Be wary of road rage, unconcerned police

Citizens of Manatee County, be wary!

I'm a 78-year-old senior who has resided full time in Manatee County since January 1998. I have never had a ticket or accident during that time.

That, however, changed on Oct. 29 when I was traveling north on Ninth Street West. The driver in front of me, making a right turn, had to suddenly stop for a bicyclist in the crosswalk; in turn, I applied mine. The driver behind me was unable to stop in time and bumped into me.

We both turned and parked on 13th Avenue West. The other driver, in his early 30s, in the 6-foot tall range, appeared agitated. When I told him that because there was no damage or injuries that I was going to leave.

This appeared to enrage him and for the first time spoke out that he had called the police and I could not leave the scene. At this point I was beginning to fear for my safety with this young man. I'm 5-foot-7 and he towers over me.

I got into my car and suddenly all hell breaks out. He jumps up on my car and begins to beat the roof in with his fists, then sliding down and smashing on my left rear door and window in a fit of rage.

I drove off with him screaming for me to come back, I was in shock, not believing what I just went through. Neither officer seemed concerned at my damage, estimated at $5,400, and now he gets off scot free.

This is law enforcement here? Fellow citizens, be very careful out there; the streets are not friendly, and the law is questionable.

Are we down to "stand your ground" or "get a lawyer"?

Thomas Clark

Ellenton

This story was originally published November 22, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Be wary of road rage, unconcerned police ."