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Mad man shows up at practice -scary times!

#41
Jimmy4string said:
I kill this guy and go through court and depression over killing someone forever.
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Nobody ever tells you what happens after you shoot somebody (actually, someone wrote a great book on it but it's no longer in print). Glad you brought it up. Yeah, you've got it on your conscience, and practically, you'll be in court of one form or another for the rest of your life. Yeah, you might have the legal right to shoot a guy, but the law still says his family/friends/employer/whoever can come after you for every last dime you have. And they will, even if "criminally speaking" you're totally clean.

If you're thinking "I need to bring a weapon to my practice space" you don't need a weapon, you need another practice space.
 
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#42
alembicguy said:
I would have folded him in half and thrown him back over the fence. I do not tolerate unstable ranting from any wing nut.
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Love these internet tough guys :rage::rollno:

RichardW said:
I thought it was pronounced "bob warr."

Seriously, though, I'd report that encounter to the police. Grateful to all our military vets and the sacrifices they've made on our behalf, but your rehearsal time and place is not the issue. That guy needs help. What's next going to set him off--a honking horn? a thunder clap?
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No, no ... you're obviously thinking of that fellow from the Grateful Dead
 
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#43
Call the cops for your own safety, and hopefully you get a hold of a police officer who is able to get something in motion to assess and help the guy out along with protecting you and others from real danger. The "crazy guy" is someones son, maybe brother or father, try to have some compassion for him especially since he may have wound up this way protecting your freedoms blowing up bad guys. Any one of us could have become the poor damaged fellow. Be smart and safe but be kind. If you choose to be a tough guy, keep in mind that aint the internet out there and something bad could happen if you don't know what you're doing.
 
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#44
We work in places with alcohol, night time, loud music and women, often a volatile mix.

Band rehearsals generally have only player personality flare ups (you're singing my harmony line-Quit it).

I took notice that bloody knuckles mentioned community and the threat that you posed to it. Clear sign that some other process is going on. If he is a vet then it pathetic that he doesn't have medical support.

Agree it is scary and in the moment it is hard to tell what to do as acting defensive may have set him to a new level of anger. Baseball bats are good idea except if you showed it then would have probably meant you would have to use it and that could end up just a mess.

I don't think he will be back given his rage he probably be somewhere else by next week.

Is there anyway you can put up some barrier like netting or anything to block the entrance and still get some air.
That's all it might take, just something to stop him outside.
 
#46
PaulJSmith said:
Call the cops. Judging by the description of your initial reaction, this is obviously not something you are equipped to deal with, nor should you. Besides, if he's doing this to you, he's probably doing it - or will do it - to others as well. He requires professional intervention. Just make sure you're not violating any noise ordinances on your end.
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I hear you, but not all police are equipped to deal with this either. Not sure what else to say, for once Google isn't much help for a PTSD random encounter.
 
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#47
OP, ask him what his favorite song is and try to learn it. But seriously, if keeping the volume lower with the door closed doesn't work, you're going to have to involve the police. If he's as unstable as you say, it's just a matter of time before something about apartment complex living makes him snap ... unless it's a retirement area
 
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#54
Your safety comes first. I would do everything to avoid physical conflict but you should be prepared to use force if you feel you are in immediate danger of serious physical injury or death. Loud yelling, clenching of fists, etc are signs of immediate physical danger in my book. With regards to cops, yes, you should definitely report this incident. You should also be prepared to call the cops once he returns. Just remember, cops are not bodyguards. They are there to serve and protect the general public, not just you. So your personal self defense is ultimately your responsibility. If the guy returns do your best to be firm but polite. Do not argue with him. Simply tell him that you consider his presence a threat to your safety and that he must leave. Also tell him the that you called the cops. Repeat this calmly, clearly and with a firm, but non-threatening voice several times. Never get with 3 feet of him. He could consider it a threat. If he still does not leave, then wait for the cops. If he tries to talk to you, repeat the command.
 
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#55
basslicks said:
From what it sounds like, this guy is very mentally unstable and may be a threat to the community. If he had bloody knuckles from punching walls and something like this sets him off to such a degree then it is he who needs to leave or be removed from the community rather than having a whole population of people revolve around his demands.
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This is my take as well. I would of course feel bad for him and hope that contacting authorities would get him the help he needs, and as long as he did nothing besides rant I would not press any kind of charges.

BUT this is a guy that presumably fought for your rights. In a Land of the Free and Home of the Brave, you should be Free to practice in an appropriate venue and Brave enough to continue doing so despite the presence of a wingnut. When we alter our behavior out of fear, the terrorists win.
 
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#57
Be diplomatic. Call the cops to tell them what happened and I'm sure other than arresting him they will be able to help by contacting him with a support group or organisation.

You are a wise man about what you said about "carrying". Violence leads to more violence and never to a solution.

Although I'm Mexican I have a lot of American family and many of them have served/still serve the Navy. And I know how hard it is to do such a job so if I was family with that man that showed up at your rehearsal I would be saddened to know that someone wasn't tolerant and intelligent enough to help him in a bad moment.

BE intelligent. BE wise. BE compassionate. BE human.

Peace.
 
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#59
Ross W. Lovell said:
Being visited by the Police lets two things happen, they would now know of his issues and possibly put him on to some help and they would know now that he is out there and would take the necessary measures when dealing with him.
A visit is far less intrusive than showing up AFTER something has started. The visit might allow a relationship to happen that may be advantageous to the Vet.

And......they can fill you in on the noise ordinance issue.
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True. Maybe contacting the police prior to the next practice for some guidance might be worthwhile. I don't know, it's tricky. The guy is clearly unhinged and something needs to be done. It sounds like it's bigger than just a guy getting pissed at loud music. Anything may set him off.
 
#60
I think I would be looking for another place to rehearse. Yeah, you got rights too, but are you really ready to fight for them? I certainly would not leave my gear in that location. He could come back and steal it or torch the place. I hope you have good insurance on it if you decide to stay.

Oh, and I am a vet, but I won't allow that to define who I am. I'm also a CCW permit holder, but I don't use that as an excuse to cause trouble.
 
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