I'm now picturing those 80s games where you had to hit the keys rapidly (and in the correct sequence) to make your character run, but with pelvic thrusts...
Meanwhile, my brothers-in-law have hemochromatosis so need to be bled regularly to reduce the iron in their blood, and they have to pay for the privilege. One put off getting the diagnosis as long as he could because as long as it wasn't official, he could donate blood and achieve the same effect, but once diagnosed, he can't donate blood anymore- not that there's anything wrong with it, but to be classified a donation, the donor can't benefit from it in any way. Such irony. America, fuck yeah.
I was 18, but yes, that would have been 1994 or 5, so no bodycams, meaning if the guy had caught me, he could have beat the shit out of me with impunity.
I've done that too... On a bicycle no less, and the cop was on a motorcycle. But I knew the neighborhood better. Basically if you can get far enough ahead to take a couple turns, and the last turn isn't an obvious one, and you don't have/they haven't seen a license plate, it's possible. Still a bad idea, I will not argue that.
"Oh, you can't pay for your food, you work for the restaurant now till you're paid off!"
...
but I think even by the 60's this scenario would be bizarre if it actually happened.
I did it as recently as 1994... Little bit different situation, I let them know in advance I had no money, but was willing to work for a meal, I didn't surprise them by ordering first then telling them when I was done... But they did have me eat first before putting me to work. I think that was to see how serious I was- feed me first, then if I'm a bum, they're only out one meal, but if I'm still willing once I've eaten, I'm probably worth trusting with a few basic tasks. It worked out, I ended up staying there a couple days (slept on a couch in their lounge, it was a truck stop so they had showers too) and in addition to a few meals, $50 cash.
What you say is mostly true about big chains like Denny's, or anywhere near a city, but most rural mom & pop places would at least consider it.
Well, the fun part is, if you're doing it right, you absolutely can... But if it's never happened before, you don't know what you're missing.