This evening on my way home from work, I got a call from Daughter saying she and her friends were robbed at gunpoint while sitting in the park a block from home. Three black dudes were involved - one walked ahead; the other two made small talk and then showed a handgun and asked the kids to empty their pockets, but all they got were the cell phones. Daughter had the presence of mind to remove the sim chip from hers before handing it over. The robbers fled on foot. No one was hurt.
So one of their friends, who pulled up just as the robbers ran away, called the police, and by the time I arrived at the park, the police helicopter was circling, and the Southwood manager was letting the other kids use his cellphone to notify their parents. Parents and cops arrived, took reports, etc., and then we all went home.
Apparently, this is the new crime of choice, and the police advised all the kids that if strangers approach in the park, especially if asking for money or weed, they should immediately LEAVE. I feel vindicated that my warnings about walking about alone after dark proved prophetic, except she wasn't alone, and it wasn't dark! I indulged in a big, fat "told you so!", but feel that Daughter was properly impressed by how unexpectedly and how quickly everything happened, and how vulnerable it made them feel. Especially as her companions were all pretty big guys!
1 comment:
Commend Daughter and her friends for handling it properly--hand over the stuff. It's not worth risking your life for money or your cell phone. But that kind of thing can make her feel insecure for awhile.
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