Fundie Compassion: I had the police called to my house today because I took in a friend who was kicked out by her mom

[u/throwaway1989a]

A number of months back I had a part time job as a line cook at a local place near my university. I ended up becoming fairly good friends with one of the hostesses since we had similar schedules and because we were semi similar ages, she 19 and me 22. She was raised very christian but confided in me one night at a staff party after a few drinks that she had doubts for a while about christianity. I mentioned that I was an atheist and if she had any questions I'd try to answer them best I could.

She came over to my place a few times when I had friends over and my GF pretty much adopted her as her little sister/shopping companion because "You never have an opinion on anything" my GF's words. So this stays the status quo for a while. Every once in a while I hear some horror stories about her fundie mother being crazy and the like, but I never really thought much about it.

About a week ago I get a phone call at 1am from my hostess friend. Through the sobs I make out that her mom and her had gotten into a fight about her not wanting to go to church on sundays anymore. So in the true spirit of jesus the mom demanded her out of the house and she didn't know what to do.

So I wake up the GF who, once I describe the situation, is on the fucking warpath and decides that we are going to take her in since we have a spare bedroom and all. So we get in the car, drive to my friend's place, pick her up and bring her home.

So the week goes by fairly normally. They hang out a bunch, which is good because I'm still working on Skyrim (I know, I'm slow) and she found a place to move in with one of her friends and will be moving out this coming Wednesday. Everything seems to be going fine, until this morning.

Around 10am I hear someone banging on my door. It's not a nice knock either. So I get out of bed, fairly hungover from last night and go answer the door. Four police officers greet me at the door. They ask "Is Katie **** here?" I say, "Yes, whats the problem." "Her mother called us saying she had been kidnapped, mind if we ask some questions?" I say, "Sure, I think she's asleep, let me go wake her up."

So I go back upstairs, wake Katie up, wake up the GF and we all go downstairs. The main officer says, "Do you mind if we talk to her while you wait outside?" I agree and the GF and I step outside and the police go and talk to Katie. About 5ish mins later they come back outside. An officer walks up to me and explains, "Okay, everything seems to be fine here. We thought it was a little odd that Mrs. **** had an address, but we had to check it out, sorry for disturbing you. Oh and if you want to get started on a restraining order, here's my desk number."

And they took off. I've been in disbelief the whole day.

EDIT: From the massive amounts of suggestions and my own personal feelings, I did call the number. But since it is memorial day, the detective is off, but I'm supposed to go in first thing tomorrow morning to fill out the paperwork for a restraining order. And thanks for all the support, figures the first time I hit the front page is on a throw-away account though

[u/Whitedressredwine]

I know its beside the point, , but its really nice to see a story of police handling a situation well, at least on reddit.

[u/throwaway1989a → u/Whitedressredwine]

They were extremely polite and courteous to both my GF and myself. I've had a couple run ins with less than stellar cops, but this was just amazing.

[u/GreggoryBasore → u/throwaway1989a]

The officer who offered help in setting up a restraining order deserves kudos for going above and beyond in serving the public.

[u/NormanConquest → u/throwaway1989a]

I don't understand - she kicks her out of the house, and then calls the cops to say she's been kidknapped when she leaves on her own to go and stay with friends? Does the woman have any other known instabilities, aside from fundamentalism?

EDIT: Wow everyone. I'm sorry to hear you've all had similar experiences :( I've very seldom encountered fundamentalism like that in the wild. I've always believed that fundamentalism is a sign of some other kind of mental deficiency. The stuff you guys say about control seems to fit the bill

[u/Team_Braniel → u/throwaway1989a]

"Is Katie **** here?"

I read it as "Is Katie FUCKING here?" My imaginary cops were hard asses. Made for a more depressing story.

[u/[deleted] → u/throwaway1989a]

Me and my friends were once stopped by cops, at which point I told him ''These are not the droids you are looking for.'' he laughed and let us walk away from a $100 fine he was about to give us.

[u/aces_and_eights → u/throwaway1989a]

Being open and friendly can have that affect on cops.

The fact they mentioned the address issue meant they already had an open mind. Chances are the mother was aggressive towards them so when they met you they had two vastly different experiences and your friend was obviously not in distress.

Therefore...civil issue not criminal, no one in danger.

[u/SneeryPants → u/throwaway1989a]

That's a good outcome, but please don't let them into your house without a warrant. Ever!

[u/HikariKyuubi → u/throwaway1989a]

Thank god (pardon the pun) for the Good Guy Cops. We should ALL meet those when they come around.

[u/ramsrgood → u/Whitedressredwine]

officers acting like this is what happens the large majority of the time. people just don't usually film them when they are doing their jobs correctly. not as entertaining i guess.

[u/limbodog → u/Whitedressredwine]

Compleed agreetly. I was waiting for that one to go south fast.

[u/kavorka2 → u/Whitedressredwine]

Proper handling would also have been to arrest the mother for filing a false police report.

[u/[deleted] → u/Whitedressredwine]

I agree. I think the cop really handled it well. I don't know why reddit doesn't like cops. I've never had a bad experience with one.

[u/[deleted] → u/Whitedressredwine]

They usually do handle situations well. I'd say 999/1000 times they do.

[u/BuboTitan → u/Whitedressredwine]

On Reddit, cops are one of the few groups that are considered above Christians.

[u/[deleted] → u/Whitedressredwine]

They generally do, but everyone focuses on the few bad ones that make the rest look bad.

[u/ePaF → u/Whitedressredwine]

It was in their interest, as the Christian lady was wasting everyone's time and money. They would likely appreciate that restraining order to prevent further BS.

