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WARNING: Fishing Wire Strung Across Path

Discussion in 'Broadlands Community Issues' started by cpw, Jun 3, 2012.

  1. cpw

    cpw Member

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    Today (Sunday June 3), while walking my dog on the path through the Broadlands woods, I came across fishing wire strung between two trees across the path. It was right at the height of an adult's waist, or a child's neck if they were riding a bike.

    I tore it down as best I could and went home to get a pair of scissors to cut down the wire. When I returned to the woods, I found four middle school aged boys. Two were trying to restring the wire I had broken and two more were stringing wire across a wooden path bridge.

    They took off running when they saw me coming.

    I wanted to post this here as a warning to be careful while biking, running or riding scooters on our paths. It's horrifying that ignorant, idiot kids would do something like this, either not thinking about the real harm they could cause... or worse yet, thinking about the harm and not caring.
     
  2. cpw

    cpw Member

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    We now have photos of the boys involved and have identified at least two of them. They are apparently local boys, at least two of them in 8th grade at Eagle Ridge. Families who know them say they are not bad kids.

    Wondering what the community thinks we should do. Initially, our first reaction was to spread the photos widely on Facebook in order to track them down, share them with the local schools if necessary.

    However, as dangerous as their vandalism/prank was, we worry about the ramifications of identifying them publicly. Expulsion, arrest, etc.

    If we do nothing and they get away with it and in the future, pull a prank that injures someone, we will feel terrible. On the other hand, if they were suspended, expelled, arrested, is that too serious a penalty?

    Any reasonable suggestions or advice?
     
  3. rharse

    rharse New Member

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    I've re-posted this on facebook. Where did this happen? On that trail? I'll be policing the trails by my house. I certainly hope that all parents of middle aged boys talk to their sons. This could kill a child!
     
  4. redon1

    redon1 aka Aphioni

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    definitely notify the parents and show them the pictures, otherwise they might not believe you, you know, the "my little johny would NEVER..."

    not sure what i would do if the parents didn't respond or blew me off, I'd probably go public. a little humiliation goes a long way.
     
  5. jdhauer

    jdhauer Active Member

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    I'm tired of always hearing about "so and so is not a bad kid". These perfect angels are doing bad things that can have serious effects other people.

    I don't care about the ramifications for vandals. I do care about the impact on innocent people, animals, property, etc.

    Perhaps if there actually WERE repercussions, it might deter vandals from future vandalism. Maybe not but if it was my kid, I can assure you there would be big time punishments in my house.
     
  6. Sunny

    Sunny Chief Advisor

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    If their parents would like for them to do community service projects as a form of punishment, they can email me and I can find some jobs around the neighborhood for them to do. Broadlands Live is on Friday and they could help.
     
  7. rharse

    rharse New Member

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    I would call the police and share the pictures with them. This is too dangerous of a stunt to go unpunished. I shudder at what could happen.
     
  8. 4thand26

    4thand26 New Member

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    agree. call the police.
     
  9. PowerPlay

    PowerPlay Member

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    Reckless endangerment... this is no joke.
     
  10. kevinq

    kevinq Member

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    Yes, this was a not well thought through and potentially dangerous prank by kids. However, this comment was also not well thought through, as it is a little extreme.
     
  11. nova_southernwalk

    nova_southernwalk New Member

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    My opinion is call the police. If you're in any doubt call the sheriff non-emergency number and ask what their advice is. They are very helpful, insightful and reasonable.

    I'd wager large sums they'll want to talk to these kids...and the parents...they can figure out who the kids are from pics (or even crappy surveillance cameras).
     
  12. cpw

    cpw Member

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    UPDATE: Two of the boys involved were identified. A law enforcement officer who lives in the neighborhood went to the boys' homes.

    One parent was not receptive to the reports of what his son was involved in and the boy denied it wholly. The other parent was very concerned and very receptive and assured the LEO that it would never happen again and that his son would not be associating with the other boys in the future. Same crime, two very different responses.

    At least some of the same boys have reportedly been involved in other "pranks" in the neighborhood, including harassment of neighbors, witnessed by others.

    We have photos of the boys. We have eyewitnesses. If there are any further problems with them, any retaliation, anything... the matter will be taken to the Broadlands community and its leaders, local school principals and the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office.
     
  13. mdcrim

    mdcrim Member

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    I would wager a bet now that the child belonging to the parents who are concerned about his behavior will probably turn out okay but the one whose parents are in denial will probably continue his delinquency into adulthood. I'm glad you got the police involved. This could have turned out very bad for someone.
     
  14. bike4fun

    bike4fun New Member

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    This scares me since I and my children run and ride on the trails in the broadlands.

    I don't believe posting the children's names in public is the correct thing to do. But I do ask that the original poster please send me a private message including the children's names and the location where this was discovered. I would like to make sure my children are not associating with these children. Especially so since one set of parents is in denial.

    I know if my children were ever involved in something of this magnitude, their life for the summer would not be fun. Restriction for the summer, no sleepovers, all extracurricular activities would be canceled. I would even consider cancelling vacation. And I would make my kids very aware that all these penalties were a direct consequence of their actions and the severity of those actions.
     
  15. KTdid

    KTdid Well-Known Member

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    And isn't this always the case? Sad. Kids pull pranks all the time without considering the consequences and are probably copying something they saw on jacka$$. I would not be surprised if they were hiding with a video in hand to catch someone unaware. They should be punished.
     
  16. Woodsy1

    Woodsy1 New Member

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  17. redon1

    redon1 aka Aphioni

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    not always. good kids make bad choices that they later regret. trouble makers who relish creating havoc like to drag others down with them. no kid is all good or all bad, but all need to understand consequences.


     
  18. mdcrim

    mdcrim Member

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  19. wahoogeek

    wahoogeek New Member

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    Curious to know if the law enforcement officer approached the families as an "on-duty" official sheriff visit or as a "concerned neighbor" just giving notice? I hope it was the former.
     
  20. diana5869

    diana5869 Member

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    I think that the best response would be to contact the School Resource Officer at Briar Woods. He would be the point of contact for incidents that occur at Eagle Ridge as well. This is not just a funny prank......it is too dangerous for that. If you want his contact information, please send me a pm.
     

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