Nearly beat a man's ass at Wal-Mart yesterday. Was I wrong?

[Big Brother Val]

At Wal-Mart... getting my "grand finale" gifts for my kids Christmas (you know, the most expensive ones), and on my way out, a guy, his wife, and their three daughters are walking in... the dad looking as if he's talking angrily to the oldest daughter who was crying. (my guess is, she was 5) as they get within ear shot... I hear the dad saying "Christ... would you just shut the fuck up!?" to the girl... she was still crying.

I passed them, staring intently at the man... who glanced at me once, then did not make eye contact again... I slowed my pace... listening... and watching over my shoulder.

He smacked her in the face. Not a punch, or a slap, but smacked the palm of his hand against the side of her head/cheek... and pushed her head pretty hard, causing her to lose balance. She then hugged her mama, while crying louder.

I dropped my bags, turned around, grabbed the man by the back of his coat, and yanked really hard on it. He stumbled back, nearly falling.

He had an "Oh shit" look on his face, while still trying to maintain his "manly, non intimidated" status.

"What the hell is your problem?" he asked me.

"You wanna smack me in the head, champ?" I asked.

I could see that he was thinking many different things... possibly wondering if he could take me... I continued:

"Take your shot, champ. You're obviously a tough guy. But you'd better kill me with your first swing."

The Wal-Mart door greeter person called for security.

In a matter of seconds, three other guys were there... one on his walky-talky telling someone to call the police.

To shorten it up... I talked to the cops (lucky for me, it was a cop I went to the police academy with), and in the end, no charges were made. My cop friend actually commended me on my actions.

So my question is.... was I wrong for intervening? I know I can't solve their problems... and it's not my life... but things like this have been bothering me more and more...

I'm afraid I will lose it one of these days, and beat someone like a circus midget. Would any of you done the same? Or is it best to leave it alone?

 

[the nature boy]

Well I think you were wrong for shopping at Wal Mart, but I think you did the correct thing with the asshole kid slapping father. Unfortunately what you did probably won't stop him from hitting his kids in the future.

 

[WODIN]

I would of just beat his ass! You were in the right. The sad thing is he probably beat his daughter and wife later. Fuck I hate these morons who take there shit out on their kids!

 

[saint808]

i'm not level headed at alll so i am not the best guy to answer this... but i would have done the same thing... how do i know this? almost identical siutation happened to me except was at a kroger's and no cops involved... i know people will disagree with me but i feel you have to say something in those kinds of cases.

 

[frorider6]

I don't blame you for doing what you did. I'm happy as hell about it actually. I'm just concerned that when he gets his family home, he'll take his frustration out on them.

I wish I had cop friends.

 

[The Shadow]

Would any of you done the same? Or is it best to leave it alone?

You should have put him in the Sharpshooter and make him tap while saying I'm a little bitch.

 

[Pink Space Biscuit]

I know I can't go and kick anyones ass, but I find myself glaring straight at the person in those situations. It embarasses them I think, so hopefully it makes them think "Hey, why am I being such a dumbfuck to my own kid."

 

[Dogballs]

I guess you really shouldnt have done that. I mean intervention is no place of a stranger, but I probably would have done the same. do as I say not as I do!

 

[vixenbabe]

Some people were never meant to be parents...HE'S one of 'em!

Don't get me wrong..I spank my child. I have NEVER hit her in the face nor has she ever heard such language from me. I feel sorry for the kids in his family!

 

[Big Brother Val]

Nature Boy... I don't shop there for clothes, honest. Just for toys... well... and food, and pretty much everything else besides clothes.

Wodin... I hear you. That's what I wanted... I just want him to throw the first punch, so I can call self defense. Granted, me almost knocking him to the floor would have ended that arguement.

Saint.... Glad to hear it. I don't think enough people react. They just have that "someone should do something" attitude.

Frorider... That's exactly what I'm afraid of. Now that I just made him look like a bitch in front of a few dozen people, his frustration may be taken out on the girl. Luckily, my cop friend got his information, and will do "well checks" on them from time to time, to make sure all is well.

Cornholio... Actually... I'd rather hit my own custom submission hold... but an Aftershock (my finisher) would have been better. But that move just might kill him on concrete.

PSB... Right on. I give stares, head shakes, and stuff like that all the time. I try not to intervene... but HELL! I just can't handle it at times. How anyone could hurt a child... ESPECIALLY THEIR OWN... well... I just wanna show 'em what it's like to face someone stronger than them.


I felt good, because the guy outweighed me... he was about my height (6'2") but was probably around 250 lbs as opposed to my 212... pretty large guy... kinda heavy. To see him trying to keep eye contact, but obviously not possessing the confidence to engage in a physical altercation.