A few days back, I heard a very loud and scary crash outside our home… somewhere down the block. I yelled for hubs and we both went out to see if someone needed assistance. Doors flew open and neighbors noisily poured out of their houses.
I heard what sounded like a gunshot and hubs saw a car speeding around the corner on three tires. “What’s going on?” “Everyone okay?” “Call 911!” Someone near the corner rang out “I got the plate number!!” and we all cheered.
A car had just plowed into two cars parked on the street in front of our neighbor’s house. One car was pushed so hard that it almost landed on the sidewalk as it damaged the second car.
While we are standing there, a car speeds down our block, does a U-turn and flies back down the street. Curious.
We all had our smart phones out and were comparing stories…..”What did you hear?” “Who’s car?” It appears our neighbor a few doors down had two guests over and their cars were now destroyed. They just stood there and we tried to make encouraging comments. They were thanking everyone for mobilizing so quickly.
But the story is not over. I don’t know how many noticed the car that made the U-turn, but when the car returned I recognized it.
A kind young man, Robert, stepped out and shared his story. He was not from the neighborhood, but when he turned down our street he was face to face with a car on three wheels driving like a bat out of hell. He knew someone was up to no good. Once he made the U-turn he followed the vehicle for a cat and mouse chase around the back roads, alleys, etc. The hit and run driver even tried the old “turn off the lights and drive very slowly” trick, but Robert was determined not to let this guy get away.
Robert stayed in communication with the police until they joined him and stopped the hit and run perpetrator. Knowing we were a curious bunch….he came back to tell us that the guy was in police custody. We all cheered!
Clearly, you don’t have to live in a neighborhood to be a good neighbor. An officer arrived and we all said our goodbyes and let the officer talk with the two car owners.
Thank you, Robert (no idea his last name), for being our neighbor.
Drawing on Words 