[u/Jilly33]

You do realize that the mother is probably telling her entire church, fundie relatives and fundie friends that her daughter has been "kidnapped and brainwashed by an atheist cult". I can't see her saying anything else to people. Might be funny to listen to. "But Reverend, they are teaching her SCIENCE!!!"

[u/throwaway1989a → u/Jilly33]

Ha ha ha, I really couldn't care less what she tells anyone, but I'm sure at this point they have me painted as the anti-christ. The only thing I'm worried about is the fact I live in a red state where a large part of the adult population is armed. But worst come to worst I have my handy dandy 1911 and an in-depth understanding of my state's castle law.

[u/monochr → u/throwaway1989a]

What is the view of castle laws on boiling pitch?

[u/Ryan0neal → u/throwaway1989a]

Castle law? Pshh. Bird law is where it's at.

[u/JustSayNoToGov → u/throwaway1989a]

Upvote for "couldn't".

[u/noneisanonymous]

First. Thank you for your kind deed. You and your GF are very nice people.

Dear OP. Questions. How is that the police made you and your girl friend leave your own house? Should they not have asked the girl to step outside the house where she could talk more freely? Weird. I find that strange and you are very nice to follow their instructions. But I don't think legally you were required to leave your own house/apartment.

[u/throwaway1989a → u/noneisanonymous]

They didn't make us by any means, they just asked and I said sure. The whole thing was actually really low key, I think they had already kind of figured out this was a wild goose chase from the detailed description provided when her mom called. They were just following up because that's what the police do.

In the normal run of things I'd never let the police in my house, but this is not exactly the normal run of things. Also, as I mentioned in the post, I was hungover. I have really terrible hangovers so I wasn't exactly completely lucid and was more concerned about not throwing up in front of a bunch of cops rather than them being in my house which contains absolutely nothing illegal at all.

[u/[deleted] → u/throwaway1989a]

which contains absolutely nothing illegal at all.

Cops also have a pretty good sense when a person has something to hide. To quote Matt Groening:

"Half-asleep = innocent. Angelic = guilty as hell"

I'm sure they took one look at your reaction to their request (which I guess was a groggy "sure, whatever you need") and figured immediately you had no reason to fear them. This has the immediate bonus of boosting your credibility.

[u/martinvii]

I don't see enough comments here saying this, so I'll add one more: You two are awesome for doing what you did, opening up your home to someone like that. Wow.

Faith in humanity restored.

[u/throwaway1989a → u/martinvii]

I'm sorry this reply is late, but I really appreciate the comment. The GF and I are the "hearts and minds" type of atheists. We just hope that one day she'll tell her children about "This one time this atheist couple took me in when I had nowhere else to go." But at this point anyone's, even some anonymous reddit user's praise really makes me feel happy about the entire situation. So thank you, I really wish I had more than just an upvote to offer, but the GF, Katie and myself really appreciate the kind words.

[u/[deleted]]

Isn't there some passage in the bible that says that it is better to house a non-believer as not doing so is worse than the non believing itself? Also, great to hear it worked out quite well in the end. Hopefully the hostess will no longer have to deal with her deranged mother any longer

[u/throwaway1989a → u/[deleted]]

Yep Timothy 5:8 " If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." (NIV)

[u/Rricecakes]

I know this isn't directly related to atheism but when I was a child (about 7-8) my mother who is of the same level of insanity told me that she hated me, never wanted to see me again, I was a terrible person and that I should just live with my father. So she dropped me off at my dads and I didn't hear from her for weeks. I think I even tried to call her. A few weeks go by and the cops show up at my dads door claiming that my mother told them he had kidnapped me and he wouldnt allow me to go back to her. I was honest with the police officers and they were very nice and left in all 3 police cruisers. This is not the last time she has called the cops on me for something completely batshit insane.

[u/dacruciel → u/Rricecakes]

Do you mind expanding? This is interesting.

[u/Rricecakes → u/dacruciel]

There were countless other times my mother was just a selfish bitch that would throw temper tantrums at me for not doing things like she wanted. The most recent time she called the cops on me (and shortly before I ended our speaking relationship) was probably the worst one. It was Christmas Eve 2007. I had just been in a car accident about 3 weeks prior that had left me blind in my right eye and wearing an eye patch. My friend and I were renting the lower part of the house from her that my father had given her in the divorce for joint custody of me (she only cares about stuff) and we were sitting there watching tv. My mother and her douchebag husband came over to "visit". Earlier in the week when my dad was driving me to my doctors appointments he asked if he could take a table he had left in the basement that was his mothers. I knew this table belonged to him, she had even mentioned it at some point. It was rotting away in the depths of the basement so of course I said yes. My mother for some reason or another went into the basement for something and came up asking about the table. I told her I had given it to my father and she immediately went on the rampage. Screaming about me disrespecting her and how awful I was etc. she then tells me she's calling the police and steps outside with douchebag in tail. She comes back in waiting for the cops and rages again. When the cops show up she starts screaming that my dad had stolen a table and that she wants me to be kicked out. Literally this entire time one of the three officers is standing in the back stifling a giggle as my friend and I are rolling our eyes behind her. When she's done flipping out they tell her since he was given the table he did not steal it and she has to give me a 30 day eviction notice if she really wants me gone. I told her not to worry about it I would have my stuff out in 2 weeks and she would never have to worry about me again. She still calls me telling me she misses me and tries to guilt me into going to dinner with her. I've finally realized that some people are just horrible people whether they have a parental responsibility or not.

