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Member since 3/31/11
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Posted on: 6/3/15 9:56 PM ET
My 27 year old son who lives and works in Victoria, B.C., Canada travelled to St. Louis for a major mass spectroscopy conference. He is a PHD chemistry student at the University of Victoria, specializing in mass spec.
He was there to present his work at one of the conference tables.
He has travelled to the US before to meet up with his then girlfriends family on holiday in wine country.
He was a bit nervous about this trip as he heard St Louis has a bad rap for crime. I told him he would be fine if he was normally cautious, stuck to his business and try not to be obviously a tourist.
Well, I just got an email that he was mugged yesterday evening. As he was approaching his hotel entrance ( apparently directly across from the Arch park ) four large men jumped out of their car, two got in front of him and two behind. They positioned themselves so he could not advance into the hotel. They asked him for gas money with hands in their pockets. He said no. They then told him to empty his wallet. He gave him all his cash...not much, but all the US he had. The hotel security noticed what was happening and came to the door, the men left. My son thinks this is the reason he didn't lose his wallet and phone too.
When the police arrived, they said there was nothing they could do because it was not a crime...he 'gave' them the money. They effectively made him feel more victimized. I realized there may be little they could do, but if they're going to show up anyway, just take his info and note the event. At least he'd be left with a little dignity.
He spent most of today in his room, traumatized by the event. He's coming home tomorrow, cutting his trip short.
I'm so sad for him, he was so excited. I'm now also nervous about his train trip to the airport tomorrow
  
Member since 7/11/13
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Posted on: 6/3/15 10:00 PM ET
WOW! that doesn't sound right?! so sorry for him.
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Sewing Machines: Bernina 530; Bernina 720; Pfaff Performance 5.0
Sergers: BL Ovation; Janome 900CX; Brother 1034d
  
Member since 4/9/14
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Posted on: 6/3/15 10:00 PM ET
Is that not a case of "strong arm" robbery? I believe it would be in the state of Michigan.
  
Member since 6/11/10
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Posted on: 6/3/15 10:12 PM ET

Oh, as an American, I am embarrassed and ashamed that happened to your son.

I am sorry! I offer my collective apologies, such as I may..... It isn't that horrid for tourists/visitors everywhere, but......it should not happen even one time anywhere.

(And when I've been in your lovely country, it's always been safe, pristine, and friendly. WOnderful! Thank you.)
  
Member since 10/30/10
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Posted on: 6/3/15 10:19 PM ET
They didn't even make a record of the event?

Lordie.
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It's just fabric; we can out-think it.
  
Member since 3/31/11
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Posted on: 6/3/15 10:22 PM ET
In reply to ShantiSeamstressing
Oh Shanti, you're so sweet! I'm sorry! I don't blame the collective neighbours to the South
We've had plenty of wonderful experiences in your country. I'm just feeling helpless and frustrated with the particular responding officers. Knowing my son, this is going to be difficult to get over and they could have made it so much easier for him to accept.
Just being a Mom, I guess
  
Member since 3/31/11
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Posted on: 6/3/15 10:34 PM ET
In reply to BriarRose
I'm not sure BriarRose, I only know so far that they told him the men didn't do anything illegal. They asked him why he would just give his money away. He said it was pretty clear they were robbing him. They then asked if they had any weapons. He said he couldn't tell because they had their hands in their pockets. They responded that "giving your money to someone who isn't armed" is not considered to be part of an illegal situation. I'm assuming then, no official report was made...but can't say for sure.
I don't really want to ask him too many questions until he's home.
  
Member since 3/31/11
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Posted on: 6/3/15 10:36 PM ET
In reply to SuzanneSewsRVA
Thanks Suzanne
  
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Posted on: 6/3/15 10:37 PM ET
In reply to TammyKP
Ya'd think, right?
  
Member since 7/4/14
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Posted on: 6/3/15 10:47 PM ET
In reply to Sewcoastal
OMGoodness, Dale. So thankful your son is safe, and hoping that he will be able to recover without prejudice. Unfortunately, I do not have much faith in the police system, either in US or Canada. I guess too many bad encounters with them myself. However, there are good police as well, that have been extremely helpful. How aweful for your son to have to feel "punished" for a crime that he didn't commit.

How scary for you as a mom as well. Praying for the safe return of your son.
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Gina
  
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