By John Q. Hosedrinker Being a teenage ‘railroad enthusiast’ myself, the recent news of Zachary Hertzler being charged as an adult in the Bennet train derailment case hits close to home. It saddens me to see a fellow enthusiast being involved in such a serious incident. The decision to charge Hertzler as an adult brings up many questions and concerns about the justice system and how we handle cases involving minors.
The fact that Hertzler, who is only turning 18 next month, will be tried as an adult raises the issue of whether the current age for being tried as an adult should be reconsidered. Is a 17-year-old truly capable of fully understanding the consequences of their actions and being held to the same standards as an adult? This case highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to determining when a minor should be charged as an adult, especially in cases where there is no loss of life involved.
The details of the case, where Hertzler allegedly flipped a switch to derail the train and then posted the video online for views, are troubling. It raises questions about accountability, responsibility, and the influence of social media on individuals seeking notoriety. It is disheartening to see someone with a passion for trains resort to such reckless and damaging behavior for the sake of gaining attention.
The incident in Torrance, CA in the early 70s mentioned in the comments serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers and consequences of tampering with railway switches. The memory of the devastating impact of that incident on a woman in her car stopped at the crossing gates is a sobering reminder of the real-world implications of such actions.
As a member of the railroad enthusiast community, it is disheartening to see the negative association created by individuals like Hertzler, who engage in destructive behavior that goes against the values of respect and admiration for railways. The actions of a few can tarnish the reputation of the entire community, leading to increased scrutiny and suspicion.
In conclusion, the case of Zachary Hertzler being charged as an adult in the Bennet train derailment serves as a cautionary tale for both enthusiasts and the general public. It highlights the importance of understanding the consequences of one’s actions, the need for responsible behavior, and the potential dangers of seeking fame and attention at any cost. Let us reflect on this incident and strive to uphold the values of safety, respect, and integrity within the railroad enthusiast community and beyond. The teenager accused of causing a train derailment in Bennet will be charged as an adult. Juvenile Court Judge Roger Heideman on Monday transferred the case of Zachary Hertzler, who turns 18 next month, to Lancaster County Court. In his ruling, the judge said the derailment on April 22 could have been a “catastrophic event.” “At the time of the derailment, there was a crew of two in the train,” Heideman wrote. “The train was a fully loaded coal train that was made to derail in the city of Bennet. It derailed within feet of a grain elevator, road crossing and large propane tanks.” The crash caused about $350,000 in damage, authorities said. Hertzler is a self-proclaimed “railroad enthusiast” who regularly posts videos of trains on YouTube, according to court documents. BNSF police said Hertzler flipped a switch to derail the train in Bennet. He filmed a video and posted it, receiving 300,000 views before it was removed, Heideman said. The rest of his videos had 200 to 300 views.
Being a teenage ‘railroad enthusiast’ myself, the recent news of Zachary Hertzler being charged as an adult in the Bennet train derailment case hits close to home. It saddens me to see a fellow enthusiast being involved in such a serious incident. The decision to charge Hertzler as an adult brings up many questions and concerns about the justice system and how we handle cases involving minors.
The fact that Hertzler, who is only turning 18 next month, will be tried as an adult raises the issue of whether the current age for being tried as an adult should be reconsidered. Is a 17-year-old truly capable of fully understanding the consequences of their actions and being held to the same standards as an adult? This case highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to determining when a minor should be charged as an adult, especially in cases where there is no loss of life involved.
The details of the case, where Hertzler allegedly flipped a switch to derail the train and then posted the video online for views, are troubling. It raises questions about accountability, responsibility, and the influence of social media on individuals seeking notoriety. It is disheartening to see someone with a passion for trains resort to such reckless and damaging behavior for the sake of gaining attention.
The incident in Torrance, CA in the early 70s mentioned in the comments serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers and consequences of tampering with railway switches. The memory of the devastating impact of that incident on a woman in her car stopped at the crossing gates is a sobering reminder of the real-world implications of such actions.
As a member of the railroad enthusiast community, it is disheartening to see the negative association created by individuals like Hertzler, who engage in destructive behavior that goes against the values of respect and admiration for railways. The actions of a few can tarnish the reputation of the entire community, leading to increased scrutiny and suspicion.
In conclusion, the case of Zachary Hertzler being charged as an adult in the Bennet train derailment serves as a cautionary tale for both enthusiasts and the general public. It highlights the importance of understanding the consequences of one’s actions, the need for responsible behavior, and the potential dangers of seeking fame and attention at any cost. Let us reflect on this incident and strive to uphold the values of safety, respect, and integrity within the railroad enthusiast community and beyond.