Harassed while driving. | FerrariChat

Harassed while driving.

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by tpower22, Jan 27, 2007.

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  1. tpower22

    tpower22 Formula Junior

    Jul 24, 2005
    346
    Southwest
    Full Name:
    Tom
    Today has been one of those strange, and unnerving days. I took the 360 out for an afternoon drive and I'm driving down a busy street and notice a old Ford Explorer on my ass. It then passes me and I slow down to see what his deal is and he slows down to the point that we're both going about 20 in a 35. I then speed up and pass him. He follows and again is riding my ass. After maybe 10-15 blocks he pulls up beside me and I look over. Inside the SUV are these two gang banger types giving me signs and gesturing. It looked like one of them was using his hand as though it were a gun and putting it in his mouth and then pointing at me. I'm no gangoligist, but I figured that that meant he wanted to kill me. I then turned off the road and let them go on their way. I have no idea what I did other than to be driving a nice car.

    I then went to a Borders and had the usual people by the car when I got back out. They were all nice and I talked to them for a few minutes. They then dispersed and as I was getting into my car another guy comes up quickly and says, "I gotta see the inside of this." I'm taking up the whole doorway so have to move as he comes up or else I was afraid we were going to bump into each other. He then says sorry and continues looking into my car. He has his kids with him so I entertained his questions and then was able to leave.

    All in all, today was the first day that I was glad to be parking my Ferrari. The rude guy at Borders was okay, but the gang bangers really got me pissed. I actually thought they were going to rear-end me they were following so close. I wish I had got their license plate, I would of had one of my cop friends see who they were.

    Anyway, just felt like sharing my day with you all.
     
  2. AML225

    AML225 Karting

    Jan 23, 2006
    128
    Los Angeles, CA & CT
    Full Name:
    Andrew L.
    I'm sorry that had to happen to you. Normally in a situation like this I would've pulled over but something tells me that would've further escalated the situation. I would've either gunned off or took a turn real late to lose them, not sure what kind of atmosphere you were in but I'm glad you're okay. I'll bet you didn't mind the annoying guy at borders nearly as much. ;-)

    When I see a Ferrari on the road I usually get behind it and give it some space all the while wearing a huge smile on my face. :)
     
  3. jungathart

    jungathart Guest

    Jun 11, 2004
    3,376
    NoVA, AmeriKa
    Full Name:
    Komrade Jung
    Tom,
    I've found that an NRA sticker on the back window is enough to put a doubt in the mind of these types of punks. Since you live in the Southwest, you might consider exercising your Second Amendment right and get a concealed handgun permit. You do have the right to defend yourself. A good rule to remember is to drive to a police station whenever you are followed.
     
  4. PSP

    PSP Formula Junior

    Mar 31, 2001
    603
    Lake Forest, CA USA
    Full Name:
    Patrick S. Perry
    Pretty difficult to next to impossible in California, depending where you live.
     
  5. SrfCity

    SrfCity F1 World Champ

    My driving routes are pretty predictable so I'm usually driving at a faster rate then other traffic with a minimal fear of cops. So I've usually come and gone before any dicks get a chance to try to do some stupid stuff. Plus I avoid any "riff raff" areas to avoid any stupidness. Luckily living here an exotic is really not that big of a deal so it's not too much of a problem. It would certainly be unnerving to have experienced what you did today. Good thing you made it back safe.(although I would have lost those bangers in heart beat ;) )
     
  6. PhilNotHill

    PhilNotHill Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Jul 3, 2006
    27,855
    Aspen CO 81611
    Full Name:
    FelipeNotMassa
    Driving to the police station is a great idea.

    Guess you better KNOW where the police station is before you get in your car. If you are in a strange town, maybe you'll have to call 911 and get directions.

    PNH
     
  7. WJHMH

    WJHMH Two Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 5, 2001
    26,441
    Panther City, Texas
    Full Name:
    WJHMH
    If you can try to get a plate number next time & head to nearest police station. I've had that happen to me long ago & I took that as a serious threat.
     
  8. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 6, 2002
    79,368
    Houston, Texas
    Full Name:
    Bubba
    Two different armed robberies here this week...over nice pickup trucks.....both guys shot...in one case they got the truck and his gf....she turned up later, hands bound and traumatized........one driver still in hospital....


    ...and that's for a King Ranch FORD pickup, man........

    Glad you are home safe..........times are indeed hard at the lowest levels.
     
  9. FasterIsBetter

    FasterIsBetter F1 Veteran

    Jul 22, 2004
    5,855
    NoNJ/Jupiter FL
    Full Name:
    Steve W.
    Tom,

    Glad you are okay, but encounters like that with the Ford can be very dangerous. I've had situations like that a couple of times while on the road and the best thing you can do is get away from that as soon as possible. And hitting the gas to try to outrun them is not the answer. As soon as they passed you and slowed down, at the next intersection, you should have slowed down a bit as they coasted through and made a quick right and taken off. By the time they see you've turned, you're gone. On the highway, get off the first exit you can. If they are tailgating you, drive at a normal speed and don't make any sudden moves or panic stops or they might end up on top of you.

