View Full Version : Arrested for Stealing Electricity
james_bond_007
12-12-2013, 14:47
REF: http://www.electronicproducts.com/Power_Products/Power_and_Control/Electric_car_owner_arrested_for_stealing_0_05_wort h_of_power_from_school.aspx
Title : Electric car owner arrested for stealing $0.05 worth of power from school
Summary:
A man in Georgia was arrested for theft when he plugged his electric car into a school's electrical outlet to charge his car while he watched his son's tennis match.
That picture summs up me response to this one...
http://www.electronicproducts.com/uploadedImages/Power_Products/Power_and_Control/seriously_themoreirun.jpg
Where does the line need to be drawn - $.05, $.50, $50?
Is theft ok if it's "just a little"?
newracer
12-12-2013, 15:01
Theft is theft, the guys admits he routinely does it.
Tree huggers and their electric cars thinking they are saving the planet. Mistake #1, that energy has to come from somewhere! Fossil fuels!
Theft is theft, the guys admits he routinely does it.
THIS. If you let one of The Entitled get away the rest will take advantage.
Where does the line need to be drawn - $.05, $.50, $50?
Is theft ok if it's "just a little"?
ok, lets arrest you & throw you in jail (not just a summons) for a drink of water, what is that 0.01c of water?
ok, lets arrest you & throw you in jail (not just a summons) for a drink of water, what is that 0.01c of water?
That would be an argument IMHO if electricity was dispensed from fountains, like water.
That would be an argument IMHO if electricity was dispensed from fountains, like water.
Funny I thought it was. Lets change it then. Plug in your phone to recharge it. Never done that one?
He's lucky it was the school and not a homeowner.
Funny I thought it was. Lets change it then. Plug in your phone to recharge it. Never done that one?
At my house: Yes
Someone else's house: I ask first, just like asking for a drink of water, or to use the restroom, etc.
He's stealing from the school, so unless it's a Private School, he's actually stealing from the citizens of that community.
ETA: I'm sure he'd raise holy hell if you pulled up to his house, and plugged in without asking permission.
Seems a little much for what happened but theft IS theft. However, a simple "This is your warning. If we catch you doing it again, you'll be cited/arrested." seems a bit more appropriate given the situation. Ever plugged your phone/comp/etc in at the airport as you wait for your flight? Ever use someone else's unprotected WiFi?
ok, lets arrest you & throw you in jail (not just a summons) for a drink of water, what is that 0.01c of water?
Drink of water from where?
ETA: I missed rbeau's post about the fountain, sorry.
RblDiver
12-12-2013, 15:27
Seems a little much for what happened but theft IS theft. However, a simple "This is your warning. If we catch you doing it again, you'll be cited/arrested." seems a bit more appropriate given the situation. Ever plugged your phone/comp/etc in at the airport as you wait for your flight? Ever use someone else's unprotected WiFi?
^This. What the guy was doing is wrong, but an arrest seems a bit much.
ruthabagah
12-12-2013, 15:30
I think this part sum it up: " "He broke the law. He stole something that wasn't his."
The size of the theft is irrelevant, if you take something without asking first you are stealing....
That been said, I think that a warning would have been enough, not community service.... The guy is probably glad he did not do the same thing in TX, where he would have received the death penalty for the same crime. [Sarcasm2]
On second thought, with the apparent overtaking of our school systems by the Libtard masses, I'm surprised they didn't gve him a gold star, instead. You know, just for participating...
He must have had an NRA sticker on his bumper...
[blah-blah][Sarcasm2][blah-blah]
newracer
12-12-2013, 15:57
Seems a little much for what happened but theft IS theft. However, a simple "This is your warning. If we catch you doing it again, you'll be cited/arrested." seems a bit more appropriate given the situation. Ever plugged your phone/comp/etc in at the airport as you wait for your flight? Ever use someone else's unprotected WiFi?
