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wnytaxman · 08-21-2015, 09:20 AM

We live in western NY but travel I-70 to our daughter's college in Terre Haute. We have stopped a number of times at the rest area just west of Indy on the westbound lanes. Each time we stopped we have been approached by pan handlers looking for money. I'm not sure what it is about that rest stop but it has really sketchy characters floating around that rest area. That has got to be one of the most uncomfortable rest areas I have ever stopped at and the characters that seem to be around there are just plain weird.

DMTTRANSPORT · 08-21-2015, 09:23 AM

Don't Stop There....

jpharley · 08-21-2015, 09:26 AM

Those pan handlers are at many rest areas, just pick a state. We were hit up a couple of weeks ago in TN.

**NLOVNIT** · 08-21-2015, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpharley

...Those pan handlers are at many rest areas, just pick a state....

Yep. They seem to have figured out to target rest areas, especially when you drive in with a motorhome. We've run into them at more than one rest area from OH to GA to IA.

Although they aren't just there, I've been approached in stores & at gas stations as well.

Lori-

Ray,IN · 08-24-2015, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wnytaxman

We live in western NY but travel I-70 to our daughter's college in Terre Haute. We have stopped a number of times at the rest area just west of Indy on the westbound lanes. Each time we stopped we have been approached by pan handlers looking for money. I'm not sure what it is about that rest stop but it has really sketchy characters floating around that rest area. That has got to be one of the most uncomfortable rest areas I have ever stopped at and the characters that seem to be around there are just plain weird.

I carry the phone number of the salvation army with me. When approached by anyone wanting money I give them the number while saying "they are in the business of helping you", then walk/drive/ away to stop all further conversation.

wnytaxman · 08-25-2015, 11:50 AM

Ray, you must have met the woman who stopped me. She mentioned that she had contacted the Salvation Army and they were looking for some place for her and her family to spend the night. When I read your post I couldn't help but chuckle.

srh · 08-25-2015, 12:15 PM

No intention of hijacking the thread, but on a recent trip out to NY, VT, ME and MA, we rant into more panhandlers in towns then I have seen before.

tbbg II · 08-27-2015, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wnytaxman

We live in western NY but travel I-70 to our daughter's college in Terre Haute. We have stopped a number of times at the rest area just west of Indy on the westbound lanes. Each time we stopped we have been approached by pan handlers looking for money. I'm not sure what it is about that rest stop but it has really sketchy characters floating around that rest area. That has got to be one of the most uncomfortable rest areas I have ever stopped at and the characters that seem to be around there are just plain weird.

ISU, Rose, St Mary's?

HR2004 · 08-27-2015, 03:38 PM

We have never been approached on I-70, I-40 or I-20.. all westbound from our home in Missouri.. Just lucky I guess..

Krafty52k · 08-27-2015, 05:16 PM

Hey Ed.. At Connault Ohio at the Love's truck stop, we stopped in June for our two Mini Aussies! I no sooner stepped down on the third step of our Anthem, when an irate trucker parked 5 feet away across our RV entry and proceeded to flail his fist 3 inches from my face. He said if he did not care about his job, he would f...... Kill us. I was terrified! He said that 20 miles BACK we tried to run him off the road! Kinda hard since the last 20 miles was in a one lane work zone. We believe he was " coked up" or fell asleep and woke up to see us ahead. No horns.. Not a clue to what he was referring to 20 miles back. Unfortunately, our gun permits are not recognized in Ohio, and everything was locked in the safe. While holding back two dogs who had to go, and try to avoid the man's fist, I could not read the title on his door, etc. he followed us for 20 miles!!! He then sped past our door and backed into the center of the other semis. We were so shaken, rather than drive in front of him , we hung a sharp right and got back on the road. We called the Love's manager right away, but she said that no security cameras were in use. We drove home, straight to Buffalo, with no rest stop for the dogs, and with me shaking most of the way home. From now on, I am, and will be prepared and I hope to never have an irate individual in my face again. In the face of what happened yesterday in Virginia, you never know .. I would gladly deal with a pan handler. We have the utmost respect for truckers and always defer and keep right. Many truckers have helped us during our travels, so this incident has left us perplexed..

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NHRA225 · 08-27-2015, 05:28 PM

I have an NRA Decal on my door - no one knocks!

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Too bad you had that kind of experience with a Trucker - you should have called His company- immediately !

tbbg II · 08-27-2015, 05:50 PM

Unfortunately, this rest area is close to metro Indy so access is easy. Since we live close I have never stoped there, but I have seen it on the evening news several times for activities unwelcomed by many. I understand the toilet stalls have walls to the floor now to dissuade the toe tappers.