u/Existing_Art8081

For the last 10 years my neighbor has been filing applications to remove 12 large protected trees from his backyard that are obstructing his views. The city repeatedly denied each application on multiple environmental reasons. He has always joked about "paying some illegals" to cut the trees down at night.

three weeks ago some bad actor coincidentally cut down the exact 12 trees while the family was on vacation in Mexico. He did file a police report for vandalism immediately apon their return but refuses to cooperate with law enforcement past that. Everybody knows he is behind it and walks around with a smug look on his face.

Its kind of a big neighborhood story and the police cant file charges due to lack of evidence. Is he going to get away with this one?

Our family runs a small connivence store in NY. Shoplifiting is a huge problem. Two months ago I chased a person who stole a small food item 4 blocks. The chase ended when the perpetrator ran into a telephone pole and seriously injured himself. At no time did we make contact during the chase and it was confirmed on CCTV.

I was initially arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and failure to render aid as I left the scene and did not call 911 to report the injury, however those charges were dropped.

Today I received a demand from the perpetrators lawyer to cover 50k of medical bills relating to minor facial surgery. They claim chasing someone for 4 blocks is a disproportional response the theft of a $3 loaf of bread and I put the client in reckless danger.

Does this have any standing or is it a frivoulous lawsuit threat?

Location: NY