What would you of done?

debbie in seattle

debbie in seattle

Senior Member
Location
Seattle
On my walk his morning in my local park, I came across a couple (boy/girl couple) walking towards me. Didn't think much, assumed they were being very, very affectionate but the guy kept looking at me. As I came closer, I realized the girl was being held up by the guy. I walked by, stopped, turned around and he was seating the girl on the grass since she couldn't even stand upright. I went up to him, asked if she was ok and what had she taken, it was obvious she was high.He mumbled something and so I walked over to the girl. It was obvious she had taken way too much (I'm assuming) heroin. All she could do was mumble at me, I did ask her if she felt safe and was she here on her own volition. I then went up to the guy who was trying to pick up all her belongings she had dropped on the sidewalk. He started feeding me a bunch of garbage about her being his baby mama and he was the only one who loved her and took care of her (thanks to Law & Order, etc., the thought of pimp came to mind). I told him we needed to call 911 for an ambulance, things changed super fast at that point. He told me he was taking her home and I asked him where she lived and he mumbled something and I again asked the same question. This entire time this gal was sort of sitting/ laying on the ground oblivious to all around her. The guy was getting really angry at me and told me to mind my own business, again stating he was the only person who took care of her and cared for her. At that point, I told him if I didn't care about her well being I would of walked by. He told me to call the 'popo' (aka 911) but he'd be out of the area by the time they arrived. I was getting worried, wondering if he had a) a gun or b) a knife. I had my mighty mini sprayer of Mace I've had for 30 years and have no idea if it still works to protect myself. Another woman and her daughter came by and another mom and her baby in a stroller, this guy had all of us there staring at all this. He ended up grabbing the girl and carrying her to his car as he ran away.

I am kicking myself for not calling 911. My husband told me to knock it off or he's the one who's going to be getting a call from the hospital about me.
The reason I put myself in the middle is that if that would of been one of my daughters, I would of wanted some old lady walking along the sidewalk budding in to help her.
 

A very difficult situation.
You acted with concern and considerable courage but we can't always bring about the best outcome in every situation.

Do not beat yourself up about this. I admire your stance.
 
I would have done just what you did. Our lives aren't scripted, we do what we think is best at the particular time. You were right to be concerned about your own safety. There is nothing the police could have done once they pulled away. Had you called in front of them, he may have become defensive/violent. So, I hope you can just let this go, your husband is right. Had she been alone, well then you could have been more supportive.
 

You did what any decent person would do debbie, I've been in a similar situation but, being too nervous to get involved directly, have just walked by found a quiet place nearby and rang the police to give details of the person in trouble and their whereabouts, then gone on my way, knowing I at least made the effort to help
 
I admire your courage to try to help in this day and age when people are so unpredictable and especially when they are on drugs. I think you did all you could do and you could have gotten hurt if you called 911 in front of that guy who was getting angry with you. After all you do have to put yourself first.
 
About 10-12 years ago and before we had bought a home in Clearwater, Florida, we had stayed at the Hilton on Clearwater Beach. I went out for an early run, (about 5:00 a.m.), when I came upon a young guy and girl that were obviously stoned. She was very sick and he was also holding her up the best he could. I ran past them about 50 yards and stopped, took out my phone and called 911. The 911 operator told me to meet the officer that she was dispatching back up on the walk. The couple was still on the beach when he approached them. Minutes later a second officer arrived. They sat the couple down and shortly afterwards an ambulance arrived and the paramedics loaded her into the back and the cops took him in one of the cars.

I knew almost right away that they were both stoned or drunk. She looked like death warmed over and his eyes looked like he may have been in a fight.
 
WOW, Debbie what an ordeal! I am sure it was quite unnerving. Honestly, I don't know what I would have done. There is so much evil out there now. You hear about it everyday on the news.
 
Debbie, your intentions were good, but I think you took an awful risk by arguing with this guy. He might have had a gun. It seems a day doesn't go by without some innocent person being shot for one reason or another.

I think, for your own safety, you should have walked away, out of earshot of this guy, and then called 911.
 
This can be a dangerous situation. If the person or persons have been involved in any type of criminal activity, just mentioning calling 911 may result in putting yourself at risk. Do what you believe is best, but do it cautiously. If they are about to drive away, getting a license number is most helpful.
 
Wanting to help is a natural instinct, and I think you were brave to ask what was going on, but you did put yourself in unsafe situation. I used to be an EMT and it's important to leave confrontations to the professionals. I would have called 911 first and then observed them from a distance.
 
I admire what you did, Debbie. It took guts. A person never knows when going into a situation like that how it will turn out. Sometimes, it's time to take a stand and you did it. Good for you.
 
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