Mayor nearly run over by cart thieves at golf course
By Laura Collins
Published in News on August 10, 2010 1:46 PM
What was supposed to be a peaceful Sunday golf game turned into an "eye-opening" experience for Goldsboro Mayor Al King.
Upon leaving the club house at the Goldsboro Municipal Golf Course, King was nearly run over by two teenage boys attempting to steal golf carts.
"I didn't know what was happening at the time," King said. "They turned and I was there and one of them ran right over me."
The golf cart hit and damaged King's push golf cart.
Goldsboro police Officer Dave Cloutier also witnessed the two teens, ages 16 and 14, attempt to steal the golf carts. Cloutier was able to apprehend the 14-year-old, but could not also catch the 16-year-old who was on another cart. Goldsboro police soon after apprehended the 16-year-old.
"It's unbelievable. The 14-year-old was fighting and kicking and even when they put him in the car he was banging his head against the window," King said. "I was so disappointed. I could not believe that two young people of that age could be so disrespectful and violent and he was using profanity like you wouldn't believe."
King said while he isn't happy about the situation, it's given him a greater appreciation for Goldsboro police officers.
"I know what these guys go through and they told me that that wasn't nothing," King said. "I'm sorry that it happened, but at least it was an education for me. I couldn't have the patience to deal with what they deal with."
The two teens were charged with felony larceny, assault with a deadly weapon and damage to property.