Everyone makes mistakes now and then. Of course, the consequences can vary widely depending on the problem, but a good, heartfelt apology can sometimes remedy even the worst blunders. Some mistakes spawn from miscommunication, while others from a lack of information.
A recent Portland “carjacking” proves itself a wonderful, comedic example of a classic mistake, a mix-up of sorts.
Driveway security camera footage of the event starts with an unidentified “suspect” standing outside in the driveway of Erin Hatzi’s home, directly next to her 2001 red Subaru. Her body language seems a little suspicious.
In what appears to be the start of a grand theft auto, the “suspect” doesn’t seem to have any resistance opening the car – or starting it. Within a matter of moments, the car’s headlights flick on.
The Subaru begins backing out, waiting a few seconds for oncoming traffic to subside. Eventually, the car merges into the adjacent street.
Erin’s Subaru speeds off without a second hesitation, all of it caught on camera. Did she just get her car stolen?
Erin, in confusion, analyzes the evidence and proceeds to notify the authorities. Any normal person would (probably correctly) assume a classic grand theft auto, or in layman’s terms – a carjacking. The very next day, Erin witnesses the unexpected.
In a bizarre, fortunate twist of events, the “thief” ends up returning the vehicle, delivering it right back to Erin’s place.
Local police happen to be patrolling that street at the same exact moment the “suspect” decides to return the vehicle. She then explains the mix-up as an honest mistake.
Footage of the scene shows Erin’s car clearly in the daylight, appearing to be a red hatchback Subaru Impreza, according to Olive Live.
The woman had left $30 as “gas money” along with a seemingly sincere apology letter written in cursive.
According to Inside Edition, the note reads as follows:
Hello, so sorry I stole your car. I sent my friend with my key to pick up my red Subaru… and she came back with your car… there is some cash for gas and I more than apologize for the shock and upset this must have caused you… so so sorry for this mistake.
She even added her name and phone number.
Turns out, the “suspect” was told to fetch a “red Subaru” for a friend, finding this one, instead. Okay, so how did the car start with a separate set of keys?
Well, according to Portland police, some older Subaru models have interchangeable keys – this set of car keys and Erin’s Subaru’s key ignition were so worn down that the car was able to start.
Dang, that seems like it could really cause some problems…
Well, one could say Erin got lucky, but she also did get her car temporarily stolen to begin with. Anyway, Portland is a beautiful place and Erin has her car back. She might as well take a joy ride sometime soon… maybe somewhere like Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People.
At the end of the day, mistakes do happen – but not every mistake is made equal. Some can be disastrous, and some can be redeemed under the right circumstances. There are small and large snafus, and sometimes there are large-snafus-turned-small-snafus. A mix-up is a mix-up, and sometimes a simple apology (and $30) can even remedy the most ridiculous of situations.
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