The April (2018) Second Sunday was marred by yet another assault and battery.
I was at the Torrey Pines Gliderport on April 8th, 2018 when I again witnessed Robin Marien smoking at the park. Once again I pulled out my camera/cell phone to document the violation. Robin Marien was walking from east to west just north of the spectator logs near the gazebo when I began filming. He then passed behind the small utility building where he ditched his cigarette. He quickly emerged from the other side and lunged at me to swat my camera to the ground. The camera hit the concrete blocks, burst open, and the battery popped out. Robin darted toward the office building out of view as I picked up the parts of my camera/cell phone. I quickly put the phone back together and called the police to report the crime. They showed up a short time later to take the report. Unfortunately, there was no video available, and the police did not make an arrest.
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The next day (Monday, April 9th), I filed for a restraining order against Robin Marien requesting that he maintain a 5 foot distance from me at all times. The trial was held on May 1st, 2018 in the Superior Court of California (San Diego County). The judge in the case was unable to issue the restraining order due to lack of evidence, but he clearly admonished Robin Marien to stay away from me, and to not touch me again. That was my desire in filing the case - to keep Robin Marien from using physical violence or threats of violence - and the Judge's words were consistent with that goal.
Thanks to Ernie Casco and Dave Beardslee for being willing to testify in the case. We are slowly bringing order and justice to the Torrey Pines Gliderport, and I hope that will benefit all pilots who fly there.