That may have happened, we don't know. The staff at the school may have asked him unplug the vehicle and he may have said no so they called the cops. Plugging in a device at an airport or coffee shop is not even remotely the same, they are providing a service.
james_bond_007
12-12-2013, 16:11
That may have happened, we don't know. The staff at the school may have asked him unplug the vehicle and he may have said no so they called the cops.
Now we move to "hypotheticals" and "what ifs". [facepalm]
Based on the story as presented, the above is just speculation.
Plugging in a device at an airport or coffee shop is not even remotely the same, they are providing a service.
The service is selling coffee and maybe offering free WiFi.
The service is not tapping into their WiFi without the knowledge or plugging in a device to recharge it .
So was this an outside outlet?
Now we move to "hypotheticals" and "what ifs". [facepalm]
Based on the story as presented, the above is just speculation.
The service is selling coffee and maybe offering free WiFi.
The service is not tapping into their WiFi without the knowledge or plugging in a device to recharge it .
Then why do they so often have 2-plex, or even 4-plex outlets at the tables (or on all 4 sides of the post that the "table" is built around)?
Several years ago I took a long cross-country bicycle ride. Many nights I camped in public parks, and would charge my cell phone in any available electrical outlet.
I never for a moment would have considered that theft of electricity but by the standards of this news story I see that some would.
^This. What the guy was doing is wrong, but an arrest seems a bit much.
That's what I was thinking. Pretty sure an arrest was not needed. In fact, I would bet that if a representative of the school approached him and told him to stop plugging in his electric car, I'd bet he would've stopped. Now, playing Devil's Advocate - say he told them to pound sand when asked to stop. Now, they could seek legal recourse, i.e. sue him civily for the portion of the electricity he stole, or send him a trespass notice via registered mail and advise him he is no longer allowed on property. Plenty of other options rather than tossing the grass-eating goofball in jail. [2cents]
newracer
12-12-2013, 16:39
Well the police did an investigation and felt an arrest was warranted. He was arrested 10 days after the incident.
newracer
12-12-2013, 16:40
Now we move to "hypotheticals" and "what ifs". [facepalm]
Based on the story as presented, the above is just speculation.
The service is selling coffee and maybe offering free WiFi.
The service is not tapping into their WiFi without the knowledge or plugging in a device to recharge it .
It is also speculation that nothing occurred.
newracer
12-12-2013, 16:41
Would it also be OK to pull into the bus yard and siphon out a little fuel from a bus?
sellersm
12-12-2013, 16:43
Wait, it was a public school? He's a taxpayer? He didn't steal from the school, he just got his $.05 worth of the taxes he's been paying!
Would it also be OK to pull into the bus yard and siphon out a little fuel from a bus?
Leave the pump active next to the parking lot, don't be surprised by the results.
DaveL & squeeze said it better than I did.
newracer
12-12-2013, 16:50
And now another side of the story, change anyone's mind?
Statement from police department:
We received a 911 call advising that someone was plugged into the power outlet behind the middle school. The responding officer located the vehicle in the rear of the building at the kitchen loading dock up against the wall with a cord run to an outlet. The officer spent some time trying to determine whose vehicle it was. It was unlocked and he eventually began looking through the interior after verifying it did not belong to the school system.
The officer, his marked patrol vehicle and the electric vehicle were all in clear view of the tennis courts. Eventually, a man on the courts told the officer that the man playing tennis with him owned the vehicle. The officer went to the courts and interviewed the vehicle owner. The officer's initial incident report gives a good indication of how difficult and argumentative the individual was to deal with. He made no attempt to apologize or simply say oops and he wouldn't do it again. Instead he continued being argumentative, acknowledged he did not have permission and then accused the officer of having damaged his car door. The officer told him that was not true and that the vehicle and existing damage was already on his vehicles video camera from when he drove up.
Given the uncooperative attitude and accusations of damage to his vehicle, the officer chose to document the incident on an incident report. The report was listed as misdemeanor theft by taking. The officer had no way of knowing how much power had been consumed, how much it cost nor how long it had been charging.
