…Researched and contributed by Solomon Thomas.
Collin Davis McCarthy, 38, threw stacks of $100 bills out of his car window on an Oregon highway on Tuesday, rained on residents of Eugene at around 7 pm.
He told the police that he was blessing others with gifts of money. Dozens of bystanders rushed to the scene to scoop up $100 bills worth around $200,000 in total.
However, McCarthy’s family now accuses him of draining their bank account to fund the stunt, leaving them broke.
Bystanders Frantically Scoop Up Cash
While some bystanders were happy to receive some extra cash, McCarthy’s family is now struggling due to the withdrawal from their joint bank account.
Police say they cannot do much as the account is shared.
McCarthy has an equal right to the money, and there is no legal way for the family to force him to return it.
Police Cannot Intervene in Shared Bank Accounts
Officer Jim Andrews of the Oregon State Police says that because the account is shared, both parties have equal rights to the money.
The only way to prevent something like this from happening is to create a secondary bank account and take out a portion of the money that you believe is rightfully yours.
It is unclear what relationship McCarthy had with the other person on the account.
McCarthy Got Away Without Charges
McCarthy was not charged for his stunt, but the police considered citing him for endangering traffic.
McCarthy stopped throwing cash around 7:30 pm after the police requested him to do so, citing the danger it posed to drivers and pedestrians.
McCarthy’s relative told the police that this behavior was typical of him. McCarthy has not yet responded to the allegations made by his family.
Thoughts on the Incident
While the bystanders may have enjoyed the money, McCarthy’s actions have left his family in financial distress.
The incident highlights the importance of establishing clear terms and conditions when opening joint bank accounts.
It also underscores the significance of responsible behavior, particularly when it comes to handling money.