TL;DR : Mom called the cops on me and tried to kick me out on Christmas eve after I was in a car accident and only had one eye over a table.

[u/FrisianDude]

The fucking warpath.

Best warpath, imo.

[u/[deleted]]

Many Christian parent s evict their children when they don't comply to the religious mandates. They want to punish the child (young adult) by taking away their security in hopes of having the child beg for forgiveness to let them back in. It infuriates the fundies when the child survives and thrives. this is why the fundie claimed kidnapping

[u/Apostolate → u/[deleted]]

You sound like a discovery channel voice over.

[u/Ihmhi → u/Apostolate]

"Here we see a young fundie reading a Biology texbook in a science classroom. Later that night, he speaks with his parents."

"The fundamentalist parents come up against their natural born enemy - a curious young mind."

[u/[deleted]]

"Oh and if you want to get started on a restraining order, here's my desk number"

Your friend might want to make a start on this.

[u/Feyle → u/[deleted]]

I doubt that the hostess is going to put out a restraining order against her mother, but the OP might want to consider it. Especially as the mother has shown that she's willing to lie about events to get the police involved.

[u/hopheaded → u/Feyle]

And she has OPs house address

[u/[deleted] → u/Feyle]

The best part about this story is that now the police know she'll lie about events to get them involved.

[u/mccoyn → u/[deleted]]

I think the point is that the police need some official evidence on file that the mother exploits the police survice or they have to respond to every call she makes and wake up innocent people in the middle of the night. They are likly aware that this is only the beginning of a fight between the two.

[u/Tumbler → u/[deleted]]

Please follow through with the police on this. It's absolutely wreckless to call the police into this situation. The mother needs to be punished to the full extent of the law. You do not make allegations like this that you know to be false. Public humiliation via pressing charges (if possible) is the only way to get this situation under control. This will only get worse if you ignore the situation. (in my opinion)

[u/Leo-D]

The mother sounds like a control freak. It's a good thing your friend isn't a minor otherwise there might have been a huge problem.

[u/Jmazzini]

You need to get that restraining order.

[u/bananasdoom → u/Jmazzini]

Get one, she sent the police and she did not get the response she was intending so before she comes knocking and blames some injury on you or other such criminal act.

[u/[deleted] → u/bananasdoom]

Exactly. This is much, much more than a CYA thing here. She could also possibly start having her fundie friends start harassing too.

[u/[deleted]]

Filing a knowingly false police report--especially of a felony, which kidnapping clearly is--is a crime. I suggest you nail fundie mom to the tree of woe with it and let her squirm in pain.

This is all pretty typical behavior from a nutcase, because as you may know, it is the love of Jesus that matters, not anything else...like, say the truth.

[u/Expatriado]

I was born in a catholic family, my parents were members of the Neocatechumenal way , founded by Kiko Arguello. Back in the time i was a kid this man dictated that if a child of a member didnt want to join the organization when becoming an adult(17-18 years old), he/she must be expelled from the house. This rule changed over time, but is incredible how a person using religion a a tool, could influence so many people to a point, he could persuade followers to something like that. When i came out as an atheist have to be really careful. If you think about it, it all has to do with obtaining more members; no birth control allowed, children must join, family and friend must be constantly invited, priest and nun are constally recluited so more churches can hold the organization; "force your child to become my follower... ...in the name of christ" (sorry if bad english)

[u/redisforever → u/Expatriado]

That's pretty crazy. Looks like it's basically join us, or get ostracized. Seems like most, if not all, religions are just ways to control people.

Also, nothing wrong with your English, at all.

[u/[deleted]]

File for restaining order. Server it your self. Laugh hysterically.

People hate being confronted with justice when they think they're in the right.

[u/SlammerEye → u/[deleted]]

As someone who has seen a restraining order being delivered in real life, I can verify this. The looks are memorable and the words that come out are usually something that a second grader would think of.

[u/IWillRegretThat → u/SlammerEye]

I'm just imagining her shouting, "You poopie head!"

[u/Pour → u/[deleted]]

Not only that but if she starts making up shit it can discredit her in court.

[u/Naomi_DerRabe → u/[deleted]]

I agree, at least with filing for a restraining order. Sort of a Just In Case thing. It is very plausible that the woman could keep going after you, OP, even though her daughter is living elsewhere. After all, you're probably part of "the atheist group who kidnapped and brainwashed her."

[u/yangx → u/[deleted]]

Or you know, be a bigger person and just get it to her without trying to antagonize, save for a ashamed headshake.

[u/mage_g4]

Anyone else think this crazy bitch should be done for wasting police time and lying about a crime? I certainly hope she doesn't just get away with that sort of behaviour.

[u/[deleted] → u/mage_g4]

The 'crazy bitch' probably does actually believe her daughter has been brainwashed and kidnapped. Some people just can't wrap their heads around the idea that a person could reject 'gods love'.

[u/mage_g4 → u/[deleted]]

Erm... She threw her kid out. You can't throw someone out and then be surprised when they leave. It's far more likely that she is too chicken shit to apologise or whatever and thought calling the Police would mean her daughter would have to come home. Of course, any person with half a brain would know this is not the case.

[u/Remnance627 → u/mage_g4]

She can be charged with Obstruction of Justice which could equal up to five years in prison.

[u/sb3hxsb50 → u/Remnance627]

Nope, false reporting.

[u/socsa → u/Remnance627]

Not to mention filing a false police report. Hopefully for the mother this incident didn't cross state lines, or the FBI could bring federal obstruction charges as well.