The report made its way to Sgt Ford's desk for a follow up investigation. He contacted the middle school and inquired of several administrative personnel whether the individual had permission to use power. He was advised no. Sgt. Ford showed a photo to the school resource officer who recognized Mr. Kamooneh. Sgt Ford was further advised that Mr. Kamooneh had previously been advised he was not allowed on the school tennis courts without permission from the school . This was apparently due to his interfering with the use of the tennis courts previously during school hours.
Based upon the totality of these circumstances and without any expert advice on the amount of electricity that may have been used, Sgt Ford signed a theft warrant. The warrant was turned over to the DeKalb Sheriffs Dept for service because the individual lived in Decatur, not Chamblee. This is why he was arrested at a later time.
I am sure that Sgt. Ford was feeling defensive when he said a theft is a theft and he would do it again. Ultimately, Sgt. Ford did make the decision to pursue the theft charges, but the decision was based on Mr. Kamooneh having been advised that he was not allowed on the property without permission. Had he complied with that notice none of this would have occurred. Mr. Kamooneh's son is not a student at the middle school and he was not the one playing tennis. Mr. Kamooneh was taking lessons himself.
newracer, sounds like he earned himself the ticket/summons. I still think an arrest was excessive.
And now another side of the story, change anyone's mind?
The fact that he had previously told not to go on the property without permission makes me think this should have been treated as trespass, not theft.
hghclsswhitetrsh
12-12-2013, 16:56
You wouldn't allow you child to steal a $0.05 piece of bubble gum from the store would ya?
You wouldn't allow you child to steal a $0.05 piece of bubble gum from the store would ya?
I wouldn't expect em to be hauled off to juvie either.
Be a jackass and expect the same back to you. I still think it's silly but it's the same as getting pulled over by a cop. I'm always nice and respectful. It will sometimes result in the cop not giving you a ticket. Now, be a jerk and kick/scream, he'll usually write you up for anything/everything he can, no matter how silly the infractions are. I believe in karma and this was a direct kick in the nuts by karma.
Anyone else get the feeling that this cop may have a dislike for electric cars with entitled drivers? Im guessing the extra "stick it to him" result may be a reflection of his feelings.
i think he should just have to pay for it. bottom line is theft is theft and the outlets are sitting their marked for charging your car.
DavieD55
12-12-2013, 17:30
Wow I am appalled at the reaction I am seeing here. So much for freedom and liberty.
Edit: My bad didn't see that it was a real drivable car. I assumed that it was a small electric RC type car.
What a dumass! I still think an arrest was a little excesive though.
newracer
12-12-2013, 17:34
Since when does freedom and liberty include stealing and trespassing?
kidicarus13
12-12-2013, 17:36
I'm going to go to DIA tonight after work and turn myself in to the police. I have to admit I plugged my laptop into a wall outlet earlier this year for about 45 minutes without without permission.
I'm trying to think of all the times I've caught passengers at the airport plugging their phones in at our gate podiums. As annoying as it was, I never felt the need to call the authorities. Or even worse the ones who find the vacuum outlets on the jet and plug their stuff in....a definite no no. We just tell them to unplug it.
StagLefty
12-12-2013, 18:20
I'm going to go to DIA tonight after work and turn myself in to the police. I have to admit I plugged my laptop into a wall outlet earlier this year for about 45 minutes without without permission.
Thank goodness this crime spree is over. [Sarcasm2] [ROFL2]
Dude is a complete tool and deserved what he got. They should have also charged him with criminal trespass.
james_bond_007
12-12-2013, 18:45
Based on what was presented in this article, I think:
1) The guy should have asked permission first
2) The school should have warned him not to do it again, rather than calling the cops
3) The cops should not have spent that much time and effort on this case, and should have found a way to provide a warning.
