Boy who fired bottle rockets into traffic dies fleeing driver

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ElFenix

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Mar 20, 2000
102,407
8,595
126
Originally posted by: Nik
I'd charge the one guy with assaulting a minor, but what are you going to charge the other guy with?

assaulting a minor, of course.
 

myusername

Diamond Member
Jun 8, 2003
5,046
0
0
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: myusername
Much like someone robbing a bank while a patron has a heart-attack, the chaser should face manslaughter charges since the death occurred during the comission of a crime (assault and intent to batter).

The only reason cops get away with it is because they are not committing a crime by running down a fugitive.

All the guy did was chase him

That's called assault. :)

Edit: You do raise a good point though, and if the kid didn't initiate the incident I'd be more inclined to agree with you.
The actions on the part of the older parties was not legally defensible, though, even if the kid shares culpability in a karmic sense.

I'm not saying I agree with the system (I don't), but it's pretty straightforward, legally.
 

mugs

Lifer
Apr 29, 2003
48,920
46
91
Originally posted by: myusername
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: myusername
Much like someone robbing a bank while a patron has a heart-attack, the chaser should face manslaughter charges since the death occurred during the comission of a crime (assault and intent to batter).

The only reason cops get away with it is because they are not committing a crime by running down a fugitive.

All the guy did was chase him

That's called assault.

You're not allowed to chase someone who has attacked you first?
 

DaveSimmons

Elite Member
Aug 12, 2001
40,730
670
126
Originally posted by: myusername
Much like someone robbing a bank while a patron has a heart-attack, the chaser should face manslaughter charges since the death occurred during the comission of a crime (assault and intent to batter).

The only reason cops get away with it is because they are not committing a crime by running down a fugitive.
Except in this case the kids were the bank robbers: they could easily have caused an accident that crippled or killed several people.

This is more like chasing a mugger into traffic. The kid didn't quite deserve to die but was far from an innocent victim.
 

myusername

Diamond Member
Jun 8, 2003
5,046
0
0
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: myusername
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: myusername
Much like someone robbing a bank while a patron has a heart-attack, the chaser should face manslaughter charges since the death occurred during the comission of a crime (assault and intent to batter).

The only reason cops get away with it is because they are not committing a crime by running down a fugitive.

All the guy did was chase him

That's called assault.

You're not allowed to chase someone who has attacked you first?

Nope.
 

myusername

Diamond Member
Jun 8, 2003
5,046
0
0
Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
Originally posted by: myusername
Much like someone robbing a bank while a patron has a heart-attack, the chaser should face manslaughter charges since the death occurred during the comission of a crime (assault and intent to batter).

The only reason cops get away with it is because they are not committing a crime by running down a fugitive.
Except in this case the kids were the bank robbers: they could easily have caused an accident that crippled or killed several people.

This is more like chasing a mugger into traffic. The kid didn't quite deserve to die but was far from an innocent victim.

if you chased a mugger over any significant distance into traffic, I would expect you to face manslaughter charges as well. These guys had to stop their vehicles, turn around, and chase down the kids. It's straightforward assault, straightforward battery, and straightforward manslaughter. There is no self defense in running a kid with fireworks into traffic.
 

mugs

Lifer
Apr 29, 2003
48,920
46
91
Originally posted by: myusername
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: myusername
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: myusername
Much like someone robbing a bank while a patron has a heart-attack, the chaser should face manslaughter charges since the death occurred during the comission of a crime (assault and intent to batter).

The only reason cops get away with it is because they are not committing a crime by running down a fugitive.

All the guy did was chase him

That's called assault.

You're not allowed to chase someone who has attacked you first?

Nope.

Are you kidding me? If I commit a crime, all I have to do is run away and anyone who tries to stop me is breaking the law? That's absurd.
 

Excelsior

Lifer
May 30, 2002
19,047
18
81
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: myusername
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: myusername
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: myusername
Much like someone robbing a bank while a patron has a heart-attack, the chaser should face manslaughter charges since the death occurred during the comission of a crime (assault and intent to batter).