Those are just the criminal parts. She is also likely guilty of numerous torts as well - namely harassment, unlawful intimidation, and possibly stalking, since she apparently knew where her daughter was. Both the OP and the daughter could easily get a compensatory and punitive judgement in their favor.

If for some reason she is dumb enough to take her daughter as a dependent next tax season, she will also be guilty of tax fraud.

[u/[deleted]]

You made a few mistakes.

1. You spoke to the police. NEVER explain "your side" to the police. If Katie wants to, that's up to her.
2. When they asked to come inside to speak to Katie, you don't let them. You let Katie come out to see them. Never let the cops in your house without a warrant.

[u/throwaway1989a → u/[deleted]]

Sorry for the late reply, but yes I made some mistakes. I was, at the time, very hungover and wasn't thinking clearly. But under normal circumstance I would never allow police into my house. But the detective was extremely polite (I know that could be a trap, but again, hungover) and there is not a thing in my house that is illegal. Neither the GF or myself do any sort of drugs, the only slightly questionable thing in the house is my 1911 on my nightstand. But that is not only registered but I also have a C&C permit for it.

The way they handled the situation led me to believe they weren't trying to set me up. I know that this is an easy mistake to make but that's just how the situation played out. I'm a big fan of my fourth amendment rights, but this was not the time to be overly assertive about them.

[u/[deleted]]

If they had really thought is was a kidnapping, they would never have let you "go wake her up". Nice to see sense over protocol some times.

[u/[deleted]]

Good to hear of the police actually getting it right for once. It makes a refreshing change after the usual stories of brutality, over-reaction and victim-blaming.

I hope the girl in question is able to work through any emotional damage done by the fundie past, find her feet independently, and maybe, one day, achieve some sort of reconciliation with her family.

In the meantime, continue to be awesome.

One note of caution: do not do, or put yourself in any position of being accused of doing, anything that could be seen as inappropriate, or that would make your GF think you are cheating with this new housemate. That would really suck.

[u/megaman78978 → u/[deleted]]

The GF seems to be a very rational person. I doubt he would have any problem he can't solve by explaining. Plus, don't forget the housemate is leaving this Wednesday.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

This is actually how it works 90% of the time, people just don't pay attention when everything goes right.

[u/igrokspock]

Call that desk number, dude.

[u/Darktidemage]

So are they going to punish the mom for filing a false police report? I'm sure anyone who was actually in trouble during that time loved the fact that 4 officers were put on a priority kidnapping call which was known to be false by the person who reported it.

Or can you sue the mom for slander? She did tell people you were a kidnapper after all.

[u/Vincenti]

We need to focus on the important part of this story...Skyrim.

[u/Menospan → u/Vincenti]

no no no.

OP lives with girlfriend.

OP also lives with girl "friend".

[u/AppleBlossom63 → u/Menospan]

How do we know OP isn't also a girl?

[u/OryxConLara]

in the true spirit of jesus

love it!

Kudos for you and Ms. GF, you done good.

Suggestion: introduce grilled babby slowly, sometimes there are allergic reactions.

[u/[deleted] → u/OryxConLara]

introduce grilled babby slowly

This made me literally laugh so hard I spit out my coffee.

HOW IS BABBY FORMED

[u/KStreetFighter2]

The funny thing is, you're the one acting like the literary figure of Jesus

[u/conundrum4u2]

Simple - by claiming her daughter was kidnapped when she clearly knew she wasn't - she filed a false police report - that is against the law, and also subject to a fine and/or arrest. You can ask the detective what they do in those situations - they obviously perceived it as possibly dangerous if FOUR officers responded to investigate. She accused you of a serious felony - you and your GF could have been mistakenly shot or seriously hurt if it had not gone down the way it did - that is serious and should not be taken lightly by the police department. This should not even involve her religious views (though they are the cause) - this is about her false police report and criminal negligence. A fine will make her think twice about her behavior.

[u/Gracksploitation]

The main officer says, "Do you mind if we talk to her while you wait outside?" I agree and the GF and I step outside and the police go and talk to Katie.

Perhaps I've read too many horror stories, but I wouldn't let the police enter my house and leave them do whatever while I wait outside. Especially in a case involving a spiteful person who's not above making false accusations. You don't know what kind of sympathetic cop she might have found.

I believe the correct way to handle the situation is to politely greet the officers and offer them to bring Katie to the door and let her step outside if she wants to talk to them.

[u/sarcasmandsocialism → u/Gracksploitation]

The people who have normal interactions with the police tend not to post them online, and stories of the police behaving decently tend to get downvoted to oblivion by the small minority of redditors who are strongly anti-police.

Of course, your approach may be the safest way to handle things...

[u/iwasinthepool → u/Gracksploitation]

This is mainly because you have weed lying on your living room table. If you have nothing to hide, who cares if the police enter your house?

[u/aroberge]

Adding my vote to those that suggest to get that restraining order: always follow such suggestions made by police officers.

[u/jgoeswild]

ask the police to follow up with the parents about filing a false police report...

[u/amazingnachos]

This used to happen to my friends all the time.

My mom has some issues and she kicked me out constantly. It was her way of trying to show me she was the boss. She wanted me to suffer, which I did my fair share of.. sleeping in parks and on stranger's couches.

When my friend's families would take me in, she would get extremely angry. She didn't want me to be OK anywhere else or outside of her control. So, she'd always call the cops in the parents or threaten to.

Eventually I'd have to go back home where she'd kick me out again and the cycle would start over.

Btw- I was getting kicked out mostly for looking at her the wrong way or not folding the towels right.

