Abe wanted to cut down a tree that was growing on public property bordering his house because he did not want to rake its leaves. When Abe attempted to do so, Bill, who lived across the street, demanded that he stop. Abe refused and, holding his saw in front of him, took two steps toward Bill. Avoiding Abe, Bill climbed high into the tree, insisting he would not come down because he wanted to save the tree. Abe nevertheless sawed through the trunk of the tree, which fell into the street with Bill in it, causing Bill serious injuries. Cindy, a passerby, rushed to help Bill. As she was assisting him, she was struck by a car and sustained serious injuries. Debbie, a neighbor, watched the entire incident from her front porch and suffered severe emotional distress as a result.