The only reason cops get away with it is because they are not committing a crime by running down a fugitive.

All the guy did was chase him

That's called assault.

You're not allowed to chase someone who has attacked you first?

Nope.

Are you kidding me? If I commit a crime, all I have to do is run away and anyone who tries to stop me is breaking the law? That's absurd.

Well not everyone thinks logically on ATOT.
 

myusername

Diamond Member
Jun 8, 2003
5,046
0
0
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: myusername
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: myusername
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: myusername
Much like someone robbing a bank while a patron has a heart-attack, the chaser should face manslaughter charges since the death occurred during the comission of a crime (assault and intent to batter).

The only reason cops get away with it is because they are not committing a crime by running down a fugitive.

All the guy did was chase him

That's called assault.

You're not allowed to chase someone who has attacked you first?

Nope.

Are you kidding me? If I commit a crime, all I have to do is run away and anyone who tries to stop me is breaking the law? That's absurd.

But with a few exceptions, it's true.
 

Landroval

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2005
2,275
0
0
Originally posted by: myusername
Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
Originally posted by: myusername
Much like someone robbing a bank while a patron has a heart-attack, the chaser should face manslaughter charges since the death occurred during the comission of a crime (assault and intent to batter).

The only reason cops get away with it is because they are not committing a crime by running down a fugitive.
Except in this case the kids were the bank robbers: they could easily have caused an accident that crippled or killed several people.

This is more like chasing a mugger into traffic. The kid didn't quite deserve to die but was far from an innocent victim.

if you chased a mugger over any significant distance into traffic, I would expect you to face manslaughter charges as well. These guys had to stop their vehicles, turn around, and chase down the kids. It's straightforward assault, straightforward battery, and straightforward manslaughter. There is no self defense in running a kid with fireworks into traffic.


A 12 year old knows better. Firing fireworks into a car is attempted murder as far as I am concerned. If the "child" decided to run into traffic rather than face getting caught that was his decision.
 

myusername

Diamond Member
Jun 8, 2003
5,046
0
0
Originally posted by: Landroval
Originally posted by: myusername
Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
Originally posted by: myusername
Much like someone robbing a bank while a patron has a heart-attack, the chaser should face manslaughter charges since the death occurred during the comission of a crime (assault and intent to batter).

The only reason cops get away with it is because they are not committing a crime by running down a fugitive.
Except in this case the kids were the bank robbers: they could easily have caused an accident that crippled or killed several people.

This is more like chasing a mugger into traffic. The kid didn't quite deserve to die but was far from an innocent victim.

if you chased a mugger over any significant distance into traffic, I would expect you to face manslaughter charges as well. These guys had to stop their vehicles, turn around, and chase down the kids. It's straightforward assault, straightforward battery, and straightforward manslaughter. There is no self defense in running a kid with fireworks into traffic.


A 12 year old knows better. Firing fireworks into a car is attempted murder as far as I am concerned. If the "child" decided to run into traffic rather than face getting caught that was his decision.

It's been too long since you were a 12 year old if you think that.

Edit: I would definitely consider it reckless endangerment, possibly assault though, just so you don't think I'm entirely blowing off the fireworks issue. Definitely not attempted murder, however.
 

hysperion

Senior member
May 12, 2004
837
0
0
No way are the drivers at fault for the kid's death. The kid mad the choice to run out into traffic and get hit. I'd charge the one guy with assaulting a minor, but what are you going to charge the other guy with? CHASING a minor? It's not like the guy MADE the kid run into traffic, sheesh. Does the law clearly define manslaughter in such a way that would, without a doubt, define the guy chasing the kid as committing a crime? Hell no.

If some little bastard shot bottle rockets at my car, I'd get out and chase him down too. It's not my fault if the dumbass runs out into traffic and gets killed. Dumbass got what he deserved. Natural selection, ya know?


Most intelligent post I've read so far.....
 

Landroval

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2005
2,275
0
0
Originally posted by: myusername
Originally posted by: Landroval
Originally posted by: myusername
Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
Originally posted by: myusername
Much like someone robbing a bank while a patron has a heart-attack, the chaser should face manslaughter charges since the death occurred during the comission of a crime (assault and intent to batter).

