Quick breakdown: Yesterday afternoon, my 7 year old son and I were headed to a supermarket to buy our favourite drinks and, on the way, a random 40 something male walked straight into my son. He had every chance to deviate on a wide sidewalk, with about 20 meters of space between us and him to do so. I saw him, we moved to the left, as is the norm, he deliberately walked directly into my little boy.
I confronted him, asking WTF he was doing. His answer: "どうして俺に
ジャマしたの？" Angered, I told him I'd go to the cop shop, which I did. He gave me the bird, turned and jogged away.
Did I take a picture of this dude who chose to walk into a little boy right in front of his father? No … No, I didn't, dammit. I should've done, and regretted not doing so as I went into the little Koban in the area right nearby.
The disappointing experience I had in the Koban: I asked the three police officers for advice in such circumstances, citing that I was concerned there'll be future instances with this person. "What should I do if I see him again?" I asked. "Should I have taken a picture of this guy?"
This'll summarise their response:
– Call 110 immediately.
– Don't touch the perp.
– You cannot take pictures.
– Pursue the person from a distance so we can hear both sides of the story after you point them out.
Jesus.
I asked if it was categorically illegal to take a picture of the perp, the (I believe) Sergeant said, "Yes, it's illegal." Internet searches have since enlightened me that … that's technically untrue.
So this is my paranoid position now: This dude likely lives in the same neighbourhood as me, is willing to bump into a little boy in his belligerence, and is obviously a bit F'd in the head. I'm of the opinion that I HAVE to get a pic of this guy to put a face to an assault (though minor) to a child. The cop down the road, however, has told me to take a photo is illegal. WTF am I supposed to do? I'm a lot taller and heavier than this guy and he deliberately bumped into my kid right in front of me. What's he doing when kids are on their own?
Please send me any advice you can that's legit.
EDIT: There's this to gimme some hope:
- Evidence vs. Publication: If you witness a violent crime or theft, you are encouraged to record as much as possible to report it to the police. However, do not post the footage on social media; doing so can lead to civil lawsuits or criminal "nuisance" charges if the person in the photo is identifiable.
Just makes me wonder if the cop is doing himself a solid by saying, "you can't take pictures," to avoid some paperwork for himself. I dunno … I'm just scrambling cos I'm worried about my little dude.
EDIT 2: thanks, Redditors, for chipping in and being helpful. And they say we're a twisted pack of genital grasping, neurotic ingrates. lol
by GuyShocku