Thread started by ZoomZoomChris at 03.16.09 - 3:32 am

You probably don't know me but you may have seen my bike around Ralphs downtown (black Affinity, white tape on cowhorn handle bars, etc.), I was also at the nerds ride which was a blast - anyways:

What a crazy night. So I get home from work around 12:30AM and bike down to IHOP on Flower and 8th. I left my bike outside right by the door such that I could see my bike as I sat in the lobby waiting for my takeout. Out of the corner of my eye I see this guy running up to my bike and starts taking off with it. At this point I'm thinking, this can't be real, so I bolt outside and yell at this guy I think I said "that's my fucking bike wtf are you doing?!" The guy looked like he was on something, he had that moping drunk-depressed vibe.
He took a swing and missed, the rest was somewhat of a blur but we had a scuffle...we ended up in the street it was almost comical yet down-right scary because I didn't know if this guy had a knife, gun, or if he could even fight. Eventually I knocked him down and quickly ran inside Ihop and yelled for someone to call 9-1-1.
He started to walk away and so I followed him (on my bike which was now f'd up and wasn't riding straight) while I was on the phone with the police.
I followed this guy for 5+ mins (it's shocking that the response time was so slow considering I was downtown and there's always cops downtown). He would walk in my direction to intimidate me then walk the other direction. Eventually he tried to 'hide' behind a building on 6th and wilshire. The cops came and he was arrested. I was told that since my bike is worth more than a certain amount that it would be a felony charge if the guy is found guilty.

I'm just shocked this happened. Someone could have died tonight over a bike, ya know what if I had my mini U-lock with me? I probably would have f'd his face up hardcore. I mean at one point his ass was on the ground, I should've gone mad-UFC-ground-and-pound on his bitch ass. He was my height but definitely had me in the weight department.

I need advice (legal or non-legal) on what I should do. Honestly, I can't tell what exactly is wrong with my bike right now. My hip is sore but it's not enough to warrant an ambulance. How can I seriously make this guy pay for what he did ...in the legal realm that is?

Also, I found him on myspace, it's private but there's a picture of his bitch ass. He's 20 and lives downtown apparently. Can I post that info here or will I be setting myself up for trouble?

Any advice would mean a lot to me!

Thanks,
Chris

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good to hear you did not get seriously hurt



apineda
03.16.09 - 3:56 am

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~~~I need advice (legal or non-legal) on what I should do.~~~

Lock your bike when you go out for pancakes.,



frumble
03.16.09 - 4:30 am

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why didnt you lock your bike in the first place?



ruinedbyidiots
03.16.09 - 4:55 am

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Because it was around 1am and to be honest I almost always feel safe downtown. I knew I'd be in and out so I didn't bring my lock with me. Also like I said my bike was right by the door, I could see it as I sat waiting for my takeout, it was within 8 feet from me.



ZoomZoomChris
03.16.09 - 5:07 am

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"...what if I had my mini U-lock with me?"

Then none of that would've happened because you would've locked your bike.




Agent Orange
03.16.09 - 6:19 am

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Seriously though, I don't think you necessarily need to get a lawyer. You're the victim in this incident. What you have to do is get your bike fixed, have any injuries examined and save all the receipts. Then go through the channels (first step would be the city attorney's office) and request restitution from the defendant. You may never see a dime, though.

Your anger is totally understandable, but vindictively posting his myspace page and photo links up won't solve anything, and neither will defending and rationalizing why it was safe for you to leave your bike available to be stolen, because clearly it wasn't "safe" to do so. Rarely is it.





Agent Orange
03.16.09 - 6:30 am

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"...what if I had my mini U-lock with me?"
Then none of that would've happened because you would've locked your bike. "


LOL @agent orange hahha

On a serious note, take it as far as you have the stamina. The more bike crooks get nailed maybe the more they will think about stealing.... maybe not.... and yes, crazy that you his myspace. I'd like to see what this guy looks like... but I defer to others who think its a bad idea to post his myspace.



Roadblock
03.16.09 - 6:56 am

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In China a man was caught 3 times stealing bikes and was executed. severe

Be sure to go to court when his date to appear is known and testify or they usually do very little . You can at least make him have to jump through hoops.

If he is found guilty, you have more legal rights as far as posting info on him.



lardito
03.16.09 - 7:20 am

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hey chris, im totally shocked too!
yesterday i was talking with alot of people (on the metro, on the street, etc) and every single person i talked with had a story about a bike being stolen. this shit is out of control.

I live in downtown and make it a point to get to know as many people as possible down here, no matter who they are. If you could tell me his myspace, i'd like to see if i know/met this guy before. Its good to know who these people are.



Candy Cane
03.16.09 - 7:35 am

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I think you should post his myspace, but if you don't want to post his myspace, at least post his picture here so that the rest us know what he looks like and who to watch out for. More than likely he will try to do this punk shit again, everyone needs to watch out for a person like that.



X-Large
03.16.09 - 8:33 am

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So it must clearly appear that the man is no where near being homeless if he has a myspace and also must be in the age from 18 ish-30 ish?

But hahaha you should make a fake profile or something and add him there and fuck with him and what not lol



madmike
03.16.09 - 8:40 am

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Um ... myspace harassment is not the way to do.
Nix that advice.
Posting is picture however...
I don't think its a bad idea.
Put it in the proper context though like a newspaper.