The only reason cops get away with it is because they are not committing a crime by running down a fugitive.
Except in this case the kids were the bank robbers: they could easily have caused an accident that crippled or killed several people.

This is more like chasing a mugger into traffic. The kid didn't quite deserve to die but was far from an innocent victim.

if you chased a mugger over any significant distance into traffic, I would expect you to face manslaughter charges as well. These guys had to stop their vehicles, turn around, and chase down the kids. It's straightforward assault, straightforward battery, and straightforward manslaughter. There is no self defense in running a kid with fireworks into traffic.


A 12 year old knows better. Firing fireworks into a car is attempted murder as far as I am concerned. If the "child" decided to run into traffic rather than face getting caught that was his decision.

It's been too long since you were a 12 year old if you think that.
Edit: I would definitely consider it assault though, just so you don't think I'm entirely blowing off the firewroks issue. Definitely not attempted murder.


No, I would never have done that, even at age 5 I know better. It's tragic that he died, but I would absolutely chase someone who fired a bottle rocket at me.
 

myusername

Diamond Member
Jun 8, 2003
5,046
0
0
Originally posted by: Landroval
No, I would never have done that, even at age 5 I know better. It's tragic that he died, but I would absolutely chase someone who fired a bottle rocket at me.

And that's where your path would diverge from civilized society. Just because you, and a lot of other people here would do it doesn't make it right, and has absolutely no bearing on the fact that it is, or is flirting with being illegal.
 

Landroval

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2005
2,275
0
0
Originally posted by: myusername
Originally posted by: Landroval
No, I would never have done that, even at age 5 I know better. It's tragic that he died, but I would absolutely chase someone who fired a bottle rocket at me.

And that's where your path would diverge from civilized society. Just because you, and a lot of other people here would do it doesn't make it right, and has absolutely no bearing on the fact that it is, or is flirting with being illegal.


Did the young men try to kill him? No. They chased him and HE decided to run into traffic rather than be caught.
 

rh71

No Lifer
Aug 28, 2001
52,844
1,049
126
I once wanted to beat the living sh!t out of kids who were throwing snowballs at passing cars... I saw them wind up as my car was driving by... the snowball was in the air and I slowed down and stared at them... the snowball missed but they ran quick before it even had a chance to hit the ground. I know kids will be kids, but "damaging" other peoples' property should be a no-no ingrained in their heads by responsible parents. M'fvckers.
 

myusername

Diamond Member
Jun 8, 2003
5,046
0
0
Originally posted by: Landroval
Originally posted by: myusername
Originally posted by: Landroval
No, I would never have done that, even at age 5 I know better. It's tragic that he died, but I would absolutely chase someone who fired a bottle rocket at me.

And that's where your path would diverge from civilized society. Just because you, and a lot of other people here would do it doesn't make it right, and has absolutely no bearing on the fact that it is, or is flirting with being illegal.


Did the young men try to kill him? No. They chased him and HE decided to run into traffic rather than be caught.

They very may have been trying to kill him. Why else would a 22 year old be chasing down a 12 year old? For a fair fight?

He was forced into making that decision because he was being chased (assault) and didn't want to get his ass beaten like his friend (battery). If I decide I don't like you, point a gun at you, and you panic, turn and run into a passing bus, you want everyone to feel sorry for me and exclaim what a dumbass you are for making the choice of running into a bus.
 

Landroval

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2005
2,275
0
0
Originally posted by: rh71
I once wanted to beat the living sh!t out of kids who were throwing snowballs at passing cars... I saw them wind up as my car was driving by... the snowball was in the air and I slowed down and stared at them... the snowball missed but they ran quick before it even had a chance to hit the ground. I know kids will be kids, but "damaging" other peoples' property should be a no-no ingrained in their heads by responsible parents. M'fvckers.


