Have chased and caught smeone in downtown breaking in cars. Would do it again in a heart beat. Do not think I could live with myself if I did not do something.

Money is the root of all evil, and people will kill you for it. That being said, going after someone for any type of crime these days can turn deadly in a split second. Even for armed and trained police officers. I have a husband and kids to think about first-my beliefs and convictions aside. You don’t know the mind set of anybody much less a stupid kid.

If it were only money and they did not physically harm anyone, I would not have intervened other than to get their descriptions, car, plates, etc. Sure it would anger me. It would anger me if I left my truck onlocked with the keys in the ignition and it was stolen. That’s why I don’t do that.

If they assaulted someone or attempted to kidnap someone, yes of course I would have intervened. I carry a stun gun and pepper spray and train in MMA. I don’t have a conceal and carry permit but have been considering it. It all depends on the situation weather or not to get involved and TO WHAT EXTENT. The risks you take and the benefits of the outcome have to be in balance with the offense.

PS I took johnh’s message as exxageration…was he serious?

chase them? For what, to pursue glory and feel like a hero? No way! Get a good description, lic. plate, etc, and turn that info over to the cops. You’re still doing a great deed by helping apprehend the perps, even if you didn’t manhandle them into submission. A man is dead for chasing kids with a $5 tip jar. Seems absurd to me that a life was lost over this.

Derek - i have had vehicles broken into, and it made me madder than just about anything, the attitude that “what’s mine is theirs”, but i also have heard of people being killed, shot or stabbed, for intervening. I remember one instance about a year ago where someone was shot in their home just for yelling out a window at some lowlife crook punk piece of trash who was messing with their car. I agree it’s frustrating that the cops don’t often bring these “people” to justice, but when you have a family or others who rely on you being around, you also need to be smart and not take unnecessary risks. Truly it can be seen from both sides - it’s a tough call.

What a terrible loss for the family of Roger Kruetz. I hope they at least find some comfort
in knowing what a wonderful heart this man had. Our prayers go out to the family that the pain they feel today will be eased with the wonderful memories of their loved one. What a tragic loss for all involved.

I think your adrenalin kicks in and you react before your brain catches up and tells you what to do. I watched a video feed on the internet of those two while they were standing at the counter waiting for her drink to come and he was looking around, fidgiting, couldn’t stand still. He knew what he was going to do.
The fact that the victim has passed away this morning is just heartbreaking and I hope they catch his murderers. My deepest sympathy to his family and all who knew him.

#68 “They’re bold enough to come to nice neighborhoods to impose their unlawful ways.”

Umm..what if they lived in that neighborhood? My experience has been thiefs are pretty lazy and are not going to inconvience themselves any more than necessary.

I would have followed and probably just written down the license plate - we need more citizens who are willing to get involved. Either writing down the plate, giving a description or trying to stop unarmed individuals we all should stand up and do the right thing. Although this circumstance ended so tragically for both Roger and eventually for both teens I believe criminals would think twice about committing crimes if they new someone is watching and willing to make sure they do not get away with it.

Are they sure that is a picture of a boy & a girl? It looks like 2 boys to me.

Taking nothing away from the tragedy of this all for everyone, including the kids who made a dumb choice and now face consequences they never would have considered, I am not clear on why Roger Kreutz is described as a “Good Samaritan.” A Good Samaritan is one who helps others in dire need of assistance who would otherwise be ignored. There was no one here who needed help, making the death all the more senseless.