Gas Thief Pleads For Farmer That Caught Him
Gas thief pleads for farmer who caught him
February 16, 2007
CAMBRIDGE, Minn. -- A man pleading guilty to stealing gas and a car radiator offered support for the retired farmer who was charged with threatening him with a shotgun.
Kenneth Englund, 74, confronted Christian Harris Smith and a woman on Oct. 15 at a vacant farm near Englund's home as Smith was taking gasoline from a vehicle, police said.
Englund chased the pair while calling the sheriff's office on a cell phone. After the vehicles stopped and a deputy sheriff arrived, Englund's shotgun was found to be unloaded, according to police.
Farmer facing gun charges
A felony assault charge against Englund on Monday was reduced to two misdemeanors: pointing a gun at another person and disorderly conduct. Englund's attorney said he will fight those charges.
A judge sentenced Smith, 28, to 90 days in jail last week. As Smith entered his guilty plea, he defended Englund's actions.
''I don't think he should be held responsible," Smith said. "I committed a crime and, you know, he did what he probably thought was right.''
Smith said he would like to do ''whatever I can'' to help Englund. AP
Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be
February 16, 2007
CAMBRIDGE, Minn. -- A man pleading guilty to stealing gas and a car radiator offered support for the retired farmer who was charged with threatening him with a shotgun.
Kenneth Englund, 74, confronted Christian Harris Smith and a woman on Oct. 15 at a vacant farm near Englund's home as Smith was taking gasoline from a vehicle, police said.
Englund chased the pair while calling the sheriff's office on a cell phone. After the vehicles stopped and a deputy sheriff arrived, Englund's shotgun was found to be unloaded, according to police.
Farmer facing gun charges
A felony assault charge against Englund on Monday was reduced to two misdemeanors: pointing a gun at another person and disorderly conduct. Englund's attorney said he will fight those charges.
A judge sentenced Smith, 28, to 90 days in jail last week. As Smith entered his guilty plea, he defended Englund's actions.
''I don't think he should be held responsible," Smith said. "I committed a crime and, you know, he did what he probably thought was right.''
Smith said he would like to do ''whatever I can'' to help Englund. AP
Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be
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A man here in Virginia was arrested for holding a gun on thieves who broke into his car and were stealing his stereo. The Police said there was no imminent, life-threatening danger so he was charged with assault! It was ultimately dismissed but he racked up a fortune in legal fees. [:(!] 0 -
...The gas thief was lucky. Around 1970, my sister's brother in law and a friend were cruising the gravel roads and decided that a pastured pony would make a good ride. Farmer came out the door, they took off running, farmer cut loose, shooting them both in the back with #4 buck. They were hit from heels to shoulders, so I'd guess the range to be around 40-50 yards. They both carry a few chunks of lead today. I don't think any legal action was ever taken, though I think the farmer paid the med bills as restitution.
...The law figured that all three had learned a lesson, and let it go at that.0 -
I don't think I would kill another human being for stealing $5 worth of gasoline. People make mistakes, stealing gas is not a death penalty offense. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by warriorsfan
I don't think I would kill another human being for stealing $5 worth of gasoline. People make mistakes, stealing gas is not a death penalty offense.
Since the shotgun wasn't loaded, I assume the farmer was just trying to scare them.0 -
A crook with a conscience and a sense of responsibility. What is the world coming too????[:0] He owned up to what he did; and, is now trying to help the guy that caught him. There might be hope for that guy after all. 0 -
When a citizen confronts a violator in the commission of a crime, the citizen doesn't know what the violator will do next. as such the display of possibly deadly force will likely prevent the violator from escalating the situation to the point that deadly force is needed.
The self focused sheriffs, prosecutors and judges that desire the country to proceed down the path prescribed shows a lack of any foresight what-so-ever. Considering "they" are in charge, all I can say is: God help this country!!0 -
quote:Originally posted by warriorsfan
I don't think I would kill another human being for stealing $5 worth of gasoline. People make mistakes, stealing gas is not a death penalty offense.
Stealing isn't a "mistake". It is a gross calculated choice to commit a crime. Burglary is more than just "stealing" and is far different from an act of shoplifting or taking some fuel at the pump and not paying for it. It is an act of entering one's abode where one is supposed to feel safe and secure. Burglars do more than just "steal". They take away your sense of security in a place that is supposed to be sacred to you and your family.
What do you do when coyotes come onto your property and kill your young cattle? You shoot them. The way you behave out in the country has to be far different than the way you behave in the city. Fuel thievery is very common out in the country--more common than many may know. NOT acting and taking away the right of someone to defend their fuel and their property (in a time when fuel is very expensive) sends a message that a particular farmer is an easy mark. You have to be tough and you have to respond in the same manner in order to deter future theft. The cops aren't going to be able to provide that blanket of security in huge rural areas like that in question.0 -
The police cannot provide that kind of protection in urban area's either. 0 -
That thief is being a stand up guy for owning up to his actions and accepting the consequences.
It's a damned shame the folks we elect seem unable to do the same.0
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