Adventures of a Bail Bondsman (Part 2) by Valerie Murray

As you may recall, after “having” to pull over, we spotted the street we had been looking for. Well, I really wouldn’t call it a street. It was more like a wide dirt path with big ruts. Obviously, the road was used for moving heavy equipment. I spotted a backhoe and dump truck… We finally found it! The sun had just started to rise. There was just enough light that we could see without the headlights. I slowly pulled onto the dirt road and drove about an 1/8 of a mile. Charlie T and I were silent, thinking and wide eyed. There was a large 1 story cement block building on the left. The lights were on and you could see several people moving around inside. Behind the building, there was a fenced enclosure filled with heavy duty construction “man” toys. Next to the building and across the road were the parking lots. We chose to back into a spot across from the main building. We could see everyone coming and going. Also, in my beat up black truck we didn’t stand out too awfully bad.

We contacted the local authorities letting them know we were Dayton bail bondsmen, in the area and what our intentions were. This cuts out any misunderstandings with the police department when they see you packing a 38 Smith and Wesson. It only took them a few minutes to check out the warrant and called back giving us the thumbs up to proceed.

I knew that Bobby had been driving a red jeep Wrangler. Our only hope for surprise was that he still was… It was closing in on 7:30 and it was still gray out. The rain had turned to a fine icy mist. We had seen 8 or 9 men pull up in the lot next to the main building. They’d go in for 5 minutes or so and come out with a clipboard talking to themselves. They were obviously getting their assignments for the day. Just before 8 o’clock, we broke the tense silence starting to lose hope that he would show at all. Not 2 minutes later we spot a red vehicle coming up the road. As it got closer, I could see that it was a jeep. We looked at each other & didn’t say a word but just watched as the jeep pulled straight into a spot next to the main building. We were waiting for the driver to get out so we could make sure it was him. When his feet hit the ground and he stood up, I knew for sure that it was. At 6’2 and 250lbs it wasn’t hard to ID him. We decided to make the arrest when he came out from getting his assignment. I would approach from behind the jeep on the drivers side as he was opening the door. Charlie T would take the front between the jeep and the fence in case he decided to run for it. The next five minutes seemed like forever. My heart was pounding so hard that it echoed in my ears. I was surprised Charlie didn’t hear it. Actually, he may have and just didn’t say anything not making me any more nervous than I already was. Charlie had already gotten in position when Bobby was leaving the building. As he reached for the jeeps door handle…I took off running across the road .. warrant in in my left hand, Smith and Wesson (holstered) on my right. I called out his name and said “remember me?”. You would not believe the look on his face. I thought his eyeballs would pop out of his head. He stammered a bit and said that I had made a mistake and had the wrong guy. All the while his eyes darting around looking for a place to run. Charlie seeing this stepped into his view. Here my man stood. With black jeans, leather jacket and with his hook, he was a tad imposing. Oh, I forgot to mention that Charlie had lost his arm in an accident when he was a child. He normally wore a prosthetic that sort of looked like a real arm (below the elbow) and hand. But, we felt the hook would be a little more intimidating. We were right. After spotting him, Bobby just turned, faced the jeep and put his hands behind his back. After I put the cuffs on and started leading him to the truck he tipped his head and whispered something to Charlie. Charlie winked at me and told me to go on that they would be right there. I found out later that Bobby had pot on him and asked that it be left in his car. He said he didn’t need more charges than he already had. I had no problem with that. After all, he “was” going to jail and I wasn’t losing $5,000. With cuffs on and his hands behind his back, we strapped him in the passenger seat. Charlie sat in the cab behind him with his hook across his chest for added security. I drove and headed for the Montgomery County jail.

About 10 minutes into the ride he asked if he could make a call and let someone know where he was. I handed my cell to Charlie so he could dial and hold the phone for him. Now, you have to picture this. We have a 32 year old 250 lb. Tough guy Construction worker sitting calmly waiting for whomever he called to answer…. The next thing we hear is a blubbering… MOM…. THEY GOT ME!!!! His face all twisted ready to cry. My mouth just fell open. In disbelief, I looked at Charlie. He had the same stunned look. We were silent for a moment letting it sink in. We than burst out laughing so hard that not only did I wish I were wearing depends but I had to pull over……Again. (part 3 “Cherokee” to follow)

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