Among the enjoyable activities to engage in while operating a vehicle, executing some Miata circles in a vast, deserted parking lot ranks among the more innocent ones. However, the authorities at the Irvine Police Department in California, along with at least one nosy informant, do not share this perspective. As per a Facebook post from the Irvine PD, a first-generation Mazda MX-5 owner was apprehended last week after the aforementioned informant emailed the police a video of him performing impressive circles in what appears to be a significantly large and deserted parking lot.
The accusation? Felony destruction of property. “Irvine Public Works calculated that the risky maneuvers led to more than $3,700 in damage to the parking lot and its painted parking lines.”
Additionally, they impounded the Miata and later uncovered “several unauthorized modifications.” For comparison, this is the same State that once employed a helicopter and five patrol cars to trace a youngster who was performing circles at the end of a rural cul-de-sac in 2019.
“This instance is an outstanding manifestation of the significance of community collaboration, and we extend our gratitude to the resident who reported this incident,” mentioned the post.
As a journalist assigned to cover such events with impartiality and professionalism, I shall refrain from characterizing this as a prime example of Joy-Killer Observation and inefficient utilization of law enforcement resources. Why, you may ask? For the reason that the comments echoing the sentiments on Irvine PD’s Facebook post have already done so.
“It would be pleasant if law enforcement demonstrated equal concern for shutting down the weekly public exhibitions happening at intersections with hundreds of spectators, as they seem to exhibit in slapping a FELONY charge on a lone individual merely executing a few circles in a completely vacant parking lot,” reads the prominent comment.
“Thank goodness you are safeguarding and serving that parking lot. I trust that the felony charges are upheld and mar that individual’s existence. Well done!” stated another.
“This warrants are a misuse of police resources.”
“Gratitude, as he could have collided with a phantom or similar entity.”
“This is an absurd waste of police time.”
Nevertheless, public opinion has its limitations. According to California Penal Code 594 PC, felony vandalism is defined as maliciously damaging, destroying, or disfiguring another individual’s possessions if the value of the property surpasses $400. Anything under $400 constitutes a misdemeanor. This implies that every dissatisfied partner or parent who has ever wrecked their loved ones’ PlayStation 5 in a fit of rage is technically guilty of felony vandalism. It’s the same accusation leveled against the individual who did circles in the outfield of San Diego’s Petco Park in his new Ford Bronco earlier in the year. Furthermore, felony vandalism carries a penalty of imprisonment ranging from one to three years and a fine of up to $10,000.
One last suggestion for Irvine PD’s social media coordinator: The meme is actually “how it started… how it’s going,” not “how it ended.” Furthermore, even that reference is very much in line with the year 2020; hence, it might be advisable to update your meme repository.
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