Paraplegic confronts man illegally parked in handicapped spot, gets his gym membership revoked

[Bozita]

http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2011/03/paraplegic_man_confronts_man_i.html

Paraplegic man confronts man illegally parked in handicapped spot, gets his gym membership revoked
Published: Friday, March 18, 2011, 11:56 AM Updated: Friday, March 18, 2011, 12:22 PM
By David Harris | Flint Journal

FLINT, Michigan — Jamie McGarry did what he thought was right when he confronted a man who illegally parked in a handicapped spot at Hurley Health and Fitness.

The gym says McGarry went too far though and revoked the 31-year-old Davison man’s membership.

“Pretty simply, I just feel that it was flat out wrong,” said McGarry, who has used a wheelchair since age 20 after being paralyzed during surgery. “It’s a wrong that needs to be righted. I simply can’t let it go. It’s more than just how it affects me. I was just sticking up for the rights of the entire disabled community.”

McGarry had just finished his workout at the facility on Feb. 25 and was pulling out of his parking spot when he saw the car — without a handicap sticker — pull into the handicap spot next to him.

According to McGarry, he told the 20-something man he wasn’t allowed to park there but the man brushed off the concern, saying he’d only be there a couple minutes.

After a bit more “discussion” and after hearing a few four-letter words, McGarry decided to take matters into his own hands.

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[hlthe2b]

1. I defend this man's attempts to gain legal enforcement of handicapped sites..

The ass parking illegally should have been issued a ticked, the club was wrong in canceling McGarry's membership. That said, I don't think one should do things--escalate a situation in such a way that may put oneself in harms' way. McGarry is pushing it, pulling his car behind the offender for this and may well put himself at risk for a violent confrontation. I can't support that.

[LaurenG]

2. Isn't it illegal to park in a handicapped spot without a sticker/placard on the car?

He should have called the police on the guy. I know there is a hefty fine for that in some states.

[mrmpa]

3. I would have called the police and then blocked the illegally parked...

car in so that he couldn't exit. I also would have rolled up my windows.

[DURHAM D]

6. The police only enforce the rule if it is a public parking space.

If on private property they won't take action - at least this is the case where I live. I am guessing this was a private spot.

The guy who lost his membership should sue the gym for not enforcing their own rules - and violation of the ADA.

[NotThisTime]

8. That's the case most places I go... private property = no problem for these losers

[LeftinOH]

4. LOTS of people use handicap spaces "for just a couple minutes"..

they seem to think that their idea of "a couple minutes" (however long that may be) justifies the use of the spaces. They're jerks.

[TorchTheWitch]

5. the irony of someone who works out not wanting to walk a few feet

in the parking lot. You pay for a gym membership but walking a few feet in the parking lot is just so exhausting that you have to illegally park in a handicapped spot???

Whacko.

[unblock]

7. three wrongs don't make a right. take a pic, call the cops.

and the gym should have given the guy a warning rather than just banning him.

no one did right in this case, imho.

[JoePhilly]

9. I think you are correct.

[slackmaster]

10. I think he should have just called the cops

Picking a fight showed poor judgment IMO.

[Cid_B]

11. If he wants to enforce parking rules...

... he should try to gain a job as a security guard.

As is he is an ass for blocking.... Seems like he needs some attention...