First of all, I have to introduce myself. I am a Chinese undergraduate student who studies in Seton Hill University (SHU). Recently, I had been trick by a machinist, and I am going to receive a citation from Greensburg Police for something I did not do. However, the craziest thing is that even if I did not get my car fixed, I am still charged around $150. Alright, let's start the journey to figure out what was happening during last month:

It has been a while. When I brought my car few weeks ago, I tried to find a place to do the inspection. People from other states may be confused about inspection. It is a service that any driver has to do to get a stick so that he or she can drive legally in Pennsylvania.

The place I went to is the closest Auto Service from my campus. It is right down the hill, probably not even 1 mile away from SHU's parking lot. The owner of this auto service, Moore Tire Service, is an old man. He is bald, short, and wears a pair of silver glasses. Some white hairs grow around his bald head making him look smart and skillful. I talked to this guy, knowing his name is Dennis. Dennis gave me the price of inspection is $30 for the inspection and $35 for the admission. It is a very acceptable price, so I was happy to do the inspection in his store, Moore Tire Service.

I left my car in his place, and then I received his phone call the next day. He told me that I need to change the tires in order to pass the inspection. He is going to charge me $95 for each tire, and he also found some other issues. When I went down the hill, he told me that he thinks my wheel bearing is problematic, but he did not even remove the wheels of my car. He also claimed, he found the check engine light is on, so I can't pass the inspection before he figures out what is wrong in the car.

However, SHU has an Easter Break on the week. The school will not allow me to stay in campus unless I pay $60 everyday. Rather than stay and pay a pretty expensive price, I went on a trip. On the trip, I noticed that the tires of my car were not working well, so I stopped by on an auto service in New York. They replaced my tires by $360 at total. Then when I went back, I told Dennis what happened, and he is OK with that.

However when I went to Moore Tire Service yesterday, Dennis claimed my car had problem with Air Pump and Wheel Bearing, so he needs almost $700 to fix it. Since I could not afford so much, I told him I don't want to fix them. However, he claimed that he had already figured out the problems of my car, so I have to pay for his work and time loss. He asked for $250. It is very unreasonable, so I argue that I should only pay the $30 inspection and maybe another $30 for his time loss. Dennis did not accept my offer and kept saying that he has to get what he desires. His wife said, "This is a business place, you gotta pay what you gotta pay." But is it really what I gotta pay? It seems that the argument is not going to solve anyway, and I did not have $250 with me. I asked them if I can pay a part of the price and come back later to pay the rest. I was thinking maybe I can find some local friends to argue with them later. Dennis and his wife still refused my proposal. In this case, I really can't argue with them any further. I went out and started my car and tried to leave. Dennis ran out and tried to open the door in my car. I was threatened, so I reversed and hit the gas. My car was reversing quickly and hit a wall, and then I move forward and left.

When I am still worrying about the damage on my car, a police car came and pulled me over (they reacted really quickly). Apparently, Dennis called the police. The police officer who pulled me over was really nice. He wore a pair of sun glasses, really young, and shining nob. I explained the whole story to him, and review the scratches on my car. They were not too bad, so I was feeling better at that moment. Then the police officer asked me if I can go back to the store and work things out as a group. I said yes and went back shortly.

However, the shinning nob officer did not come with me. I was waiting in my car for his showing up until another officer knock my windows. I was asked out by the police officer who has crew-cut, slightly separated front teeth, and tall around 6 feet. His name is also Dennis. So this Officer Dennis did not allow me to explain anything but asked me go inside the store. The owner Dennis lied to the policeman that I hit one of his cars, and ran away. I was trying to argue but Officer Dennis did not let me. He said, "You are the bad guy here." Then the owner Dennis claimed I have to pay him $150 for check in my car (instead of what he previously claimed as $250), and however money it needs to be paid for fixing "the car I hit". The Officer Dennis said I will receive a citation because I hit a car and left. I told him that I did not hit the car but the wall, and he said, "Then you will receive a citation that you hit a wall and ran away anyway, if you want." It seems that they already had the conclusion of everything, and I the one who needs to pay the bill. I did not have enough money with me on Thursday, so I only paid $50. Officer Dennis let me leave, but they are still going to accuse me by opening a small claim court if I do not pay the rest of the bill by Monday!

It has really upset me because I did not leave right away when Dennis claimed I need to pay him $250. He did not give me a price when I came in (well, the price he did give me is $30), and I tried to argue with him that $250 is a crazy price. Plus, I could not afford $250 anyway. Dennis kept his big price and jumped out to stop me from leaving, which caused my car hitting the wall. He should be the one who is responsible for the scars on my car (even though they are small). Moreover, he made up story and provided dishonest price.

I don't know who/what department I should complain this to. I could not afford a lawyer myself. So I can only write this letter to Chinese Embassy and Greensburg Administration Office. I went to see Officer Dennis today. After I claimed what happened, he became nicer and told me that when I receive the ticket, I can claim I am not guilty and go to court house. I need to sit down with Officer Dennis and the owner Dennis, and argue with the really situation. I will still receive the criminal case if I do not pay for the unreasonable price. Now I am looking at a society that so unfamiliar to me - a society that looks fancy on TV or Movie, and sounds awesome when people mention the liberty and justice. This is the story of how a Chinese young man came to America to look for his justice but involve with something totally opposite.