More Lovejoy Adventure


On April 9, 2005, I arrived at Lovejoy and parked facing east on the southeast corner at about 8:30 a.m. I put two of my signs together and placed one on the back bumper of the car, securing it with a bungee cord. I took the other to my usual spot kitty-corner from where the car was parked. I stood with the second sign on the northwest corner.

Things went pretty normally until around 9:30 a.m. when I noticed a man walking over to my car with a knife in his hand. I thought he might begin to slash at the picture, but instead he began cutting the wire-ties that hold the poster to the framework. He was also carrying a cudgel – a short club (about two feet long or so) made from a knotty branch that was cleaned off and either stained or varnished). I quickly crossed the street diagonally and, by the time I reached him, he had cut three.

I leaned my sign against the car and squeezed between him and the back of the car where the poster was located. I stopped him from doing any more damage. I turned on my video camera and he began berating me for having the signs out. He was within 12 inches of my face and kept telling me I had no right to show those pictures. His hand was at his side holding the cudgel and the knife (which was now closed as it was a folding knife). I was actually more afraid that he would use the cudgel than the knife.

I told him he had no right to destroy my property. He said he did.

One of the pro-aborts, an older man, came across the street and stood nearby.

The rest of the pro-aborts cheered the man with the knife on.

Eventually, the man went back to his truck which was a light blue, full-size older, American-made pick-up truck with a white canopy – Oregon license number 014 BTS. It was parked in the No Parking zone in front of the east-side, double-door entrance to Lovejoy.

When I went over to videotape the license plate, the pro-aborts said, “Oh no you don’t!” and tried to get in my way. I simply read the license plate aloud for the camera.

After he left, I called 911. Officer J.L. Walters (#33522) arrived and took my statement. He then went across the street and spoke with the pro-aborts. The older man who had come across the street during the confrontation was the only one willing to be a witness – though I think he’ll lie, as they were all calling me a liar as I spoke to the 911 operator. I also explained the interference of the pro-aborts as I tried to get the plate number.

Later, Officer Walters called me on my cell and asked me to come back to Lovejoy to identify the man. He said he and his attorney would be meeting us there. I went and identified him and the officer issued the ticket.

His name is Jason Merson (pictured here), according to the information the officer gave me, and he did offer an apology for his outburst of anger. I forgave him, but noted that the State may not. I believe the only way such people learn their lesson is the face some consequences.