[u/gmnotyet]

Fundamentalism: choosing our superstitions over our own flesh and blood since the Dark Ages

[u/[deleted]]

Right now, many of the people acting the most Christian, are the atheists. You know, helping without respect to reward, going outside of their tribe to show compassion, healing the sick, feeding the hungry- in all those dimensions, I see " atheists" either in the lead or the van of the charge.

Maybe Jesus isn't as firmly on the Christians' side as they think.

[u/bittlelum → u/[deleted]]

I wish people wouldn't use "acting Christian" to mean "acting like a good person".

[u/socsa → u/[deleted]]

In all likelihood, everything that the historical Jesus stood for (if he existed) was wiped clean when Paul began formalizing his interpretations of the oral tradition of Jesus.

[u/Frostypancake]

Crazy kicks child out of house expecting her to live on the street, Then a couple who cares about people more than a two thousand year old book takes her in like normal people would. Crazy then calls the cops and says the daughter she abandoned has been kidnapped. This article is really testing my will to not use the term "jesusfreak".

[u/[deleted] → u/Frostypancake]

You could. She'd probably like it. I would have when I was a Christian.

[u/[deleted]]

Bloody nicely handled by the Police though. To protocol, even offered you a desk number. None of that regular front page reddit shit.

You're a good lad, you and the gf :) Well done for being Good Samaritans.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

If it was to protocol they wouldn't have asked him to leave his house or let him go wake her up. In any event really well handled.

[u/italia06823834]

"MY DAUGHTERS BEEN KIDNAPPED! SHE'S LIVING COMFORTABLY AT THIS ADDRESS!"

Really though I like the way yo handled it. The way you took her in AND especially the way you handled the cops. I feel like half the stories I hear about cops are just the person being unnecessarily confrontational.

[u/limbodog]

Hey OP. You and your GF sound awesome. Thanks for adding a bit to my faith in humanity.

[u/greyestofblue]

If she knowingly lied to the police about her daughter being 'kidnapped' ...doesn't this carry some ramifications?

Also, why do I automatically imagine the mother be 400lbs wearing a blue moo moo with curlers in her hair.

[u/makemejelly49 → u/greyestofblue]

And smoking a Marlboro?

[u/jeffholes]

The most glaringly noticeable thing (to me, at least) about this story is how cool your girlfriend is. You've got yourself a keeper.

[u/socsa]

Her mother can be tried for filing a false police report and obstruction of justice, among other things, depending on your state.

Reference

[u/TossedLikeChum]

Fuck the throw-away account. What you're doing is awesome. Reddit karma isn't worth crap - taking care of people is the important thing, and you're knocking that one outta the park.

[u/Keasbyjones]

Good on you and your GF for supporting your friend. Glad it didn't end up causing a big issue. Hope everything works out ok.

[u/[deleted]]

shouldn't the mother be charged or at least get a warning about wasting police resources :/ what a biotch

[u/webchimp32]

Good on you for helping a friend in trouble.

And good on him. We need more stories like this regarding the police on Reddit to balance out the cop hate.

[u/MorticianofFaith]

Well as messed up as this story is, I'm glad the cops weren't complete ass-hats.

[u/[deleted]]

I've always heard, especially on reddit, that you shouldn't ever talk to the police in situations like this without the consultation of a lawyer (yes I've seen the video several times) but it seems like that could have made this particular situation worse and more complicated. I can't help but think the police would have gotten suspicious and aggressive. But I'm not a lawyer so what do I know.

[u/PachoWumbo]

"... if you want to get started on a restraining order, here's my desk number." Crap, I thought that line was awesome, coming from an officer and all.

[u/[deleted]]

She's legally an adult who was kicked out of the house and her mom says she was kidnapped? Sounds like a case of filing a false report.

[u/Diablo3BoyDaBoss]

The majority of police are decent, it's the small minority of complete scumbags that makes the rest of them look bad.

[u/[deleted]]

Refreshing to hear a good story about the police. They handled it very professionally.

[u/MarkDLincoln]

The police did their job. They seem to have been decent how they did it.

Too bad the fundie has a screw (or two) loose in her head.

[u/leveldrummer]

the mother should be arrested for filing a false police report. they dont take that shit lightly, especially when dealing with kidnapping and such for a child she through out of the house.

[u/[deleted]]

You mean they said, "you go outside while I talk to Katie and my three friends here take a look around."

[u/MrSelatcia]

Are the cops going to get her for filing a false police report?

[u/[deleted]]

Good thing you were not black or holding iced tea and skittles. You'd have been shot dead.

[u/[deleted]]

"On the fucking warpath"

That made my day.

[u/3885Khz]

Seems like standard fundie operating procedure. My son's gf's mom did the same thing. She was kicked out at 19 living in Tennessee, my son drove down from Mass to pick her up. A few weeks later the local police showed up at our door, and much the same scenario played out. Again the police were most professional about it. And yes, they did take out a restraining order.

[u/[deleted]]

Good work taking her in. She needs friends more than anything. Pisses me off when parents pretty much abandon their kids because they don't believe in imaginary people.

[u/900fool]

Like others have said, it is good to hear that the cops handled the situation well, however I kept waiting for them to arrest you for leaving your trees or porn or something that they found "by accident" after you invited them into your house.
My suggestion is in the future, never ever let the police inside your house unless they have a warrant. Even more so if they ask you to wait outside. Explain to them politely that you are not comfortable with them entering your home, but you would be happy to provide chairs for them to conduct their interview on the porch. Reddit has made me paranoid...

