Posted on 12/20/2004 6:08:04 PM PST by Dan from Michigan
Retiree gets probation after tussling with younger man over foul language
Wed Dec 15, 4:02 AM ET
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - A 79-year-old retiree who tussled with a man half his age over the man's foul language in a restaurant was sentenced to probation. But outside of that, he's been treated more like a hero than a criminal.
Bill Stevenson said the fracas began in July when he and another retired 3M engineer, Sten Gerfast, 74, were having coffee at a bagel shop. In walked Jesse Tabor, 40, talking on a cellphone and liberally using four-letter words, the men said. In an interview after the incident, Tabor said he didn't recall cursing. But Stevenson and Gerfast remember it differently.
"There was an argument on the phone," Stevenson said. "The third time he walked by our booth ... Mr. Gerfast said to me, 'Should I do something about it?' "
So Gerfast tapped Tabor on the shoulder and asked him to take his call outside, Stevenson said. But Tabor, who was with his 13-year-old daughter at the time, dismissed him. Stevenson said he got involved when Tabor continued to shout obscenities.
"I've been in lots of different places, but when I heard that kind of stuff coming in my hometown, I thought, 'Somebody's got to do something,' " Stevenson said.
Stevenson grabbed the phone from Tabor and the two men engaged in a few seconds of tug-of-war. Thinking better of it, Stevenson said he let go and Tabor "went sailing across the floor."
Stevenson pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct Tuesday and was given three months of probation. But even the lawyers at Ramsey County District Court were giving him thumbs-up signs as he left the courtroom, he said.
"I've had over 30 calls and letters and e-mails, and I've not had one negative call. They're all on my side," Stevenson said.
Gerfast was acquitted of disorderly conduct charges last month. Tabor failed to appear at a September hearing and a bench warrant was issued for him.
Stevenson claimed Tabor "mocked me about being an old man."
"I just sat there and drank my coffee," Stevenson said. "I thought, 'You can think what you want, mister, but a couple of senior citizens stood up to you, and we ought to get a little bit more respect.' "
We should all do more of this.....good for Mr. Stevenson
Using a cell phone in a restaurant even without profanity is incredibly rude to those around you, your server, and especially those with you. The guy should have taken it outside. Right on old man.
Bill Stevenson for Prime Minister. We need someone with some guts who doesn't care what anyone thinks.
You can't have him.
:)
Aw, come on. We have free trade...
we'll take windsor...
Oh wait. Still not worth it.
Well done, Mr. Stevenson. I've confronted foul-mouthed punks at the local movies, although no physical contact involved. I'm not 79, however, they were half my age. The line has to be drawn somewhere. Thanks again, sir.
Take Niagara Falls! Just let me get packed and move there before you finalize the deal.
Sounds like a plan
And I've excused more than should have been necessary. If they cannot follow rules of business engagement, I do not, and will not, permit them in my audience.
"I just can't abide rude behavior in a man." Tommy Lee Jones as Captain Call, Lonesome Dove.(I believe that is the quote or something very close.)
YES we all need to do more about this if the anti smokers can do it why can't we?
Doesn't someone have to be a citizen or at least a resident of Canada for that?
The younger crowd today are incredibly undisciplined and rude. A friend is an ex-commando, and he trips the 'little' 18-30 year old sh!ts all the time in the malls.
Well who did they learn that behavior from?
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