[Melas]

Technically, the choice itself was criminal extortion by threat of violence. So, no, not buying. The problem with vigilantism is that it begets retribution. At this point since the police are obviously in on it, who could blame a family member of this kid for going vigilante on the vigilantes which of course would beget retaliation in kind...

[Ladysmith]

He could have easily say “call the police.” He didn’t.

[Balding_Eagle]

the choice itself was criminal extortion by threat of violence.

So why didn't he chose being turned into the police?

I'll tell you why, because he was given an opportunity to take the easy way out.

Small community, as I grew up in. They gave him the kindest way out, he took it.

[DuncanWaring]

Yeah, yeah ... I know, “Violence never solves anything”, right?

Whatever.

[been_lurking]

Technically, the choice itself was criminal extortion by threat of violence.

Wrong! Please read the article.

The first of three choices was to report the matter to the police department (no violence there). The second choice was a "voluntary" bout (voluntary means no coercion or extortion). The third choice involved no violence at all.

Thank you for playing. Please try again later.

[Mind-numbed Robot]

... who could blame a family member of this kid for going vigilante on the vigilantes which of course would beget retaliation in kind...

Not likely in this case since his father was a previous Commander of the Post.