I was putting groceries into the trunk of my car, and returning the shopping cart to the shed where they go *(i know, who returns shopping carts back anymore..), when the guy parked next to me (an older man in his late 70's i would say, with an older car filled with garbage) started pouring water out of a poland spring bottle. He poured a little out onto the ground, then looked at the bottle..poured out a little more..checked..poured a little more out..as I walked to get into my car, he opened his trunk. I saw him fiddle about as I got into my car. As I reversed out of my spot, I saw the man pour Vodko from a bottle in the trunk, into the half empty poland spring bottle. I pulled back into the spot, just to watch the guy, and started to pull my cell phone out. I watched the guy go around his car with the water bottle in hand, go to the driver's side and start to get into his car.
I rolled down my window and called over "are you going to drive with that in your hand?"..he said No, I'm just getting ready for later".
I wanted to call the cops on the guy, but the only number I knew was 911, and they get pissed if it's not an emergency.
I feel bad that I didn't call the authorities.

What would you have done?

BlackAdder7 said:

i would have ran him down with my huge frame and told him"no"

I probably would have called the cops.

I would have called the authorities, an alcoholic on the road is a huge liability for everyone on the road... even on the sidewalks. So yes I would have taken down the license #, where the driver was the description of the vehicle and what I saw.

At the very least its a DUI and that most likely was not a one time occurrence for him. He may keep up his bad habits until he kills himself and someone else.

BlackAdder7 said:

I see signs all the time that say "report drunk drivers call 911" so I guess that's the way to go without getting in his face

I will say in this guy's defense that I have poured myself drinks in the car (parked) that I then brought into the place I was going.

For example, I play in a band and sometimes play in places that don't serve alcohol. But I want a beer, so I pour one into a plain bottle. In fact, at one place, the whole crowd was drinking out of paper bags

Technically that's probably illegal, too, but not exactly dangerous. However in your case I assume the guy was going to drink & drive

next time call 911, explain exactly what you saw, his plate number and the direction he was headed and THEY will decide how to handle it...

I always report the swervies...

If one sees a person doing that or sees a drunk driver on the road to call 911.

You should have reported his license number. The police could of pulled him off the road. There are too many people getting killed because of some drunk drivers out there.

Did he see you stash your joint?

ufoclub said:

ufoclub said:

Guy wants to drink who are we to say anything like we're saints. Whats next anger over bars,clubs, etc etc .. liquor stores. Just be thankfull thats not you n dont let it ever be you.
[Edited 1/28/10 15:27pm]

i wouldn't have done anything. he might have been telling the truth; that he was getting ready for later. I mean you didn't see him drive to the grocery store...he could have been drunk then. Perhaps he has a high tolerance. Perhaps he was going to drink and take a nap in his old car filled with garbage. Did he slur his speech when he responded to you? Shoot, the fact that he is in his late 70s and driving is more of a risk factor for the other drivers on the road.

fingertips said:

I don't care until his liver falls out but the moment he hits the road, he is a danger to other people. No one here is trying to say they are a saint.

I would call 911 to report that license plate.* They will direct your call to the local police detachment if need be.

*Though I must say I am not particularly observant, and would have probably missed this event altogether.