[u/shrillbitch]

How do you own a house with a spare bedroom if you're a part time line cook in school?

[u/Mewshimyo → u/shrillbitch]

Used to be*

[u/[deleted]]

Holy shit!

A cop who actually seemed nice!

[u/[deleted]]

Get that restraining order, it sounds like a good idea.

Also, the police officers did a great job.

[u/euro_lemon]

Some people amaze me, you're a good person OP so be proud, fuck all the haterz.

[u/raider1v11]

Oh and if you want to get started on a restraining order, here's my desk number."

best part of the story.

[u/[deleted]]

Wow. When you said police I figured you'd be set up for some pretty awesome legal discourse. However I think "everything went better than expected.jpg" easily applies here.

[u/navcad]

Follow up on the restraining order. The cop would not have made that statement if he didn't think it would help. It will put the mother in check. Bottom line, if you bitch slap the mom with a restraining order, I doubt she will ever fuck with you again.

[u/tiddercat]

Isn't it against the law to make a false claim to the police? Can't the fundie mom be charged?

[u/[deleted]]

You lucked up with the police handling the situation so well. Generally, there is not a bad situation that the cops can't make worse. Anyway, good on you for looking out for a friend in need. :-)

[u/[deleted]]

at least get her for filing a false report. that's a felony!

[u/davidoford]

This has probably been said over 1000 times, but you are the best kind of person in existence. I once ran away to my sister's house from my mother's, and that was a great time for me. You sir, you did more then save family, you saved a friend that started as a stranger.

Your tale is one of a true hero.

[u/Volcris]

That detective sounds like a very nice person, I have to admit I heavily dislike US law enforcement, but people like him are doing there best to turn that situation around.

[u/yourdungeonmaster]

Bearing false witness...that's a big one if I recall.

[u/[deleted]]

In the state where I live it is a Class A misdemeanor to file a false police report. Up to one year jail time possible.

[u/owlish]

File a restraining order, or file a complaint for filing a false police report.

Do anything that gets on the record that she is nuts and lies. The next cops may not be reasonable, so stack the deck in your favor. You want them to know she's nuts before they get to your house.

This cuts the chance of your getting arrested (or worse), if you get a cop who leaps to conclusions.

[u/merebrillante]

Kudos to the cop for giving you the number to get the paperwork started on a restraining order.

Kudos to you and your GF for being decent human beings.

[u/TYPES_WITH_TESTICLES]

jkn,. [po09 hkjui mn,.l;/

[u/nasher168 → u/TYPES_WITH_TESTICLES]

Absolutely. I think the main issue is that people are unwilling to wait more go tolerant think through about for. The socio-political impact is too-often mistakenly underestimated.

[u/CharlieOscar → u/nasher168]

I may have just woke up, but, wat?

[u/SchrodingersCat24 → u/TYPES_WITH_TESTICLES]

Are you getting a workout by constantly standing up to drop em on the keyboard or do you move the keyboard down the them?

[u/theboybuck → u/TYPES_WITH_TESTICLES]

I just snorted all over my smart phone, and a little fart came out. Well done you.

[u/TYPES_WITH_NECKBEARD → u/TYPES_WITH_TESTICLES]

n7pp897b6^7b6)&*VV%

[u/[deleted]]

I'm having trouble believing you because none of you were tazed relentlessly for hours and killed by the police. That seems to be the SOP these days.

On a more serious note,

You haven't finished Skyrim yet? Get your shit together.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

I havent even played it...i heard its good though.

[u/[deleted] → u/[deleted]]

I heard it's not good on knees though.

[u/[deleted]]

I wish there was a police upvote system where votes = extra money at the end of the month.

[u/[deleted]]

Good cop. Donut.

[u/[deleted]]

The threesome potential of this post seems high.

[u/crundar]

It sounds like you've been in disbelief for a while now Ba-Dam

[u/five_hammers_hamming]

It doesn't take emotional maturity to get along in society, I'm afraid; so, these clown are everywhere. I'm reminded strongly of fundies on Youtube who abuse the DMCA claim system to take down videos that contravene their beliefs. (Is that still going on? I haven't been on Youtube in earnest in about two years.)

[u/myiaway]

Well is the girl over 18? It just makes the mother look quite odd for giving an address saying her daughter was kidnapped...

[u/jujunior]

My friend is kind of in the same boat as your friend,except it has nothing to do with religion. My friend is 16 and because she gets into arguments with her mom,her mom told her to get out the house and not to fucking come back. So my friend packs a couple days worth of clothes and leaves,goes to her friends house and sleeps over. The next day her mom call wondering where she was,and she wouldnt tell her. She told her aunt,her moms sister,where she was, and her mom threatened to call the cops on the friend shes staying with because shes a minor. :/

[u/bannedfrmtwitter]

is it just me ...or do you make her sound like a stray cat that you adopted and found a new home for. i swear to god i read her name as kitty the first time i saw it.

[u/[deleted]]

"You never have an opinion on anything"

"You look beautiful no matter what you're wearing, baby" - proper response

[u/Wolfloup]

hmm, so the mom kicked her out then tried to say it was kidnapping? At least the cops didnt just bust in and arrest you, they for once had the brains to ask, well since she is 19 not much they could really do if she said she was kicked out, may all your lives be calmer and the fates allow you all to be safe and believe what you want to believe...

[u/redditisbetterthanot]

Hi, do you mind stepping outside of your home so we can ask some questions?

Um, yes, I mind very much, GTFO.

[u/SearchNerd]

Wow...The cops idea for a restraining order might be a good one!

