Something to ponder
Read this story and then take the poll at the end... I'm just curious on your thoughts on this:
From The Virginian-Pilot Online. Thursday, November 13, 2003.
Teenager convicted of Macing TV reporter Andy Fox
By Amy Jeter, The Virginian-Pilot
PORTSMOUTH - The video began with a familiar image to viewers of WAVY News 10: people covering their faces as reporter Andy Fox chased after them.
Suddenly, a teenager in a tight, black outfit appeared in the frame. He waved a hand in Fox's face and sauntered off as the reporter doubled over in agony.
"I Maced you," said the 17-year-old boy, who was dressed like a woman that August afternoon.
On Wednesday, the boy was tried as a youth and convicted in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court of malicious wounding with a caustic substance.
Fox, who is known for his aggressive reporting style, testified that he was filming a news report about prostitution in the city’s Port Norfolk area when the incident happened.
Video footage screened in court showed three people dressed as women standing around. Some of the footage appeared to be filmed from behind a chain-link fence and from under a vehicle.
At one point, Fox ducked behind a truck. Then, he approached the people, calling after them, "Come here. I want to know what you’re doing here."
The people walked away, warning Fox to get the camera out of their faces.
Then Fox was attacked.
"There was an incredible heat," he testified. "It was painful, and it was to the point where I had trouble breathing."
Fox described how he knocked on doors, asking for water. After flushing his eyes for an hour, he was taken to a hospital, and he later visited his own doctor, he testified.
Defense attorney Susan L. McDaniel-Smith asked him why, after the attack, he directed the cameraman to go after the people instead of seeking medical attention for him.
"We wanted to find out who did this on a public street," Fox told the court.
The boy testified that he had noticed that he and his friends were being watched by people in a van. He said he did not recognize the television reporter and did not like Fox’s persistence.
"I felt like he was invading my private space," the boy told the court. "I don’t know him from a can of paint, so why is this man walking behind me down the street?"
Judge William S. Moore Jr. said the boy's action did not amount to self defense.
"Just because someone didn't like or agree with what they were doing is no justification for spraying Mace in his face," Moore said.
The boy began sobbing immediately after hearing the verdict.
His case was transferred to Chesapeake, where he lives. He has other unrelated charges pending in that court, including forgery, uttering and attempted grand larceny.
Prosecutor Maria Holmes-Simms would not say what punishment the boy faces. Sentencing was not scheduled during the hearing. The boy is being held at Tidewater Detention Home.
Fox, 43, said in an interview that he was surprised that the charge was not reduced but pleased at the conviction. He has worked at WAVY for about 16 years and said he is mindful of the risks he takes.
"I'm always keeping my eyes on eyes and hands," he said. "I'm always aware."
Poll What do you think?
From The Virginian-Pilot Online. Thursday, November 13, 2003.
Teenager convicted of Macing TV reporter Andy Fox
By Amy Jeter, The Virginian-Pilot
PORTSMOUTH - The video began with a familiar image to viewers of WAVY News 10: people covering their faces as reporter Andy Fox chased after them.
Suddenly, a teenager in a tight, black outfit appeared in the frame. He waved a hand in Fox's face and sauntered off as the reporter doubled over in agony.
"I Maced you," said the 17-year-old boy, who was dressed like a woman that August afternoon.
On Wednesday, the boy was tried as a youth and convicted in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court of malicious wounding with a caustic substance.
Fox, who is known for his aggressive reporting style, testified that he was filming a news report about prostitution in the city’s Port Norfolk area when the incident happened.
Video footage screened in court showed three people dressed as women standing around. Some of the footage appeared to be filmed from behind a chain-link fence and from under a vehicle.
At one point, Fox ducked behind a truck. Then, he approached the people, calling after them, "Come here. I want to know what you’re doing here."
The people walked away, warning Fox to get the camera out of their faces.
Then Fox was attacked.
"There was an incredible heat," he testified. "It was painful, and it was to the point where I had trouble breathing."
Fox described how he knocked on doors, asking for water. After flushing his eyes for an hour, he was taken to a hospital, and he later visited his own doctor, he testified.
Defense attorney Susan L. McDaniel-Smith asked him why, after the attack, he directed the cameraman to go after the people instead of seeking medical attention for him.
"We wanted to find out who did this on a public street," Fox told the court.
The boy testified that he had noticed that he and his friends were being watched by people in a van. He said he did not recognize the television reporter and did not like Fox’s persistence.
"I felt like he was invading my private space," the boy told the court. "I don’t know him from a can of paint, so why is this man walking behind me down the street?"
Judge William S. Moore Jr. said the boy's action did not amount to self defense.
"Just because someone didn't like or agree with what they were doing is no justification for spraying Mace in his face," Moore said.
The boy began sobbing immediately after hearing the verdict.
His case was transferred to Chesapeake, where he lives. He has other unrelated charges pending in that court, including forgery, uttering and attempted grand larceny.
Prosecutor Maria Holmes-Simms would not say what punishment the boy faces. Sentencing was not scheduled during the hearing. The boy is being held at Tidewater Detention Home.
Fox, 43, said in an interview that he was surprised that the charge was not reduced but pleased at the conviction. He has worked at WAVY for about 16 years and said he is mindful of the risks he takes.
"I'm always keeping my eyes on eyes and hands," he said. "I'm always aware."
Poll What do you think?