The context of the following conversation is The young kids from Alex's neighborhood were protesting police brutality. They were in line to be arrested, but Alex used their unfluence to prevent it.:
Alex says There was a police car down my street last night..
The friend responds Was there an accident?.
Alex responds No, some kids were protesting police brutality and almost got arrested..
The friend responds That sounds awful, did they end up getting arrested?.
Alex responds No, I used my influence as an retired police officer to prevent it..