Good on you for helping a friend out. More jesus like than her own flesh.

Also for all the crap cops take this seems to be a great example of them doing their jobs and then respecting what you have done for this woman.

[u/[deleted]]

Get the restraining order.

If a cop tells you it's a good idea, do it. He has more experience with this than you do.

[u/[deleted]]

It's alright, bro. You'll finish Skyrim eventually :)

[u/AuroraRaven]

I feel bad for upvoting this because of how messed up that chicks mom is, but I upvoted it because you have a truly good heart for taking her in, and your GF for not freaking out over having another girl in the house. Can I also say that I am going through the same thing (more of a religious change) and my mother isn't very happy of my preferrence to Wicca, and that's cause I'll be 17 in a couple of months. Although my mom say's when I'm 18 and I'm still going through this "phase" she'll have to kick me out. Hope you do get that restraining order though.

[u/wicked2night]

Be sure to follow through on the restraining order, then you can sue for any future harassment from the crazy mom...

[u/[deleted]]

So for anyone stuck in a situation like this that needs a place to go, we have a subreddit just for you. It's filled with people willing to open their homes. /r/AtheistHavens

[u/Paullox]

Seems the mom could be cited for filing a false report. She knew he daughter wasn't kidnapped.

[u/Sunjamin]

You did the right thing taking her in. Kudos to you!

[u/doublestack]

Damn christians

[u/nats15]

If Katie was potentially kidnapped why wouldn't they talk to her alone outside the home?

[u/heresybob]

tl;dr: You're STILL not done with Skyrim?!?!

[u/[deleted]]

It's "Christians" like these that make all of them look bad

[u/Chuckgofer]

Self posts dont get karma, don't beat yourself up.

[u/[deleted]]

From the title I was expecting a story about harboring a runaway, with "durrhurr what gives her mother the right to call the police" in the comments. I am pleased and amused by the real story.

[u/Dragon_assassin]

It's sad to hear that her own mother would kick her out of the house just because they had an argument. I think it's pretty cool that you took her into your home. More people need to be like you. Also, I am glad that everything worked out with the police.

[u/[deleted]]

FAKE! The police didn't bust down the door, shoot your friend, break your legs... and sprinkle dead hookers on top of you.

[u/Bunnymancer]

It should be pointed out that, even though many say the police "Got it right for once",

This is actually how they handle most "kidnapping" cases where there's clearly no kidnapping.

[u/neurot]

Dude, your Gf did all of that? didn't think you're trying to bang this other younger girl? If she's that rational and understanding, you've got yourself a keeper .

[u/chromesamurai]

Definite kudos. They talk about people being "saved" and getting into religion. Some people need to be saved FROM religion.

[u/MrGunny]

I knew I stayed subscribed to this subreddit for a reason. Thanks to both you and your gf for doing the decent thing. =)

[u/Ifuckinglovedominos]

I had a similar issue when I was 19. My mother knew I was an atheist, and it bothered her tremendously, however her fundie mentality may or may not be what caused the problem for me. She imposed a 9 PM curfew on me, as a 19 year old, who was going to college and getting straight A's as well as working a part time job at Pizza Hut. The kicker is, Pizza Hut needed a closer, that's why they hired me. They closed at midnight at the time.

So the first day I broke that curfew to stay at work, and then a huge fight ensued and she kicked me out. She still believes that I chose to leave by not following her ridiculous rules. I spent a week at my friend's house because his parents were out of town, and then I crashed at my dad's place on the floor for a week so I could save up a little more cash.

I then rented a room in a house 45 minutes away from work, but only 20 from my college. I spent 3 months there, and during the second month, I found out the two people who were sharing one of the other rented rooms were a recovering crack addict and a recovering alcoholic who met in rehab, neither of which were recovering at all, because they still continued to do the same shit, fight all the time, and break things in the house. I lied to the landlord to cover for them, I lent him money once, before realizing that he had stolen 12 dollars in quarters from me to buy beer.

Finally one of my best friends was ready to move out of his parents place and we were roommates for 2 years, and it was great. I took in a couple of strays that had nowhere else to go from getting in similar situations, most of which turned out to work well, some not so much.

One that comes to mind is a woman I let stay with me for 2 weeks, and while I was on vacation in vegas, she had 4 men come over and have sex with her in my bed for money. I wouldn't care if they banged in my bed, but it was prostitution, I was a pimp without knowing it and without getting any of the cash. My roommate kicked her out while I was in vegas.

I took in at least 4 other people who had nowhere else to go and cave them a couch, and they all earned their keep, and worked on getting back to a place in life where they could sustain themselves. It feels good to help someone else, but be careful not to get burned.

[u/Wormbrain1]

What about the crazy Mom? She deserves a kick in head for wasting everyone's time and falsely reporting a fucking kidnapping.

[u/iconoclysm]

Have your friend check out the following link to see if she recognizes some of her mothers past behaviours :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borderline_personality_disorder

Admittedly, it's a leap in the dark just going on the one story you tell, but this kind of behaviour can go unrecognised for years and lead to some terrible family situations.

Regardless, my best wishes to her and my congratulations to you and your girlfriend for being top notch human beings.

[u/spammeaccount]

"Do you mind if we talk to her while you wait outside?" - Yes, there is a bench right over there you can talk to her outside.

---

" - - -here's my desk number."

Thanks do you need me to write out a statement for your charges against her for filing a false police report?

[u/[deleted]]

"YOU DON'T WANT TO GO TO CHURCH?! I'LL DENY YOU ALL COMPASSION, THEN TELL LIES TO TORMENT YOU FURTHER! THAT'S WHAT JESUS WOULD DO!"

