Might Have Jumped the Gun

So my lady and I were in the front of the house smoking a cigarette when we heard a neighbor screaming at his girlfriend and her daughter which then followed with the girlfriend yelling back. I was torn but decided to call the cops.

I explained what I had heard and that I had no signs of violence or drug or alcohol abuse (I know he drinks frequently). The call dropped with the dispatcher and they called back but I missed the call. I wasn't too concerned about calling back because it seemed like the dispatcher wasn't inclined to send a unit out. While we were still out front an officer came walking up our street. I explained what I had heard and what I didn't have a chance to tell the dispatcher.

The officers attempted to have the guy and his girlfriend come out but they were very reluctant. They finally came out and the officers checked them over and then left.

Like I said, I was torn about calling but wasn't sure what was happening and was concerned because there are children in the home. No one was taken in and things have been quiet since.

Now I get to worry about the guy fingering me as calling.

Just thought I'd give everyone a breakdown of my Saturday night.

Naw better safe sorry.

They're probably glad you are looking out for their safety. [Coffee]

you may have. If the cops were called every time my old lady and I fought they would have got tired of coming out.

I'm having doubts about making the right decision but hearing a man scream in front of a 3 year old girl like I heard makes my blood boil.

Better to call and not need it, then need it and not call.

If it was happening again, the exact same way, would you call? No point in second guessing yourself. If everyone involved walks away, in one piece, and no one is seriously injured, then you handled it the right way.

It's nice to have a pleasant relationship with your neighbors but completely not necessary. Some times you have no choice what type of relationship you have with your neighbors. At times, their actions dictate the type of relationship you have.

Not that it is worth anything, but it sounds to me like you did the right thing. If you are concerned about this family, you could always put in some time, be friendly and see if there is anything you can do to make their life more stable. Not necessary, but it is an option. Just don't try it when there are any types of mind altering substances involved. That is like rolling a big rock up a very long steep hill, over and over and over...

Be safe.

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Originally Posted by dropped_71chevy

I'm having doubts about making the right decision but hearing a man scream in front of a 3 year old girl like I heard makes my blood boil.

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Look at it this way, they shouldn't have put you in that situation. If someone is yelling, what's your first instinct? Some thing is going down. What if by chance he did hurt the kid or someone in the house and you didn't call, how would you feel then?

It is good that you called. If they figure out it was you and they get mad, then too bad. I had the same case with my neighbors except by the time the cops got there she had smacked him in the face with a broom stick.

I would have knocked on their door instead and ask them if everything was alright and if so to keep it down. You should cap it early and tell him that you were the one who called.

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Originally Posted by pepito

I would have knocked on their door instead and ask them if everything was alright and if so to keep it down. You should cap it early and tell him that you were the one who called.

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Good way to get your keester in deep shiite.
DV's are a very dangerous thing to step into.

I think you may have jumped the gun. If all you heard was yelling, then that happens all the time and no one gives a shit if you don't appreciate it. There is definitely something to be said for staying out of other people's business.

Now if there was screaming/crashing and stuff like that then it might be a good idea. But just for yelling? Stuff happens a LOT.

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Originally Posted by BPTactical

Good way to get your keester in deep shiite.
DV's are a very dangerous thing to step into.

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Exactly. No reason to put yourself in that situation. It is best to let the LE deal with it.

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Originally Posted by ray1970

They're probably glad you are looking out for their safety. [Coffee]

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Thinking logically, that's not good.

Seriously though, I wouldn't worry. You did what you thought was best at the time. The officers left after they determined no crime had been committed. The people were yelling out front, you could assume anyone on your street may have called.

I think you jumped the gun.

Blood-curdling screams, gunshots, crashing noises, different.

Were they inside their property? If they were, then double my sentiment.

Never thought I'd see this much "think of the children" busybody sentiment on a gun board. People have their own ways of dealing with problems, and short of violence, it's not the place of outsiders to impose upon a family.

Also, never forget that as a gun owner, you're the most easily persecuted majority in this country. Phone calls with nothing but empty allegations can very easily destroy your life, and interfering with others' homelife is an open (+consensual, IMO) invitation to trouble.

Live the example.

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Originally Posted by pepito

I would have knocked on their door instead and ask them if everything was alright and if so to keep it down. You should cap it early and tell him that you were the one who called.

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Not something I would do.

Screaming that I can hear from inside my home is an interference with my home life. Besides, all that yelling might keep me from hearing the mystical secret of amazing gunsmithing while I'm watching Gunsmoke.