    I've been finding lately that every time I take one of the sports cars out, some idiot in an SUV has to ride my a$$, trying to prove what I don't know. The jerks in the ricers who want to race are just, well, jerks. But the guys in the SUVs who insist on playing chicken can be downright dangerous.

    Enjoy your car, but be safe out there.
     
  10. tatcat

    tatcat F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Sep 3, 2001
    11,013
    panama city beach FL
    Full Name:
    rick c
    down here in the great state of florida practically everyone has a gun in their car and our solons have given us the right to shoot first and ask questions later. needless to say not too much foolishness while driving goes on.
     
  11. Five

    Five Formula Junior

    Jun 15, 2006
    443
    Silicon Valley, CA
    I think you gotta learn your signs, they were probably saying "nice car".
     
  12. TestShoot

    TestShoot F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 1, 2003
    12,287
    Beverly Hills
    Since 9/11 getting a permit is next to impossible. Unless... you go and get a "guard card" and work one token day per month as a "security consultant" for a delivery company. My friend's father is a jewler, he arranged for a guard card so he can transport the raw goods to his father's shop. Personally, I will not say how I got mine other than my father had something to do with it.

    There are a few things to keep in mind here, insurance will cover the car, not your life if you are gone, surrender the car and wallet willingly, live another day, because if they want to take your car they will, don't give them a reason to shoot. They are better prepared than you are to take it and a reactionary defense is very hard compared to experienced car-jackers. If you really feel like this is going to be an issue, like parking in a structure that may have hidden dangers, I will say having the gun concealed (permit or not) gives me a better state of mind.
     
  13. gatsby

    gatsby Karting

    Apr 26, 2005
    206
    half moon bay, CA
    Full Name:
    jim
    If you are in a neighborhood where the cars parked outside are more expensive than the houses, move.- just kidding. Be careful out there.
     
  14. TestShoot

    TestShoot F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 1, 2003
    12,287
    Beverly Hills
    pfft, in the housing projects you will find Escalades, Rovers, Lexus... Wait, I think that *supports* your statement ;)
     
  15. cig1

    cig1 F1 Rookie

    May 3, 2005
    2,914
    In front of you
    permit? .... I don't need no stinkin' permit ;)

    G
     
  16. Snapper323

    Snapper323 Formula Junior

    Mar 12, 2005
    268
    South Carolina
    Full Name:
    L. Lee
    Pulling over is probably what they wanted him to do. Smart manuver to have kept in motion. Do what is required to protect yourself, your family and your property. There is an old saying...It's better to be judged by 12, than carried by 6!
     
  17. TestShoot

    TestShoot F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 1, 2003
    12,287
    Beverly Hills
    Ok I have a third response here to support the above.

    1) A moving target is harder to car-jack.
    2) You have the power and vehicle to evade them. If you have open road, do so, but be wary that in traffic, you blast out and get caught, their adrenaline will be pumping, not good.
    3) remember everything, license plates descriptions of the driver and passenger. also see #5
    4) If it looks like you are looking at them AND talking on the phone, they may believe they are being reported to the cops and will make themselves scarce.
    5) Camera-phones may save your life or get your property back. Fear of being identified positively or a good shot of the plates can help. having a friend that you know will not delete what you send them will help. My bro saves everything and i do the same for him. Sort of a digital security box.
     
  18. exproject

    exproject Karting

    Sep 9, 2006
    106
    Denton, TX
    Full Name:
    Cameron R.
    Is that what was said right before they took your avatar pic? :p
     
  19. PSP

    PSP Formula Junior

    Mar 31, 2001
    603
    Lake Forest, CA USA
    Full Name:
    Patrick S. Perry
    If you're in California and things don't go well and you have to use your weapon without a permit, there's a good chance you will do some serious jail time even if you are simply defending yourself....
     
  20. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 6, 2002
    79,368
    Houston, Texas
    Full Name:
    Bubba
    Yea...a short piece of pipe or a metal bat is effective, IMO..

    I prepaint mine with some red 'blood' splatters....

    They'll have to throw out or haul azz.......!!!
     
  21. gatsby

    gatsby Karting

    Apr 26, 2005
    206
    half moon bay, CA
    Full Name:
    jim
    Just take out your ferrari tool pouch and whip out your extra timing belt. Or you can throw your extra spark plugs and extra light bulbs at them. That'll show 'em. That seems to be the only use for those damn things!
     
  22. speedracer1610

    speedracer1610 Formula Junior

    Aug 25, 2006
    332
    nor cal
    Full Name:
    Craig D
    he was signing "i would die for a car like yours".
    Next time sign the same back.
    Throw a few rounds at them.
    At least you could get away at high speed and they couldn't get your plate because most people with newer ferrari's don't put plates on them anyway.
     
  23. Cicada

    Cicada Formula 3

    May 22, 2005
    2,439
    Indian Wells, CA
    Full Name:
    Bryan
    #23 Cicada, Jan 28, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  24. testarob

    testarob F1 Rookie

    May 13, 2006
    2,504
    Debary, Florida
    Full Name:
    Rob
    Better to be tried by 12 than carried by 6...
     
  25. Gershwin

    Gershwin F1 Veteran

    Feb 21, 2005
    6,415
    Kentucky
    ....and based on that note, I'd be packing my bags!
     

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