Latest news with #MichaelMcCutcheon
Calgary Herald
04-08-2025
- Automotive
- Calgary Herald
Why has Calgary seen an increase in red light runners?
Calgarians have taken to social media in the past year claiming a rise in drivers running red lights — and statistics from the Calgary Police Service are proving them right. Article content The number of red light tickets issued in Calgary was relatively stagnant from 2018 to 2021 — save for the height of the pandemic when city streets were relatively empty — before skyrocketing over 40 per cent in 2022. Article content Article content Article content Article content Last summer, Calgarian Michael McCutcheon was turning left on an advance green light when a large truck coming the other way ran the red. Article content 'If I hadn't turned right to try and avoid it, If I didn't see it happen, then my girlfriend in the passenger seat would be severely injured for sure,' McCutcheon said. Article content 'I guess I feel anger; it doesn't make sense how people can run red lights.' Article content McCutcheon turned his little Honda Civic back to the right at the last second to avoid the broadside from the much larger truck, but his girlfriend still slammed her head hard into the windshield and still suffers from back problems to this day. Article content Article content Shortly after the accident, on July 2, 2024, McCutcheon posted to the Calgary community on Reddit asking for advice about the collision. There was no red-light camera at the intersection, and McCutcheon found out the hard way that the traffic monitoring camera present only takes a photo every few minutes. Article content Article content As of May, the City of Calgary has 52 red light cameras monitoring intersections. Statistics from the city say that between 2000 — the year before any cameras were installed — and 2023, collisions have fallen 33 per cent, fatal collisions reduced 75 per cent and injury rates are down 56 per cent.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Yahoo
Residents horrified after man commits 'unconscionable' assault on golf course: 'Beyond my comprehension'
Justice was served in Palm Desert, California, when a man was arrested for animal cruelty after brutally attacking a goose on a golf course. As NBC Palm Springs reported, Palm Desert resident Michael McCutcheon chased two geese in a golf cart at the Chaparral Country Club, striking one and beating it with a golf club before throwing it in a dumpster. While the animal managed to live through the vicious attack, it later had to be euthanized due to the extent of its injuries. Residents of the upscale community couldn't believe how anyone could treat an innocent animal so cruelly. Betsy Patterson, a Chaparral resident, told NBC, "This level of malicious intent and cruelty is beyond my comprehension," she said, adding that the attack was "unconscionable." Sheriff's deputies arrested McCutcheon, who was later released on bond. While he awaits trial, residents have pressured the homeowners association and the country club to mete out consequences, including issuing a fine and banning McCutcheon from the golf course. They also believe he should face the "strictest legal penalties," per NBC. It's unknown what the punishment will ultimately be, but the incident has left residents shaken up and shocked that such a monstrous act could take place in their community. Acts of senseless animal cruelty are disturbing to both the people and wildlife that live nearby. Interacting with or observing animals helps humans in myriad ways, including reducing stress, improving mental health, and fostering a deeper connection to nature. When animals suffer such a violent death, it can take a bigger emotional toll than most people realize. And since geese are known to mate for life, the surviving goose is likely heartbroken and wondering when its mate will come home. The situation is even more heart-wrenching since the goose probably witnessed the brutal attack. According to Go Geese Go, geese often nest on golf courses because of their open space, plentiful grass, and access to water. They're also usually not very busy, making it easy to avoid contact with humans. However, geese can become territorial during nesting season and act more aggressively toward people they consider a threat. It's not clear if McCutcheon was attacked first or decided to chase the geese down without cause, but whatever the case, there's never a good reason to harm or kill an innocent creature, unless you're fighting for your life. But since there have been no documented cases of geese killing anyone in the U.S., per Popular Science, that likely wasn't the situation here. Do you think America has a plastic waste problem? Definitely Only in some areas Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. If anything, the heartbreaking incident highlights the importance of respecting animals' boundaries and remembering that they're a vital part of the intricate tapestry of life. "The club needs to kick him out!! If he loses his mind over a goose.. he is a time bomb for something else," someone commented on an NBC Palm Springs Facebook post about the incident. "Just horrible and so very sad that someone could do that to an animal," another shared. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
