Driving in NYC the other day and (finally) found a parking spot. Directly adjacent is a bike lane. As I lined up (a brand new car!) to parallel park, I noticed a cyclist coming, so I stopped to allow him to go around me. As he passed by ,he punched a very large dent in my hood and shook his finger at me. 10 years ago I would've chased him down, restrained him, and called the police to press charges. Now, with a $810 body repair bill, I'm regretting that I did not.
I noticed that these days pedestrians and cyclists have a more entitled attitude with respect to motor vehicles. In fact, I watched a jaywalker kick a car last week that almost hit him. Question is... what can be done in the aftermath of such a situation? Would I be within my legal right to chase down a perpetrator who damaged my property and use reasonable force to restrain him/her until the police arrive?
I understand that this behavior can hardly be consider a felony, but others' property must be respected, and angry people taught a lesson.
I noticed that these days pedestrians and cyclists have a more entitled attitude with respect to motor vehicles. In fact, I watched a jaywalker kick a car last week that almost hit him. Question is... what can be done in the aftermath of such a situation? Would I be within my legal right to chase down a perpetrator who damaged my property and use reasonable force to restrain him/her until the police arrive?
I understand that this behavior can hardly be consider a felony, but others' property must be respected, and angry people taught a lesson.
