A California father was arrested this month for his desperate attempt to make a dangerous intersection near a children’s park safer.
Joseph Brandlin, 44, installed 30-inch-high signs and painted the word “Stop” on the ground — just weeks after his son was nearly caught in an accident, which he described as “the last straw.” The Los Angeles Times reported.
“I was almost done and no one knew anything,” Brandlin told officials at a March 17 City Council meeting.
Brandlin took drastic action when he and other residents unsuccessfully lobbied city officials to turn the intersection into a four-way stop.
Brandlin, who spent nearly $1,000 on the renovation, was arrested around 2 a.m. on March 14 when cops saw the father crossing the street while holding signs.
He called the decision “mind-boggling,” pointing to other four-wheeler stops in the city, and now faces the risk of jail time after being charged with grand theft and vandalism over $400.
“I was arrested and charged with two felony charges,” Brandlin said. “I was treated like a dangerous criminal with an effort that was solely motivated by the concern of the children of this neighborhood.”
Despite the prison fears, Brandlin feels no remorse – if his actions meant avoiding deaths.
“I would do it again if that’s what it takes. Because I’m not going to wait for someone to die.” He told CBS News.
The intersection is located within 100 feet of a reconstructed park that has become a “popular destination for families and children,” Brandlin said, estimating the ages of the youngsters at about 3 to 7 years old.
Brandlin told the Los Angeles Times that he witnessed several near-misses involving children, including his son, who was nearly hit by a bicycle.
“That was the last straw,” he told the Los Angeles Times.
He also submitted 73 letters from families supporting his safety measures to City Council leaders, but no action has yet been taken.
“The city wasn’t listening,” he quipped.
Brandlin is scheduled to appear in court in June, and officials have since removed the temporary stop signs and covered up paint