Posted on 07/12/2019 3:24:40 PM PDT by Drew68
A father chased down and beat to death a thief who stole a car with his children inside, US police have said.
Bystanders also joined in the attack on the 54-year-old man, who later died in hospital of head injuries, said detectives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Three young children aged seven months, 18 months, and five years old were in the Hyundai when the carjacker stole it on Thursday evening.
Their mother had left the car running as she went into a pizza takeaway where her boyfriend who is the father of the two younger children was working at 9pm local time.
As the woman was speaking to her partner, the thief climbed into the car and drove off.
The parents, both aged 25, ran after the car, which became stuck in traffic nearby.
They were able to pull this car thief out of the vehicle, chief inspector Scott Small, of the Philadelphia Police Department, told local television station WPVI.
He fled on foot about a half a block. And the boyfriend caught up to him and there was some sort of physical struggle that ensued, Mr Small said.
Then other males from the neighbourhood intervened and began punching and kicking the male who took the vehicle.
(Excerpt) Read more at yahoo.com ...
"Police identified 54-year-old Eric Hood as the man killed after a crowd kicked and punched him when they learned he stole a car with three children inside... ...Hood had a lengthy arrest record with 24 arrests"
This is a good father who should not face penalties for killing the dude who could have killed the kids.
Good luck finding 12 sane people who would convict this man of spitting on the sidewalk.
I guess that’s one way to do it.
Here in Texas, we just shoot carjackers.
He Saved the courts a lot of time and money and society a lot of future trouble
“Their mother had left the car running as she went into a pizza takeaway where her boyfriend who is the father of the two younger children was working at 9pm local time.”
WOW, there are a lot of things wrong in that sentence.
Poor kids.
“Their mother had left the car running as she went into a pizza takeaway where her boyfriend who is the father of the two younger children was working at 9pm local time.”
This tragic story appears to have a happy ending in spite of the sheer stupidity and neglect of the mother. Hopefully no charges will be filed by the police but who knows?
Scratch one scumbag.
Why do judges continue to let these long time deviants out on the streets?
Good on the dad. Hope he won’t be arrested or sued or anything other than getting a ticker tape parade and the key to the city.
She ran in to grab a pizza. she probably didn't take her eyes off the car. As a father of four, I understand this.
An article quote: What happened was tragic but its understandable. The way the streets are today you can understand why someone would want to chase down someone who was trying to hurt their kids, Kabreeze Sheed said. Child could get kidnapped, taken away, never seen again, held for ransom, you never know. CBS Philly today.
If the police and courts punish anyone it will be tragic and enraging. Yes, I know people are supposed to quietly call 911. Or hold the bad guy without hurting him until the police arrive a few minutes or a half hour later. Then get sued for bruising his wrists by holding him as he struggles to get away. Maybe that worked on ChiPs but don't risk your life just holding a many times convicted felon.
Sometimes we live up or down to our given name.
i.e. Eric HOOD, the wannabe carjacker.
Eric was 54 y/o, and still being a parasite. He would never outrun a 25 y/o in average condition, certainly not a 25 y/o enraged because you’ve put their children’s life in danger.
He was never going to change. Some crooks age out of that sort of crime, and are smart enough to stop it. Go straight, or become more straight than before.
Justifiable .....
Maybe left it running for the A/C.
If not, big trouble. Like leaving your dog in your car.
I stopped getting the vapors over unwed mothers a long time ago.
“She ran in to grab a pizza. she probably didn’t take her eyes off the car. As a father of four, I understand this.”
The only thing I understand is you don’t leave kids alone in a running unlocked. car.
It sounds like it may be difficult to even determine exactly which person was responsible for the death as it sounds like the attack was by many. In anycase this sends a strong message to would be car jackers.
Sounds to me like there is a lot of doubt that the father is the one who killed the carjacker. In any case, no charges for whoever did ... and a year's worth of free pizza!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.