I'm guessing the Long Island Patch (which is a website and not a newspaper), like most news outlets, has to walk a line when referring to the perpetrator due to legal reasons. The headline in the story you linked refers to the thief as "attempted robber." It seems laws are the reason for the terms used rather than the bullshit PC world we live in.
You are completely correct upon rereading, just my illogical and emotional rant. Hate thieves, been a victim too many times.
I REALLY hope for the best and the son doesnt endure the wrath of the law.
Just over three years back I had to detain and make a citizens arrest of a thief on the sidewalk in front of my home. It turned violent and when the police arrived, I was on top throwing licks into the thief's face. He had a large rock from my planter and was trying to use it to hit me. Thankfully when they did arrive, they "suggested" over my shoulder to the thief that if he dropped the rock I might stop hitting him. :laughing
During this encounter, my overly sensitive tech exec neighbor was screaming at me that I should just let him go. We had some strong words after and I suggested that if perhaps the thief had instead been messing with his daughter I should have let him go..... ended his rant.
Perhaps I was lucky and had the good fortune to deal with law enforcement who saw it for what it was. I do know that even though this thief had warrants for a violent felony back east, he wasnt sent home or charged in SF even after being caught red handed. Bitter,disillusioned, frustrated? I dunno.