We each live our lives and make our decisions. Once they are made, we move on and deal with the consequences. For as many people who say, "stay out of it" there are people who would criticize you for not being a good citizen and protecting the poor defenseless children.

No one else was there. You were there, and you made a decision. Regardless of what decision you make, second guessing and backseat driving assistance are worth less than day old dog urine (and that includes my opinion regarding what you should or shouldn't do).

Be safe.

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Originally Posted by Not_A_Llama

Also, never forget that as a gun owner, you're the most easily persecuted majority in this country. Phone calls with nothing but empty allegations can very easily destroy your life, and interfering with others' homelife is an open (+consensual, IMO) invitation to trouble.

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I appreciate the non-interventionist opinions as that's my opinion as well the vast majority of the time but last night I had an instinct to play it different.

That's a solid point about being mindful of how we conduct ourselves to avoid false allegations.

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Originally Posted by pepito

I would have knocked on their door instead and ask them if everything was alright and if so to keep it down. You should cap it early and tell him that you were the one who called.

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Unsatisfactory advice.

You did the right thing. You followed your gut and did what you thought was right at the time. Don't second guess yourself.

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Originally Posted by pepito

I would have knocked on their door instead and ask them if everything was alright and if so to keep it down. You should cap it early and tell him that you were the one who called.

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Horrible idea. More cops get shot during domestic dispute calls than all other types of calls combined.

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Originally Posted by JM Ver. 2.0

You did the right thing. You followed your gut and did what you thought was right at the time. Don't second guess yourself.

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Easy there officer:) This is why I live in the country,nosy neighbors.Just kidding I wasn't there, your call. But as far as going to see whats going on, unless you know them DO NOT. If he's already yelling, you really think he wants some guy in his business?
Also I thought if the police got called on DV someone goes to jail?

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Originally Posted by brokenscout

Easy there officer:) This is why I live in the country,nosy neighbors.Just kidding I wasn't there, your call. But as far as going to see whats going on, unless you know them DO NOT. If he's already yelling, you really think he wants some guy in his business?
Also I thought if the police got called on DV someone goes to jail?

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DV is just an enhancer to a crime. In other words, there has to be a crime for there to be DV. So unless he hit her or pushed her... No DV, no required arrest.

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Originally Posted by JM Ver. 2.0

DV is just an enhancer to a crime. In other words, there has to be a crime for there to be DV. So unless he hit her or pushed her... No DV, no required arrest.

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You don't have to hit anyone to get arrested for DV in the state of Colorado. You can kick the dog, punch the wall, etc. This state is ridiculous.

Right, but the common theme there is a crime has been committed.

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Originally Posted by JM Ver. 2.0

Right, but the common theme there is a crime has been committed.

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Its your wall:)And you can rub your dogs nose in piss.:) And DV is %50 BS.he said ,she said.just the Gov in your personal lives alot.Sometimes they are needed,but alot of BS.I'm just saying the state should be the last resort.Also DV for ANYTHING prevents you from owning a gun.just more gun control bs

Actually... It'd be yours and hers... You can't break her stuff. Even if its only 50% hers. And punching or kicking a dog is cruelty. Sorry.

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Originally Posted by JM Ver. 2.0

Actually... It'd be yours and hers... You can't break her stuff. Even if its only 50% hers. And punching or kicking a dog is cruelty. Sorry.

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Still %100 bull shit. Just saying the law is BS like a hate crime.once again in the country a dog without a collar gets shot.not cruelty,just life

Oh back to the thread.never doubt your judgement.unless you have a bad lawyer:)

I have to agree with not getting involved, and on the bright side it will be running through their minds next time they fight to keep it more civil or the "nosy neighbors" (no slight to you, you did the right thing) will call the cops. Let LE do their jobs, adults have the ability, and the responsibility to argue in a civil manner especially when children are involved. I think that it is a good thing that they know that there are other people out there that will not hesitate to call authorities for stuff like this. You never know, you may have prevented a DV charge that would haunt him/her for the rest of their lives. Good call making the call.

I do not like nosy neighbors.

As to going over there and talking to him, that never crossed my mind. Entering that situation personally is an invitation for huge trouble.

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Originally Posted by Jordanls19

I do not like nosy neighbors.

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Me neither, mine are having a party right now. Normally I do not care, but tomorrow I have to wake up at 4:30 to go to work. If this crap doesn't quiet down here quick I am making a call of my own. And they better have their Med. MJ cards out.

I guess its not that late yet, it feels like midnight since I have worked a 12 hour shift all day today waking up at 4:30 am.