Witless for the prosecution

Published on October 18, 2005 By thatoneguyinslc In Blogging

Howdy folks,

I just found out today from a cop buddy of mine (who, ironically was the arresting officer in the hit and run case) that the cyclist involved in the hit and run passed away this afternoon.

Which now means it's a homicide case. And i'm the only witness.

I can't help but wonder how the hell i got myself into this. I understand that i just happened to be the unlucky SOB who witnessed the accident, and called in the info. All i ever wanted to do was make a few bucks for a short period of time, and go back to doing my regular gig. Part of me wants to go turn in my taxi and just hide out at home, but the other part wants to go back out there. I am sick of being recognized as the "hero cabbie" almost everywhere i go. I'm no hero. There are no heroes here. Just a suspect, a victim, and some schmuck who saw more than he ever wanted to.

Everytime i close my eyes, i see that poor guy flying in mid air, and crashing into the sidewalk. It's really beginning to mess with me. They finally located a relative of the victim in North Carolina. They notified her about an hour before he passed away. I feel so bad for him and his family. The poor bastard never knew what hit him.

I'm tired, worried about testifying, and late for work. I have been chainsmoking like a chimney and pounding coffee for two days. I still wonder if this clown who ran over that poor guy is a gangbanger, and if it's safe for me to hit the streets (the TV crew from last night filmed my car with the car number on the door. They might as well have put my cell phone number or address on the screen if what i suspect is true). I cannot and will not run from them if something does happen. I hope i'm just being paranoid. I probably am.

I have no regrets. I know what i did was the right thing to do. I just wish i could turn back the clock and put my taxi in that lane so that dumbass would have had to go around the other side of me. If i would have done that, the guy might still be alive. Woulda, shoulda... I know. But it still bothers me.

Thanks for reading,
thatoneguyinslc

Comments

thatoneguyinslc

on Oct 18, 2005

*BUMP*

Dr Guy

on Oct 19, 2005

I guess the easy thing to say is Dont let it bother you (woulda shoulda coulda), but you are already beating yourself up over that.

I dont have any magic advice, having never been in your situation. All I can say is you did the right thing for the right reason. But everything in life comes with a price tag.

thatoneguyinslc

on Oct 20, 2005

I try not to let it bother me too much, but it still messes with me

kingbee

on Oct 20, 2005

*BUMP*

not such a good word choice considering...

first of all, you did a very good thing. altho i'm still not quite back on my bike, i remember all too well how little regard too many drivers have for runners or cyclists. that some idiot could hit a guy on a bike and just keep going doesn't shock or even surprise me. it sure do bum me out tho. about the only consolation i can take from that whole thing flows outta what i know of you from your posts (which is enuff for me to conclude you're good people). next to an emt, you're the kinda person i'd want on my side should i wind up damaged to death in the street.

i didn't know yall had gangbangers there. nor am i able to determine why you'd be concerned the driver might be one. is it really a possibility?

do cabs there--unlike here--operate like cabs everywhere else in the civilized world? as you may know, there's no such thing as hailing a passing cab here. with the exception of lax (possibly) if you want one, you gotta call for it (even if there are a dozen of em sitting along the curb seemingly doin nothing) and then hang out waiting for dozens of minutes to as long as an hour for it to finally show up.

(altho it doesn't compare at all with your experience, i'm where i'm at now as a result of witnessing a late-night accident at the 710/91 junction while waiting to return to the midwest after driving a car here for someone. the last thing i wanted to do was get any closer to what looked like a pretty horrible scene at the time. there wasn't anyone else around at the moment tho so i really had no choice. oh...and the guy i wound up having to testify against was mando ramos.)

thatoneguyinslc

on Oct 20, 2005

King,

It has been confirmed by the SLCPD that he is a known banger. Drunk and high on crack no less.

You can hail cabs in SLC. I make a lot of $$$ off the conventioneers that way (especially the east coasters)

Thanks for the kind words. It is deeply appreciated.

whosyurdaddy0417

on Oct 30, 2005

never underestimate the power of conviction. You did the right thing and sometimes things work out for the good people in the world too. If you haven't reported it how would you feel about yourself? Good luck, be strong.

TaBoo Tenente

on Oct 30, 2005

yeah, thatoneguy.

shitty, tough spot with only one real response to make. i wonder how often people in similar situations make the one real response . . . .

i admire your courage.

tbt

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