When I was about 19 i went to the dr. office and propped up my bike outside to go in and ask if I could bring my bike in.
It took me 2 mins cause somebody else was talking to the secretary.

the local highschool was on lunch break and that shit was long gone in 2 minutes. i got my next bike, for whatever reasons, about 15 years later.

lesson learned.
now I bring my bike in to ask if I can bring my bike in.



trickmilla
03.16.09 - 9:54 am

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Chris, the legal system does not work like the shows you see on t.v. Dont worry about all the legistiscs at all, just do what you are asked and thats it. Prosecute the thief and ask for restitution, save reciepts. You wont need to hire legal representation (if thats what your wondering), it is nothing like LA Law and the other shows, its boring and long... legal counsel will be provided by the city. You only worry if your on the other side of the law.

And for fucks sake lock you bike everytime.



DeKadenzy
03.16.09 - 10:18 am

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Just to get perspective - Amsterdam has one of the highest bicycle theft rates in the world...





Joe Borfo
03.16.09 - 10:49 am

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You are so lucky to see the guy grab it before he was GONE!! and that he was arrested! I'd be happy with that! Also that he didn't have a knife or gun! I'm glad you adn your bike are OK! ok-ish! I'm pretty laid back w/ stuff like locking doors and even locking my bike if I'm going for coffee especially when I can see the bike, but now I am being super careful. I am too tired of replacing things that I shouldn't have to. Good luck if you pursue further legal action. =)



mixtemotions
03.16.09 - 11:07 am

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At Revenge of the Nerds peeps was askin' why I locka my bike at the liquor store with peeps standing around
but now-a-days
people have been jacked for their bikes while riding or while standing with the bike and holding on to it.
it sucks but we gotta keep our bikes in hand or under lock and key.
if I lock my bike and you are standing right there it doesn't mean I don't truct trust you ... it means i'm creating a situation where you and i don;t have to worry about it and some foolio doesn't need to worry about unnecessary temptations.



trickmilla
03.16.09 - 11:25 am

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Just be sure to show up and testify if he goes to trial.



toweliesbong
03.16.09 - 11:59 am

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Get involved with the DA now if you plan on making this guy pay. Don't wait till the day of the court hearing, thinking you're going to get to say something.

And lets see that dude's pic!



User1
03.16.09 - 12:32 pm

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post the pic of him



Candy Cane
03.16.09 - 12:51 pm

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Yeah you should post the picture of him dude............




pop iggy
03.16.09 - 2:15 pm

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"...what if I had my mini U-lock with me?"

Then none of that would've happened because you would've locked your bike.



jbachez
03.16.09 - 2:21 pm

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hahahaha



KiMS1
03.16.09 - 2:23 pm

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Jbachez, Stealing my comment on a thread about bike thievery? Man, that's low. I demand retribution!



Agent Orange
03.16.09 - 5:19 pm

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I'm pretty sure everyone (except the OP, apparently) was thinking that anyway.



dokydoky
03.16.09 - 6:08 pm

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post it! it's just like a sex offender case, the biker community needs to know the description of a potential threat in the area. for some people a bike is their only transportation and some their life and way of income. not only that theft of any kind will not be tolerated.



pezeh2o
03.16.09 - 7:00 pm

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I'm talking to a lawyer in a little bit to see what I can and cannot post here.

I do know that the perp posted bail (this information is public) and is possibly out roaming the streets right now in downtown LA...nice...




ZoomZoomChris
03.16.09 - 7:56 pm

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if you know his first and last name, click here



sexy
03.16.09 - 11:34 pm

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carry some fuckin pepper spray!!!!!!
every biker should especially in downtown
i do..shiittt i dont want my bike stolen.

and to fuck up whoever wants to jack me i got some bear mase havent used it but i cant wait to.

but yeah i recomend getting some.

local big 5 or sporting goods is where u can get it at.
or dog mase

it should help.
alot.

maybe get a tazzer too!!
that'll b sick





lucifur666
03.16.09 - 11:47 pm

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Seems from your statement that you set the crack head up.
Tempting him with your unattended bike.

Hand Cuffs work well for a quick lock
they fold up easily into the back pocket of hipster jeans.





Dedicated818
03.17.09 - 1:32 pm

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to be honest I almost always feel safe downtown

that was your first mistake



Purp
03.17.09 - 4:18 pm

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J-B Weld



Joe Borfo
03.17.09 - 5:22 pm

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craig sell me your corse thanks in advance



robin swabin
03.17.09 - 5:23 pm

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here's my advice:

posting his picture is good for the community, but posting his myspace may create problems for you if he gets hate mail. post a picture and make sure it doesnt come back to you.

dont hit anyone with your u-lock unless they pull a weapon. use a reasonable amount of force. stupid as it sounds, you could end up getting in more trouble bringing a weapon to a fistfight.

lock your bike, freelock your back wheel to your frame, lock your frame to a parking meter, and if you're going to be somewhere longer than 5 minutes, take the time to lock both of your wheels and the frame. downtown is not that great of a neighborhood.

and lets not forget, if you beat a junky to a bloody pulp, and you get AIDS, you have lost the fight. DON'T DO IT!



tortuga_veloce
03.17.09 - 6:05 pm

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