Whatchya Gonna Do?!

Look for me on a future episode of Cops. Not sure which one, just look for me nonetheless.

I'll be the guy in the stretcher being loaded in the ambulance while the voice-over describes me as a "innocent bystander caught in deadly crossfire" and how I was "in the wrong place at the wrong time".

Let me back up. The neighborhood where I work is not the nicest. The economic line of demarcation is the highway, Central Expressway in this case, about two miles to the west. The West side is booming and is home to ultra-chic hotels and restaurants while the East side is struggling and home to ultra-cheap crack-houses.

Granted, the neighborhood is on the verge of gentrification, but it is still a far shot from what most people would consider safe. On any given day, I am likely to see a transaction involving drugs or prostitution on any street corner within a few miles of my office. A few months ago as I was headed home, I saw four police cars blocking northbound traffic on the interior road leading to the highway; as I neared the scene, I saw a multitude of policemen in riot gear and assault weapons motioning for a van-full of immigrants to kiss some asphalt. Each day can be an adventure.

Back to today: I got caught at the first stoplight on the way home from work. I noticed a guy walking very closely behind a lady who was obviously walking home from work; she was listening to music through headphones and carrying a briefcase. Furthermore, it was obvious that this gentleman and lady were not acquaintances at all and this man did not appear to have worked recently. I could tell he was asking for money; I could also tell that she was telling him to leave her alone.

She didn't appear to be in any immediate danger but it was painfully clear she was quite uncomfortable. There wasn't anybody near to intervene and I didn't feel comfortable leaving this lady walking home alone on the street as darkness quickly approached.

The light turned green but I didn't move very quickly. She was still furiously waving him off and he began to yell and point a finger in her face, but soon walked in the opposite direction as her. I felt better, but not completely. I pulled to the side of the road and waited for her to walk by my car where I could then ask if she cared for a ride home, or at least further down the street. As she walked, she continued to look beyond her shoulder to see if he was coming back.

As she neared the car (still wearing headphones), I tried to get her attention without further scaring her. She saw me but clearly didn't want to stop and talkso she kept walking. Luckily, I saw her cross the street and enter her gated apartment complex not far from where I pulled over. I could continue home with a clear conscience.

It may seem that I'm telling this story to demonstrate my benevolence; I am not. If I did anything, it's what I would expect anybody else to do.

I tell it to relay two thoughts:

First, many people find themselves in everyday situations that quickly turn for the worse. Be careful.

Second, if you are in a position to help somebody less fortunate than yourself, even if they are not aware of it, please do so.