Judge Orders Mental Exam For Man Who Kidnapped Comcast Technician

On Monday, John Weatherly, age 60, appeared in court to face kidnapping charges stemming from an incident in March, 2007 when he allegedly detained a Comacst technician, The Tennessean reports. According to the police affidavit, Weatherly deadbolted his door and threatened the technician with a German Shephard and would not allow the tech to leave until he fixed his television. The judge ordered a mental evaluation for Weatherly. More, inside…

The article says,

In Weatherly’s case, he says he never kidnapped the technician and he never threatened him with his dog. He admits to being angry and dissatisfied.

“After you pay a monthly fee you expect some service,” he said. “But why would I kidnap the cable guy? I was polite to him and told him to leave. The TV was under warranty.”

Because it’s a pending police matter, Comcast’s policy is not to comment, said Terri Weldon, a spokeswoman. “We cooperated fully with the police, and the report should relate everything that happened,” Weldon said.

When asked about disgruntled customers who spawned several opposing Web sites, Weldon said customer service is Comcast’s top priority.

Weatherly’s version of events differs from the affidavits. The technician arrived several days after he logged the complaint, Weatherly said. The Donelson retiree had complained that his new Sony TV had no picture.

Weatherly said the technician dismantled his surround sound system and didn’t fix it. Unhappy with what happened, Weatherly said, he told him to leave it as it was because the TV was under warranty.

Comcast drives us insane too, but Mr. Weatherly, please get a grip. We hope everything goes well with your mental evaluation and you get your problems sorted out. If you are lonely in the meantime, we’re sure you would have a lot in common with the smashem-up hammer-totin granny.

Cable man’s alleged abductor ordered to get mental exam [The Tennessean] (Thanks to Econobiker!)
(Photo: Getty)

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