Bad hitch in Mass

imported
#1

On August the 20th I was attempting to hitch to Lee from Dalton Mass to stay with a friend for a few days of rest and relaxation. I recieved a ride which went very very wrong. I ended up being dragged along side a van then tumbling onto the pavement doing 20’ish miles an hour. My injuries include a large gash on my head requiring 9 staples and a gouge on the side of my right knee requiring 4 stitches. The person who was driving the van has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and attempted kidnapping.

I am a 6’ tall very athletic 30 something former military male who will be very cautious from now on and will no longer hitch alone. I’m not trying to scare anyone unecessarily, I just want to stress caution to anyone and everyone who may be hitching.

Christopher

#2

On August the 20th I was attempting to hitch to Lee from Dalton Mass to stay with a friend for a few days of rest and relaxation. I got a ride from a mid 50’s fellow in a white van, after about 10 minutes he began suggesting we could ‘spend a few hours together’ before I met with my friends. He said quite a bit more as well, but nothing that needs repeating here. I politely declined his advances, but he continued, so I asked him to pull over and let me out, telling him I’de give him gas money for his troubles. We were at the intersection of 8 and 20, near Lee when I first tried to exit the vehicle, he quickly accelerated to prevent me from getting out. He began to apologize for making me nervous or for offending me. I turned to face him in my seat, prepared to make him stop if necessary, he finally relented and pulled over. When I got out I had my right hand on the handle of the passenger door, keeping it open while I opened the side door to get my pack. As soon as I reached inside he floored the gas pedal, and began to yell at me which yanked me off balance, pinning my left arm in the side door. I was dragged for a few seconds as he continued to accelerate, then got my feet under me for a brief monet, just enough to get my arm free. Unfortunately he had attained a fair amount of speed and I was slammed to the pavement then tumbled to a stop.
Some passing motorists stopped to render aid, as I was bleeding profusely from the head. While they were helping me the white van stopped across the road and the guy yelled that he had thrown my pack out a mile or so down the road, then he drove away again. Just before the police arrived one of the ladies helping pointed out the van parked about tenth of a mile away, so when the police arrived they quickly apprehended him. He has been charged with aggravated assault and attempted kidnapping.

All in all I’m a bit banged up, stitches, staples, pulled muscles and tendons and a mild concussion, but I’m in good spirits and will continue hiking when the staples are out.

Christopher

#3

dude that was my dad!

goof

#4

That’s awful!!! Glad you escaped and besh wishes for your recovery!:girl

jackalope

#5

Glad to hear that your alright and that your going to continue the trail. I’m also happy that the police arrested this joker, I can’t belive he just sat there waiting for the cops to show up ???

Crazyness…

well, thanks for letting us know about the incident. There’s always the chance of running into some wacked-out mofo’s no matter what part of the contry your in, but for the most part people are very kind and helpful. It can be difficult to walk the line between being cautious and letting your fears interfere with your enjoyment of the hike. All you can do is go with your gut instinct and hope it keeps you safe.

thanks again for sharing your incident with the hiking community.

3 man

#6

Glad you’re not seriously injured, Christopher, and that you got your pack back. When you live out of your pack that’s almost like your whole life being taken away if it’s stolen. This guy was a total jerk, and even dumber than a jerk. He qualifies to be featured on that “America’s Dumbest Criminals” TV show.

To put things in perspective, if a man behaved this way in an all-gay environment like a gay bar–that is, hit on a gay man, physically trying to bully him, the bouncer would show him the door and the people in the bar would applaud. Many gays have been the victims of bullies in their lives and have no tolerance for one among their own kind. They similarly would have no tolerance for what happened to you.

To your credit, you limited your comments about this idiot to him and him alone–did not try to project his actions onto an entire class of people. That’s the kind of “fair and balanced” reporting we could use more of today.

Skyline

#7

Strangely enough, the very first thoughts through my head as I looked at my hands covered in blood were “how am I going to replace all my stuff?”

I apologize if some folks took liberties with this incident to cast dispersions on other folks, as I have no ill will towards any gender, race or life style choice.

Christopher

#8

Yikes!
I’m glad you are basically OK, got your stuff and the creep got busted.
Thanks for telling the story.

It it home a little, because I hitch hiked home from North Adams after finishing the Long Trail SOBO earlier this month.

pedxing

#9

I seem to remember reading something in Bono’s AT’03 journal about a bad ride from a trucker.

My only scare in my short AT season last year while hitching was my first hitch into Hiawassee… the guy pulled over and had a handgun sitting on the front seat… as I opened the door and saw it, I took a quick step away, only to hear him saying " NO NO, I am a deputy sheriff on my way in" Still had the heart pumping for a few there…

Good to hear you are ok and plan to get back out there to finish, hope that guy gets the book thrown at him…

-xtn :boy

airferret

#10

I used to hitch a fair amount, even to and from Canada.
That was in the 70’s. Now, I work as a taxi driver at night in Boston, and for over 30 years have picked up strangers who sit behind me in the dark and tell me where to go.

Yes, I’ve had problems. I;ve learned how to size up people and situations better, and I’m more cautious. When in doubt, I drive past the boisterous and dubious.
I still pick up people I don’t know! The point? Be alert, and don’t let fear chase you into total avoidance.

I’m very glad you are safe, will keep hiking.
Sorry it happened in my home state!
Courage and strength as you travel

Long Ago Hitcher

Long Ago Hitcher

#11

We came across this posting while looking for information on a potential serial killer. If you have not already please look at the pictures for Gary M Hilton. He recently killed a hiker in Georgia. If it is the same guy then please contact law enforcement to let them know. They need to figure out a timeline as to where this guy has been. Thank you for your time. Happy and safe hiking!

Concerned