For instance, a friend of mine in the Lower Mainland is one of the nicest people you could ever want to meet. He’s a teacher, a creative one who is always finding ways to keep his students engaged. Thursday night, he was walking his dog and came across some youths setting off firecrackers and bottle rockets near their housing complex. It was late at night, and he politely asked them to stop. This simple, polite request resulted in both he and his dog getting bear sprayed. This was one of several attacks in the area, which are all thought to be related. What a great end to a fun Halloween evening.

Here in town, just before 8:00 p.m., three teens were having fun trick-or-treating in Aberdeen when a group of masked teens jumped out of the bushes to scare them. When the teens walked past the masked group, they heard a loud popping sound and felt something hit them on their backs and legs. Was it rocks? BBs? Nerf pellets? They weren’t sure. But they saw three gun-shaped items pointed at them in the dark, a terrifying image regardless of what is being shot out of them. Thankfully, the teens were close to home and all walked away unscathed.

At what point are these kids held responsible for their actions? Where is the line between accountability and recklessness? We shouldn’t have to be afraid to leave our homes. We shouldn’t have to worry about our kids trick-or-treating when they’re out in a group together. Parents have long ago lost control of their kids’ actions. Essentially, they run rampant with few consequences.

While I have no problem with innocent hijinks on Halloween night, I draw the line when it starts to affect public safety. And while I’m normally quiet and mild-mannered, the Superman in me would like to round these jerks up and take matters into my own hands.

But sadly, I have no more control over these things than Reid Hamer-Jackson does.

I’m Doug Collins and that’s One Man’s Opinion.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.