It was almost noon when I walked outside to put some things in my truck. I was surprised to see a man standing against my garage, staring intently at my neighbor’s place. He was crouched, using my garage to conceal himself. His back was turned, but he was wearing a dark vest and I though he was LE wearing body armor.
I said; “what’s going on?”
He faced me, and I realized he wasn’t law enforcement. Latino or mixed, shaved head, jeans and combat boots. Early to mid 30’s. Nothing in his hands.
He looked surprised. I asked him what he was doing, and after a moment, he eventually stammered, “Uh, uhm, does Jimmy, uh, Hopkins still live here?”
I told him no, and firmly suggested that he leave. He quickly walked away and disappeared down the street.
I called my local PD, and a unit showed up a couple mins later. (Benefit of living in a small city). The office asked me to clarify the guy’s appearance, then went to look for him.
The officer came back a few minutes later and said, “We got him. He’s high on LSD, that’s why he’s acting weird. He dropped a baggie of acid somewhere.”
I don’t know if they arrested him. In hindsight, I think the guy was scoping out my neighbor’s truck and trailer. My neighbor is a self-employed carpenter, and his vehicles contain all his tools.
So overall, a favorable outcome. Here’s some of my observations:
1) Don’t’ assume weird stuff won’t happen at noon on a sunny Saturday, in my driveway.
2) In the moment, I was aware that force was not appropriate in defense of property or simple trespass. I was also aware I was 7 yards away from a person acting furtively on my property. That person was taller than me and at about 15 years my junior. I also thought about the overlap between property crime and violent crime, as discussed by Dr. William April.
3) My pockets and beltline were empty of all items that might help if the situation devolved. In relaxed complacency, my pepper spray, phone, and ballistic tools were inside the house.
4) I have always assumed my dogs, including my Rottweiler mix, would hear prowlers and provide alarm and deterrence. That didn’t happen.
Like I said, a positive outcome. But it’s forced me to consider my plan for home and personal security. I’d welcome thoughts and input from folks here.
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Originally Posted by Mark D
