Posted by Robert E (Bob) Rogers on 2/9/05 6:42pm
Msg #19988

Lake County Florida Shooting

This has been the most incredible day I have had as an NSA. It started off normal enough. I had a 9AM signing for a CHASE Prototype for a borrower in a nearby city. When I arrived at the borrower’s home, there was no one there, and I called and reached him on his cell phone. He said that he was tied up in traffic and would be there in about 10 minutes.

No big deal, I waited and sure enough he arrived and we entered his home and started to proceed with the signing. After getting through the identification process, I learned that he was with the Sheriffs department. Just as we starting getting down to details, he received a message over his radio that two officers had been shot in a nearby town (Paisley), I immediately told him to go…we would reschedule. I told him I would be in the area and that when he was free, to give me a call and we would continue. After a couple of hours passed, my daughter called to tell me that the area in which another of my daughters lives had been shut down and the school that my grandchildren attend had been shut down because the shooting suspect of THREE officers was on the loose in the area. Two officers wounded and one dead. I returned home ands started watching on television for a massive manhunt involving over 500 police and military personnel in an area right next to where my daughter lives and only about 10 miles from where I live!

I called my client to give them a status report and told them that I was willing to do anything I could to help this guy out. I specifically asked if there was any way that the docs could be signed and the date changed tomorrow. The answer was NO! I asked if they would e-mail me redrawn docs at my expense and again the answer was NO! The final answer was that if the docs were not signed today and returned by tomorrow it would have to go back through Chase for a reschedule.

Some days it just doesn’t pay to get up! As of six o’clock tonight they have the SOB that started all of this. I don’t know if he is alive or dead, and I know it is not the Christian thing to do, but I am hoping for the latter! I haven’t heard yet from the borrower, and really don’t expect too, today.

Ah!, the life of Notary/Signing Agent…never a dull moment.

Reply by Anonymous on 2/9/05 8:29pm
Msg #19994

Shoot!! (oops) LOL

It does look like you had your handsfull!! I can't believe they wouldn't wait. For creeps sake, the guy is a Public Servant working as a protector of the good!!!

Just out of curiosity, in your state, since your a notary public your considered a Public Servant/officer. Are you also considered a mandated reporter/ public service officer. Because my state allows ANY public officer/servant to report and protect the public from any situation illegal. In other words, if a notary public here sees a crime being committed, the notary public must notify the proper authorities, and if not he/she is subject to a fine. In addition, in rare circumstance, the notary public here, acting as a public officer/servant, must make reasonable efforts to help a citizen in need until a Police authoriites arrive.

On numerous times I was the keeper of peace.

Reply by Becca/FL on 2/9/05 10:11pm
Msg #20018

Bob - I missed the news today, but caught bits & pieces of the shooting on the radio. How scary for your family to be so close to the stand off. I'm glad they have the guy in custody.

Reply by MORITZ - PETER on 2/10/05 9:26am
Msg #20058

Call the client and make sure he's ok. Let him know the status. Also, have him request you so you get the fee. Amazing how small this world is! I understand where you are coming from on wishing the man dead. I am a Christian. My daughter was robbed 130 at Dunkin Donuts, with a gun in her face. I had the same thoughts! She is ok but the 2 robbers are still on the run. I just pray!!! Lori