DavieD55
12-12-2013, 18:49
Based on what was presented in this article, I think:
1) The guy should have asked permission first
2) The school should have warned him not to do it again, rather than calling the cops
3) The cops should not have spent that much time and effort on this case, and should have found a way to provide a warning.
Exactly.
And now another side of the story, change anyone's mind?
Statement from police department:
Interesting story, the guy was blatantly stealing. He knew it was wrong and knew he wouldn't have gotten permission. That's why he never asked permission and why he became aggressive with the officer, hoping he could bully him off. He's a pilferer, a petty thief and should have been put in a jail cell for a while before being offered bail.
Was he the typical leftist who believes society owes him a free ride? After all, he's saving the world by spending his fortune on an electric car.
Reminds me of a former neighbor who I caught connecting to my remote water hydrant so he could water his lawn at night. He was told it would be a shame if his house burned down while he was inside, and no one was able to save him because no one could find the key to the padlock on the hydrant. Problem solved, no police involved, no more petty theft. The former neighbor moved to a trailer park where he doesn't have to water anything.
Sometimes thieves need to be taught more dramatic, life altering lessons to change their thieving ways.
Seems to me that the difference between charging your phone at a wall outlet that is accessible to the public, and charging your car at a similar outlet, is comparable to the difference between filling your water bottle up at the school drinking fountain, and wheeling in a 55 gallon drum to fill at the same fountain.
The comparisons to gum, or gasoline, or whatever are not really comparable as those are retail items, marked for sale.
electronman1729
12-13-2013, 00:48
a lesson can be learned, dont buy an electric car
brianakell
12-13-2013, 09:28
a lesson can be learned, dont buy an electric car
ding ding ding winner winner chicken dinner
The electric cars are marketed as "just plug in anywhere" Nope, that's someone else's tab your pulling off. I see it fine they charged him immediately. Made an example of it, and now the school, and many other places, dont have to worry because the electric car owners get a warning as a whole. "plug in anywhere, go to jail"
kawiracer14
12-13-2013, 09:56
Completely off topic - but I found it hilarious when I was in Hawaii that one of the hotels offered a charging station for electric cars. Guess where 90% of electricity comes from in Hawaii folks? DING DING DING Diesel fuel!
As an aside - plugging your phone in at the airport and plugging your phone in at a school where you have been repeatedly told not to do so are not even close to the same. When there is a pole with 4+ outlets on it that is labeled "Charging Station", it's expected to plug your phone, iPad, laptop in to charge.
That's like saying taking candy from a store without paying is the same as taking candy from someone that leaves a bowl out on Halloween that says please take one.
skullybones
12-13-2013, 12:48
Seems a little much for what happened but theft IS theft. However, a simple "This is your warning. If we catch you doing it again, you'll be cited/arrested." seems a bit more appropriate given the situation. Ever plugged your phone/comp/etc in at the airport as you wait for your flight? Ever use someone else's unprotected WiFi?
I would think attitude might have a little to do with it...
RblDiver
12-13-2013, 12:56
Assuming that post about him having an attitude, yeah I think he needed some sort of wake-up call (perhaps arrest for theft was much, but trespass would've been more appropriate, I don't know).
Attitude is key. My dad was called for jury duty (not selected, but went to the case anyway) a few years back. A woman had left her door unlocked while she was in the shower, and her toddler had wandered out of the house and practically onto a major highway. A good samaritan found the kid and called the police, who found his house and returned him to the mother. But rather than being grateful and whatnot for them saving the kid from possible death, she essentially acted as though the policewoman was being a burden to her, and it wasn't her fault, etc. So she was cited for negligence (or something). Had she been cooperative/appreciative/willing to learn, I'm sure nothing further would have come from it.
If you're willing to learn and are penitent for your mistakes, that's one thing. But if that doesn't happen, then sometimes punishment is the only way to learn.
ruthabagah
12-13-2013, 12:59
sometimes punishment is the only way to learn.
Sad but true.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.