This is what happens to a disarmed populace. San Francisco is quickly becoming the new Detroit. Speeding it along on that path to glory is a city council with politics to the left of Venzuela’s, an overwhelmed, under-manned (by design) police force, and a revolving door criminal justice system.
But over 800,000 people live in the city and many of them are sick of stepping in feces, wading through junkies, and finding their car windows smashed and their valuables gone.
That’s why one masked man has taken to San Francisco’s streets with an airsoft pistol on his belt.
From abc7news . . .
He’s lived in San Francisco for over 20 years and lately instead of going by his legal name, people call him “Boots.” “I’m called Boots. I’m working outside rather than inside.”
Covering his face with a ski mask to protect his identity, Boots walks around his neighborhood of Fisherman’s Wharf with a non-lethal weapon that looks like a gun. His goal is to scare off thieves from breaking into cars.
You and I may know that open carry is illegal in California, but Boots is apparently betting the average thief isn’t as knowledgeable about gun laws.
“The tourist aren’t going to come here. The business of some people that have lived here and have been here their entire lives and it’s not fair,” said Boots.
According to SFPD’s incident data, on average there are 67 thefts from vehicles every day in San Francisco. Outside Eight AM, a brunch spot on Columbus Avenue employees see car break-ins happening on a daily basis.
The SFPD may be unwilling or unable to do anything about the city’s rampant crime, but don’t expect to see them shining the bootsignal in the night sky over the city any time soon.
They’re less than appreciative of his attempts at deterring criminal activity.
Wednesday while Boots was patrolling the area hoping to deter thieves, he was arrested by SFPD for brandishing an imitation firearm which is a misdemeanor. Boots could face charges.
“We don’t recommend anyone doing that. We understand everyone’s frustration. Officers are frustrated and taking the number of police report regarding auto burglaries occurring throughout the city. However there is a system in place to do that,” said SFPD’s Officer Robert Rueca.
The SFPD can’t seem to arrest junkies in its open-air drug market or stop rampant thefts from cars, but when it comes to harassing a lone citizen who’s doing what he can to dissuade criminals, they boys in blue are right there with the cuffs.
SFPD says they are short-staffed but to Boots even though he was arrested, he viewed it as another victory.
“While police were there, nobody was getting their car broken into for that half hour,” said Boots.
In a lawless hellhole, you have to take your victories where you can.
