Shot-up Computer Left on Doorstep Labeled a Prank

Fond du Lac (WI) Reporter ^ | 4-23-03 | Peggy Breister

[petuniasevan]

Posted Apr. 23, 2003

Shot-up computer left on doorstep labeled a prank

Police unlikely to file charges in unusual case

By Peggy Breister
the reporter pbreister@fdlreporter.com

A bullet-riddled computer left on the doorstep of a local computer business was a practical joke, a business-owner says.

“They called us this morning after they heard about the story in the newspaper and said it was just supposed to be ‘My computer’s shot and I need a new one,’” said Linda Bearwald, of F-1 Systems, 459 S. Main St.

She said she knows the people who played the “practical joke” but isn’t happy with them.

The computer was left on the business doorstep about noon on Sunday. Bearwald noticed the damaged machine about 5:30 p.m.

“It looked like an explosion had gone off,” she said. “I didn’t know it was a joke. I didn’t know what to think.”

The computer had been shot 60 times, according to a police report.

“I really don’t know what I want done,” Bearwald said. “At this point, I’m still in shock.”

Charges probably will not be filed against the pranksters, said Fond du Lac Police Capt. Bill Makowski.

Asked what possible charges could be filed, Makowski said, “Boy, offhand, the only thing I can think of is if it caused anyone concern or hardship, we could go as far as disorderly conduct. Possibly littering.

“But right now, we have no plans to charge unless she really wants to press the issue,” he said.

[petuniasevan]

My computer’s shot and I need a new one

I should say.

FYI: This took place in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

[BigJohn44]

"FYI: This took place in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin."


And just what is that supposed to mean?? Have you ever been to Fondy? It's a slice of Americana.

In addition, the shot up computer on the doorstep seems like a creative joke to me.

You wouldn't know a good thing if it bit you in the ahhs.

[PLMerite]

Sounds like somebody needs to get a sense of humor, unless it was meant as a horse's-head-in-the-bed kind of thing.

[petuniasevan]

What is your problem???

I identified the town as a courtesy. Some people may not know where it is.

I live at the other end of Lake Winnebago, 35 miles away.

I did NOT say the story wasn't funny. It is.

Get a life, John, and stop insulting people without cause.

[hoot2]

"upgrade time..."

[quietolong]

Got the blue screen of death. one to many times.

[Rifleman]

I don't know who drew that cartoon, but I suspect him of knowing an old friend of mine, a certain Paul Baker, who died recently. It looks like Paul (posture, hat, sideburns, bloused pants with combat boots and cigarette) and he has been known to shoot a misbehaving PC. Although he favors a 1911A1, not a revolver.

[BigJohn44]

"I identified the town as a courtesy. Some people may not know where it is."

Well, your original post had already identified the town in that the article was from the Fond du Lac Reporter. I therefore assumed that your subsequent post ("FYI--this took place in Fond du Lac") was intended as an insult to that city.

I guess I misconstrued your post. I take back my criticism.