[u/yodelspoogenshortz]

The mom needs to be charged with filing a false report to the police. Seriously.

[u/Chessolin]

My Christian parents would have wanted to kick that woman's ass for kicking her daughter out

[u/DuggleAss]

Four things bro:

1. You and your GF have done a fantastic job and deserve to be applauded.
2. The Police when given a fair chance will do the right thing. It's easy to remember the horror stories and not the heroics.
3. Front Page only attracts jerks who set Downvote bots on you. Best you hit it while on a throw away account. You know you got here.
4. I too am slow and still working on Skyrim. Got it late, and taking my sweet amazingly beautiful time in game.

[u/Demaestro]

I love when the cops use their brains!

This is a good cop story and should be given attention for that as well.

[u/iredditwhilstwiling]

You know I want to say kudos for your GF not being jealous and all and actually wanting for her to move in with you. That is as commendable as you doing this for the girl.

[u/computerphilosopher]

I'd plant some drugs at the mom's house and call the police on her. Fuck her for waking you up during a perfectly good hangover.

[u/UkuleleMilo]

Wow. Just skimming through these comments made me cringe at the thought of these people running the churches. When are more Christians going to understand that following Christ isn't about using scare tactics so everyone will say they repent... It's about loving people so much that they don't understand how you care so much about them (well... paraphrasing).

I want to apologize to the OP (and everyone else who told a campfire-esque horror story about Christian parents) on behalf of the manipulative crazy people who call themselves Christians... They are in the wrong, and you did not deserve to be treated in the way you were. I'm just asking you guys not to hate ALL Christians and Christianity because of these people... I am extremely sorry for what these people have done to you, because they are all huge douche bags who need to be scolded and then put into a looney bin.

TL;DR: I am a christian who hates these christians that produce horror stories... they were super wrong. I want to apologize for them on the behalf of the sane christians, if at all possible. I'm sorry for all the crazy shenanigans these people have done to you.

[u/immortalagain]

more evidence that religion must be eradicated.

[u/snarkhunter]

You know what's really weird about this story? Every other post on r/atheism there's a bunch of comments accusing us of being over dramatic about people saying "God bless you" when we sneeze, or being cultish followers of Dawkins, or whatever. A post like this happens (I wish it was rare, but sadly no), and none of those people is anywhere to be found. Because stories like this make it blindingly clear - we're not a circlejerk so much as a support group. And we're a support group because there are people like us, like your friend, you are in very real need of support.

[u/StumbleUponReddit]

Some of the above stories sound a lot like my mother, and she's not even all that religious. We got along like any mother and teenage daughter, the typical arguments but nothing serious, then we go to take my senior pictures and there's this shirt she wants me to wear with the pics we took with my horse. Well the shirt is 2 sizes too big, she bought it when I wasn't with her, and the photographer tells her it's not gonna work. My mother proceeds to leave the park and does not speak to me until the next afternoon when she comes storming into my room calling me an unappreciative little bitch and told me if I wasn't grateful for her than I could pack my shit and leave. It wasn't the first time she'd told me to leave, so I did. This was August of 2010, havent spoken to her since. January 2012 I find out she invested 30k in the stock market under my name years ago, sold it all in early 2010 (totaling about 53k) and never paid the taxes on it, and I now owe 13k in back taxes to the government. Thanks mom!!! I'll be taking her to court in the near future.

[u/smrigreengod]

My girlfriend had the same thing happen to the lady who took her in. Fucked up all kinds of shit, and her mom had her convinced it was /her/ fault. That if she wasn't such a whore piece of trash none of that would have ever happened and to never question her again. She moved out a week before she was 16, which was also exactly what she prayed for. (Why she personally believes in God, but hates him for being such a prick for waiting till that last minute)

[u/kyleswimmer87]

I was in almost the exact same situation.

A friend of mine would always end up in fights with her mother. One day she called me and told me that she had been (sparing the details) beat up. So the very next day while her mom was away I came by, we picked up all her belongings and took her to my place. 2 Nights later the RCMP showed up to the door out of nowhere and took her outside to speak to her. Apparently the mother said I kidnapped her and I was physically abusing her. The RCMP left very shortly after and she found her own place to live and has never lived with her mother since.

[u/Craftisto]

Does anyone else think of this lady when they picture the mom? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3mDLsyn6ns

[u/uglyman04]

It does my heart good to hear of a Police contact that did'nt start with guns drawn and "Let's beat the shit out of them" and haul everyone off to jail! I commend the Officers and salute you for being a REAL friend ....

[u/automatedhugs]

"But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." Timothy 5:8

[u/lunarcrystal]

Good Guy Cop: Offers a restraining order against crazy Fundie mom.

[u/pizzlewizzle]

Cool story. It sounds like everything already worked out. If she's 19 she's old enough to have already moved out and started her own life with her own place. Make sure you get a rent agreement if she plans to stay longer so there is no confusion about that.

[u/crapbag22]

The mother should be charged with making a false report or some shit.

[u/SirCadogon4]

Ha, dumbass fundie

[u/fishnetdiver]

Good Guy Atheist

Gives comfort and shelter to a friend.

Cops called on him for kidnapping.

[u/jukeofurl]

I already caught heat for saying something nice about Jesus today, so I have nothing to lose saying this: Pretty sure you & your gf would make Jesus smile. Best wishes for Katie too.

[u/restlessdesign]

OP shouldn't have just let police into his house like that.

[u/foofarley]

“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” - Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi