Was walking downtown today. A drunk guy and another guy were

[applegrove]

in a war of words. They were 10 feet apart. The drunk guy got up and started to walk toward the other. The other guy said some to the effect of "oh you want it - come at me" and dared him to get closer. Then he pushed the drunk guy. The drunk guy fell to the ground. I was going to call the police but the other guy seemed apologetic. His perception of what happened was off. He said he pushed as anybody would have but the guy was drunk and fell, that the drunk guy was coming after him. He left out the part about daring him. And getting all testosterone filled. He had calmed down. I didn't call. Another girl walked by and said they'd resolved it. Would you have called? I feel bad now that I didn't.

[Wait Wut]

1. Not for a shove, no.

Unless someone was hurt. His explanation sounds reasonable. I've seen it firsthand. Stupid? Yes, but not enough to get cops involved.

[applegrove]

2. Yes but a switch went off in the guy. He should learn from that. I fear he will not now.

[Wait Wut]

3. He could, probably will.

My ex-bf did the same thing after a really horrible day at work. Someone got in his face and he just snapped for a split second. Did the same apology, etc. Felt horrible. The same thing could have been going on with that guy. Just a shitty day and the wrong guy crossed him. It happens. If he was truly dangerous, he wouldn't have let it go with a shove.

[hunter]

4. How would calling the police improve the situation?

Sadly, in my community, that's the first thing I think anymore.

The situation is not going to be improved if the police shoot, tase, or beat somebody.

[Wounded Bear]

5. Sadly, you're probably right...

instead of calming situations, all too often the police these days seem to delight in escalating them. It's becoming apparent that far too many "Zimmermans" somehow passed the psych eval and made their way onto police forces around the country.

Back in the day, the primary goal was supposed to be apprehending the suspect, not "taking him out."

[Cali_Democrat]

10. Exactly....police only escalate the situation

It's probably best to leave them out of it, unless you want someone badly injured or killed.

The cops are not your friend.

[tk2kewl]

6. I would not have called

Ive always thought that calling the cops (especially in light current events) should be avoided if good people on the scene can diffuse the situation.

Not to mention the drunk guy would've probably been locked up almost regardless of the outcome.

You also never know... You may just be dealing with someone having a bad day.

[flying rabbit]

7. The situation resolved itself.

I don't think the police would have helped.

[BlueJazz]

8. Maybe they knew each other and this was their weekly ritual.

[mackerel]

9. Snap!

[Taitertots]

11. What would they do to improve the situation?

The police would have only made the situation worse for everyone involved.

[Ino]

12. I would not call the police...

What for?? Someone would end up tazed, beaten and/or dead.