Water Garden]

I dont want to see a world where people stop helping each other.. That being said, I try to help other when I can BUT.. I will be the first person to get lost if something doesnt feel right. Here are a couple of things that I have discovered in my 40 or so years.

Bad people will use your culture, morals and values against you.
Bad people will use your youth or (lack of life experience) against you.
Dont be afraid to hurt someones feelings if it means keeping yourself safe.
A bad-guys motives do not have to make sense. Dont think something bad wont happen just because it wouldnt make sense.

 

[WNC Seabee]

#1....trust your gut. If it feels fishy it probably is.

#2. Every high school student I know has a cell phone camera and messaging service. If the same situation came up again, do what another poster said, call home, call anyone and say, "Hey I'll be a few minutes, I'm helping Mr. So-n-So move his car." Then snap a quick picture of the guy and the car and send a text to someone that's not stupid.