Especially if you are driving. They could easily cause you to have a major accident. I don't understand why people tolerate this kind of crap from minors. If your children are really so stupid at age 12 and do things like this please lock them in your basement for everyone's safety.
 

hysperion

Senior member
May 12, 2004
837
0
0
More trash off the streets....GOOD RIDDANCE......the guy who chased the kid ought to be given a medal. He did us all a favor and probably prevent an innocent girl from being raped or someone else being murdered later on...
 

imported_KirbsAw

Golden Member
Apr 23, 2004
1,472
1
0
Hmmm, somehow my parents managed to raise me better than that. I never even would have thought of doing something like that. I guess i feel bad for the family, but this kid being gone isnt society's loss.

The guy should just get probation or something. Also it wasnt right to beat the other kid, but he should be allowed to pin him down until police come.
 

mugs

Lifer
Apr 29, 2003
48,920
46
91
Originally posted by: myusername
And that's where your path would diverge from civilized society. Just because you, and a lot of other people here would do it doesn't make it right, and has absolutely no bearing on the fact that it is, or is flirting with being illegal.

OK using legal arguments is one thing, but saying that a person who would chase someone who shot a bottle rocket at him is uncivilized, now that's just not right. That kid committed a crime, there's nothing wrong with holding him for the police. Beating him, that is wrong.
 

Landroval

Platinum Member
Feb 5, 2005
2,275
0
0
Originally posted by: myusername
Originally posted by: Landroval
Originally posted by: myusername
Originally posted by: Landroval
No, I would never have done that, even at age 5 I know better. It's tragic that he died, but I would absolutely chase someone who fired a bottle rocket at me.

And that's where your path would diverge from civilized society. Just because you, and a lot of other people here would do it doesn't make it right, and has absolutely no bearing on the fact that it is, or is flirting with being illegal.


Did the young men try to kill him? No. They chased him and HE decided to run into traffic rather than be caught.

They very may have been trying to kill him. Why else would a 22 year old be chasing down a 12 year old? For a fair fight?

He was forced into making that decision because he was being chased (assault) and didn't want to get his ass beaten like his friend (battery). If I decide I don't like you, point a gun at you, and you panic, turn and run into a passing bus, you want everyone to feel sorry for me and exclaim what a dumbass you are for making the choice of running into a bus.

First, the "child" assualted HIM. Second, if the guy was chasing him it is unlikely he would have done major damage even if he was beating him. Pretty stupid to run out in front of traffic. Your example is completely different. If I threw a 5 lb rock at the back of your head, you survived and chased me... then I decided to run if front of a bus I doubt many people would feel that sorry for me.
 

myusername

Diamond Member
Jun 8, 2003
5,046
0
0
Originally posted by: mugs
Originally posted by: myusername
And that's where your path would diverge from civilized society. Just because you, and a lot of other people here would do it doesn't make it right, and has absolutely no bearing on the fact that it is, or is flirting with being illegal.

OK using legal arguments is one thing, but saying that a person who would chase someone who shot a bottle rocket at him is uncivilized, now that's just not right. That kid committed a crime, there's nothing wrong with holding him for the police. Beating him, that is wrong.

Mugs, you're 12 years old, and you've been doing something stupid with your older cousin. You know it's stupid, but it's summer, and what the hell, no one's gonna really get hurt. Fact of the matter is, your mind really hasn't even developed to the point where you'd think that you might actually cause a fatal car accident by shooting a bottle rocket at a car. Worst thing is you'll freak some people out.

Suddenly two 22 year olds slam on their brakes, pull a u-turn and come at you. they jump out of their car (probably shouting, but let's not speculate on any threats that might have been made).

Are you going to sit there so they can hold you for the police. Do you really think that's all they want to do? Or is there a possibility they may beat you within an inch of your life? Hell that one guy looks so pissed he might just get carried away and forget to stop.

You can't say beating up a kid is wrong, but then say it's okay to chase the kid prepatory to beating him up is okay, simply because you scared the kid into accidentally offing himself before you got around to the beating part.
 

KK

Lifer
Jan 2, 2001
15,903
4
81
one less idiot in the world. Too bad the other kid didn't follow.