Tough call. But your first obligation is to your own safety.

Hard to say whether you made the "right" call, Steve. It's impossible to know whether the poor guy just needed a lift or if it could have somehow turned into a tragedy for you and your family.

I find myself in a similar situation several times each day. Disheveled folk, sometimes carrying signs (the ones who bill themselves as homeless veterans really pull at my heart), hands outstretched. I can't care for all of them and I can't put myself at risk. And yet I always wonder if I should have stopped to help.

I guess I don't have an answer for you. Just wanted you to know that I understand exactly how you felt last night, and how you feel the morning after.

Karen

My husband works downtown and interacts with folk such as you describe on a day-to-day basis. His facility is one of the very few that allows them to use the restroom. That's a big deal in and of itself, since cleaning up is hard on the streets. He told me about a program in Nashville for those who need help. They can dial 211 and get whatever they need. Maybe your city has the same thing. Worth looking into.

Oh God, I feel for you because the rules have all changed since we were young. Today, looking at somebody crooked can get you dead. We shouldn't have to live in fear, especially when we honestly want to help somebody. But, on the other hand we do want to continue to live. So, it comes down to self-preservation out of necessity.

I did a stint as a law enforcement officer, and I've never been able to look at any situation in quite the nonchalant manner I did before. Anytime anything is the least bit unusual, the gears start cranking on a conscious level. A month ago, I stopped for a pack of smokes at a convenience store near a highway late at night. Directly behind me another car pulls in and the driver neither wants fueled or enters the store. He just sits in his car and watches. I stand there chatting with the clerk and then at the risk of sounding paranoid, really felt like I needed to mention his presence to her. I kept asking myself which I'd rather do, feel foolish or read about it in the paper the next day.

I've been the recipient of wanton acts of unselfishness from total strangers and know how one small act of kindness can mean more in a moment of need than they could ever know. You want to be able to pass that forward. The way I have to look at it, however, is that people in risky situations i.e. panhandlers and hitch hikers already have a problem on their hands and you are inviting it into your life.

Our community, like most, has numerous facilities to house the homeless or transient, or abused, or overwhelmed, or victims of crime or impoverished or mentally unstable. Granted they are underfunded and overused, but nobody is turned away. You have to ask yourself why a person chooses not to take the helping hand and..............they do..........and there is a reason.

You did the right thing. If I was very concerned about this person, and knew he was in for all practical purposes stranded along a highway I would have called the appropriate law enforcement agency and they'll evaluate the situation.

What suzy said is good advice. If you were really concerned for his safety, call the authorities.

While driving along about 2 weeks ago I happened along someone hitchhiking. I remember thinking at the time how unusual it was - back in the 60's it was commonplace but I honestly cannot remember the last time I saw someone hitching. This is a fairly affluent area, everyone has cars or friends who have cars and cell phones to call friends who have cars, so red flags went up. That's probably unfortunate for this person.

I agree with suzy that when you've worked in law enforcement or for the media resporting the news you become superaware and leary.

Suzy, you did the right thing in the case of the convenience store clerk. I remember being stranded late at night in Missouri during a snowstorm. All hotel rooms were gone and there were about 20 other people in the same situation. A lone gas station off the interstate stayed open all night to give us shelter. We were all huddled in the station and in walks these two yokels. You should have seen the look on their faces. It told the story in a glance. They'd come in to rob the place and found themselves staring down 20-30 tired and cold travelers. They didn't even have the presence of mind to buy a Coke to make it appear they had some business in the place.

Listen to your gut before you listen to your conscience.

Good advice. Thanks for your concern as always. Steve in Baltimore County

Yes you did the right thing. You were careful, in geting your son, and you were loving. There is a pretty old story about someone who was beaten up by theives and no one would stop and help him. They passed by on the other side. This man was your neighbor.

You did the right thing. I'm a little ole lady and sometimes i pick up hitchikers but i go with my gut instinct. It says alot that you care.
I have a nephew in E TX thats a state trooper. I'll never forget one very cold winter night he picked up a homeless person while on duty and drove all over Longview looking for a place for her to spend the night and could'nt find any,so he arrested her on some little charge and she spent the night in jail instead of outside in subfreezing temps. Who would've thought arresting someone would be a kindness.

Steve,

I, too, feel you did the right thing.
Above all else, you cared.
You wanted to do something,
But, your safety is important.
As others have said, you never know what the intentions of the hitchhiker may be in this time of history.

I have never picked up anyone and in all probability never will.
But, if I am in within a couple of miles of fast food or a convenience store, I will get something to eat and drink and take it back to them.
It may not have been what they were asking for but at least they may not go to sleep on an empty stomach.