Yo, Drama on the Block (Blockbuster, that is)

I just witnessed a crime.


It's weird when these things happen because you're not expecting it. Here's what went down. (keep in mind that it all took place within about a 15 minute span).


I walked into the local Blockbuster Video where I rent movies. I casually looked around for a few minutes until I spotted what promised to be exciting and historical...Flyboys.

I am generally oblivious to my surroundings, but the fallen sun outside gave the store a bright illumination that forced me to take notice the second I opened the door...as if I had just stepped under a tractor beam or flipped on the kitchen florecents first thing in the morning.

He was a large stocky (not fat) black, uh-hem, African American male with long, but not that messy dreadlocks. I know I saw his face while I was searching for a movie, but I don't remember it that well. If I had to guess his age, I'd say mid 20s? However these days the kids are so dang big, who knows!

There was a car waiting for him outside. I didn't notice that until it was peeling out in front of me.

My normal routine when randomly picking out a movie is to start in the middle, go right, then left. I don't know why, it's just what I do. That wasn't important, I know. Anyway- oddly enough I selected a movie in record time and approached the register. Blockbuster had just recieved a shipment of movies and the 2 clerks were busily opening them and taking inventory.
2 large boxes sat on the counter.

The black man was the only other customer in the store besides myself. He was slowly heading toward the door and had just past the scanner when it happened.

He turned around, grabbed one of the boxes, ran out the door and jumped into the waiting car outside. It was an old model white caddy or Buick? I can't be sure due to the dimly lit parking lot. Although it happened so fast, I probably wouldn't have known in day either.

I was stunned. It took a few seconds to register what had happened.

"Did he just steal that box?" I asked feeling like a dope. The two guys at the counter had acted so casually that I thought perhaps it wasn't what I thought I just saw. Most likely the guys were so wrapped up in their task that they didn't have time to freak out. In fact there was no freaking out at all. I rented my movie and said, "has that ever happened to you before?"
"No" he aswered.
Immediately it was business as usual except for one of the guys had gotten on the phone. I don't know if he had called police or the company, but he was talking about the robbery.

"Thank you. good night."

Then I left.

Looking back, I wonder why I didn't ask if they needed me to give a police report. After all, I was the only one who watched the dude grab it and run. That's weird huh? It didn't even occur to me.

Perhaps I'll get called in, but I'm guessing not. Perhaps if he had used a gun or yelled out demands for money he would be considered violent and the police would give it more attention than a report.
But right now this guy's a chicken. I suppose with added victories under his belt he'll take his time. He'll become more violent and dangerous with experience.


In other news: I applied for the SIA rep position. There are 2 spots open and at least 10 candidates running. I hope Ron and I win! The cruel part is I will be in Portugal when the election closes and not able to use my phone. But fear not! For I have conquored death! hehe. To dramatic? I mean, I rented a phone that will work in Portugal. However, at $1.49 a minute it will be reserved for emergencies. That counts as an emergency, right? Also I recieved Megan's passport today! Pure gold! Okay- now we can go. Nobody get on my flights last minute! BTW- most of my flights plans have changed...again. Uhhhh