Haters gonna Hate...vandalism on our FR-S

[funwheeldrive]

Originally Posted by FRSBRZGT86FAN

Where the hell did you get that rule from?

My ass.

[FRSBRZGT86FAN]

Originally Posted by funwheeldrive

My ass.

[funwheeldrive]

But seriously, isn't what she did considered loitering? I know in a couple of states that loitering in a school while it's in session is illegal.

[GLADIATOR]

Now you guys got me nervous.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Target70

Investigation is open to anyone who is willing to do it, Hence the term Private I. The police/school have less motivation to investigate than the one who is being harmed. The law belongs to the people not the police, and the people have every right to uphold it on their own.

as for the "weapons free" I was being facetious. And pointing out another example of the "law" failing to protect, and preventing the self protection of law abiding citizens.

You proved my point in your own post:

"Definition - Stalking can be defined as the willful and repeated following, watching and/or harassing of another person. Unlike other crimes, which usually involve one act, stalking is a series of actions that occur over a period of time."

Stalking does indeed leave a negative connotation if your very definition labels it a crime. Investigating the destruction of your own property on public land is not a crime. To my knowledge, other than a(at the time) baseless accusation built on gut instinct by OP against a random kid, he or his wife have never followed, or harassed this suspected kid, much less, repeatedly over a period of time. As to watching him(the suspect) according to the info we have, OP randomly viewed the kid once which does not meet the willful criteria for stalking, and his wife viewed him once randomly while keeping an eye on their property(the car).

Wow, just Wow!
I have no clue as to all the U.S. Laws but am pretty sure you need a licence to be a "Private I" It does not mean that anybody can act as one.
The very reason that the police and school should be investigating is because they are trained and authorized to do it. They are also not emotionally involved so can act based on facts and evidence not "he looked nervous".
The law is for the people yes, upholding it is not each individuals right. Pretty sure that vigilantism is also illegal in most States for very good reason. The OP's actions could result in somebody hart at worst and destroy any chance of the proper people doing any form of investigation at best.
You obviously have a lot of contempt for authority but it is authority that keeps the peace not individuals that decide what is right or wrong.
You totally missed the point of the definition. The very act of stalking is a crime not the intent or reason for the stalking. OP has repeatedly said he has been watching this guy and went as far as hiding his wife in the back of a car! Stalking!!!


Once again the OP has presented no solid evidence that there was even an act of vandalism much less that his "suspect" did it.

[continuecrushing]

Originally Posted by funwheeldrive

Isn't it illegal to hang out at a school while it's in session if you're over 18?

only if you're caught!

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by GLADIATOR

Now you guys got me nervous.

I know you think you are doing the right thing but you are putting yourself in danger.
Pretty sure you probably think I am a huge jerk by now but assure you that is not the case (although I am sure more then one here would argue that).
I have no doubt that you are sure that the guy did something but without hard evidence being sure is not enough. Even if you actually saw him do it now he could probably get away with by claiming your constant harassment pushed him to it.
My biggest fear is that what started as a couple of small dings could escalate into somebody seriously hurt or worse!
Take what I am saying as a Canadian perspective on the matter if you want.

[GLADIATOR]

Nobody is gonna get hurt. This is not a rough Chicago ghetto

Now I understand when victims claim they have no rights...

[torqdork]

@GLADIATOR, this isn't legal advice, but from reading about the progress of your investigation including an eyewitness report of the perp vandalizing another car combined with video proof provided by the school, it seems like you would find a sympathetic ear of a Small Claims Court judge. There, the standard of proof is measured by the preponderance of the evidence, a much lower bar than a criminal case where guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

In your state the award limit of $10,000 would easily be enough to repair the car plus any punitive award from the judge for the perp repeatedly, intentionally, damaging your car. Depending on the perps age, you could sue either him or his parents. No attorneys are allowed, you represent yourself, although you can consult with one beforehand and in this case an hour with one might be a good idea given the potential award running into the thousands.

If it were me, I'd get an estimate from your favorite body shop (or the one the Lexus/Mercedes/Porsche dealers use), the school video proof, file suit and on the day bring your wife, son and any other witnesses to relevant statements or behavior by the defendant.

It may result in a settlement offer before the court date and the perp would hopefully learn his lesson.

Oh, and please get a dashcam, maybe something discreet like this that could be there by the weekend:

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Recorder-Dashboard-Dashcam-Authentic-NT96650/dp/B00KZ0J452/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1416448111&sr= 1-1&keywords=g1wh&pebp=1416448107052"]Amazon.com : G1WH Full HD 1080P H.264 | Ships from USA | Car DVR Camera Recorder Dashboard Dashcam | Black Box Video Recorder | 140 Degree Wide Angle Lens | Authentic NT96650 + AR0330 : Automotive[/ame]

[extrashaky]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Investigation should be left to the police and school officials.

Why would he do that? I thought he actually wanted to find out who is damaging the car.

If he needs a police report, then he should call the police. As for school officials, the fact that it's been a week and the school still can't seem to figure out how to view their security video would lend serious doubt to any suggestion that they are capable of conducting any sort of investigation.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by extrashaky

Why would he do that? I thought he actually wanted to find out who is damaging the car.

If he needs a police report, then he should call the police. As for school officials, the fact that it's been a week and the school still can't seem to figure out how to view their security video would lend serious doubt to any suggestion that they are capable of conducting any sort of investigation.

For the simple fact that his actions have probably already destroyed any hope of actually catching anybody doing anything new as everybody in the school is probably well aware of what is happening.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by torqdork

Oh, and please get a dashcam, maybe something discreet like this that could be there by the weekend:

Amazon.com : G1WH Full HD 1080P H.264 | Ships from USA | Car DVR Camera Recorder Dashboard Dashcam | Black Box Video Recorder | 140 Degree Wide Angle Lens | Authentic NT96650 + AR0330 : Automotive

This is the best advice yet!
As there is still no video evidence from the school this could give OP the hard evidence I have been harping about.
Without hard evidence (the wife hiding in the back seat of a car would likely be called hearsay by any half decent lawyer) even a small claims suit wouldn't stand much chance. Even then there would be no proof that the "perp" did the prior damage.

[torqdork]

All absolutely true except maybe the eyewitness although she may be seen as biased by a judge.

That's why I think an hour with a lawyer would be worthwhile.

[FRSBRZGT86FAN]

Aren't there police officers and lawyers on this forum that can prove this as legal or illegal?