Holy Crap

[RangerNole]

So I just had a cop pull his gun on me while I was sitting in my car. I am in San Diego for work and was leaving the gym. Driving to my hotel. When the lights came on I had no idea what they were for. I know I wasn't speeding since another car had just gone by me going at least 5 MPH faster than me.
I pull over, put the car in park and turn it off, I can barely see with his side light going into my car. I didn't move my hands, go for the glove box etc. I did turn on the interior light which is over head by the rear view mirror. I wanted to turn on the interior lights so I could put my hazards on. As I am looking in the side mirror to see where the cop is I see him unsnap his holster and start pulling his weapon.
Instantly I throw my hands out the window and say "dude what the heck are you doing" He gets next to the car and I ask him why is he pulling his weapon? No answer, why did you pull me over? You are driving without your head lights on. Oh it is a rental and I just assumed it was set in auto, adding I haven't driven the car at night yet. He takes my license and I ask him to shine his light on the glove box so I can get the rental agreement. He goes back and does whatever check he does and then comes back and asks is this a valid SC drivers license, I say yes (I felt like saying no dumb### even though you just checked my license, it is a fake) and he says ok make sure your lights are on when you drive.
I will be honest that was not a fun situation and I can see no possible policy or reason for his actions. For a split second I wasn't sure he was a real cop and I thought oh crap this guy is going to kill me.

 

[billanole]

Anytime I have gotten stopped, I always have both hands raised above the steering wheel and I put my wallet up on the dash so I can pull the license out in their view. Too much adrenaline and too many young kids with badges to take any chances.
Oh yeah, lots of peeps thinking I might have put them in imminent danger as well, so careful is the tactic.

 

[ReliableOstrich]

The thought of getting pulled over by the cops scares me nearly to death.
Hell, walking by the cops on the street, I won't check my pockets for a cell phone or make any rapid movements.

Ranger, did this experience change any of your opinions?

 

[QuaZ2002]

The thought of getting pulled over by the cops scares me nearly to death.
Hell, walking by the cops on the street, I won't check my pockets for a cell phone or make any rapid movements.

Ranger, did this experience change any of your opinions?

This seems overly dramatic.

 

[CC0492]

Well he probably saw too much fidgeting around by you in the car looking for light switches and stuff and thought to draw his weapon. Best to just sit still with both hands on the wheel until he walks up to your window. I wouldn't even suggest reaching into your pocket to pull out a wallet either before he gets to the car. Just my 2 cents.

Enjoy San Diego, it's awesome!

 

[ReliableOstrich]

This seems overly dramatic.

Better safe than sorry man. Too many trigger happy cops out there.

 

[OrlandNole]

Just be glad you aren't black.

 

[RangerNole]

I don't think it changed my opinion; I do my best to not judge the whole by the parts. IMO this guy needs some real re-training. I have a criminology degree, know a bunch of cops, even more federal LE folks and have instructed cops on non-lethal defense.
As far as fidgeting I recognize that and it was why made sure that the interior light switch was up high when I tried to turn it on; had it been low I wouldn't have tried to turn it on. I didn't go for my wallet which was in the door. The guy had a clear view of my hands the whole time. I honestly think I surprised him when I saw what he was doing and knew what his actions were. This was Poway which from my research last night is a very wealthy area. I am still debating going to the Sub-station and talking with the Captain of that station. Really don't want the cop to be hammered, but I am concerned that what if this was a kid or someone else who isn't as well versed on these types of things. I don't know if they would have thought to throw their hands out the window; which should't be needed to begin with. I probably shouldn't have said what I said; but my first thought was great 33 years in SOF and I die getting shot on the side of the road by a cop. I also had a concern/thought that this was a very aggressive move and was this guy a real cop. Especially since I could't think of any possible reason for getting pulled over. I know this much I will be checking the auto indicator on the head lights from now on.

 

[Formerly Rockymtnole]

I put my hands on the wheel and wait until they come up to the window, then I ask if it’s ok if I go into my glovebox or my bag to get license and registration. I figure it’ll put them at ease vs. seeing someone rooting around in their car as they approach.

 

[ReliableOstrich]

I don't think it changed my opinion; I do my best to not judge the whole by the parts. IMO this guy needs some real re-training. I have a criminology degree, know a bunch of cops, even more federal LE folks and have instructed cops on non-lethal defense.
As far as fidgeting I recognize that and it was why made sure that the interior light switch was up high when I tried to turn it on; had it been low I wouldn't have tried to turn it on. I didn't go for my wallet which was in the door. The guy had a clear view of my hands the whole time. I honestly think I surprised him when I saw what he was doing and knew what his actions were. This was Poway which from my research last night is a very wealthy area. I am still debating going to the Sub-station and talking with the Captain of that station. Really don't want the cop to be hammered, but I am concerned that what if this was a kid or someone else who isn't as well versed on these types of things. I don't know if they would have thought to throw their hands out the window; which should't be needed to begin with. I probably shouldn't have said what I said; but my first thought was great 33 years in SOF and I die getting shot on the side of the road by a cop. I also had a concern/thought that this was a very aggressive move and was this guy a real cop. Especially since I could't think of any possible reason for getting pulled over. I know this much I will be checking the auto indicator on the head lights from now on.

Don't cops have to write up a report every time they unholster their gun?
If so seems like you ought to call the captain and provide your view on the interaction. If no one speaks up, how does the captain know this guy needs some re-training. His next stop might not go so well.

 

[fsu1jreed]

I put my hands on the wheel and wait until they come up to the window, then I ask if it’s ok if I go into my glovebox or my bag to get license and registration. I figure it’ll put them at ease vs. seeing someone rooting around in their car as they approach.

This, though I have a visor wallet that I keep all of my pertinent information in, so my hands stay on the steering wheel until he asks for my information and then my hands only move towards my visor.

 

[Formerly Rockymtnole]

This is Ranger we’re talking about...of course he’s going to escalate it.

 

[NDallasRuss]

"Really don't want the cop to be hammered..."

Better that he gets the talking to / training that he obviously needs, than finding out that next time he kills someone without reason.

 

[Fijimn]

I don't think it changed my opinion; I do my best to not judge the whole by the parts. IMO this guy needs some real re-training. I have a criminology degree, know a bunch of cops, even more federal LE folks and have instructed cops on non-lethal defense.
As far as fidgeting I recognize that and it was why made sure that the interior light switch was up high when I tried to turn it on; had it been low I wouldn't have tried to turn it on. I didn't go for my wallet which was in the door. The guy had a clear view of my hands the whole time. I honestly think I surprised him when I saw what he was doing and knew what his actions were. This was Poway which from my research last night is a very wealthy area. I am still debating going to the Sub-station and talking with the Captain of that station. Really don't want the cop to be hammered, but I am concerned that what if this was a kid or someone else who isn't as well versed on these types of things. I don't know if they would have thought to throw their hands out the window; which should't be needed to begin with. I probably shouldn't have said what I said; but my first thought was great 33 years in SOF and I die getting shot on the side of the road by a cop. I also had a concern/thought that this was a very aggressive move and was this guy a real cop. Especially since I could't think of any possible reason for getting pulled over. I know this much I will be checking the auto indicator on the head lights from now on.

First time experiencing this type of interaction with a police officer?

 

[West Duval Nole]

Perhaps your car matched the description of a recent rape, murder, armed robbery or other crime in the area and he did not feel the need to disclose it to you as being the reason he pulled you over. Did you get his name or badge number or anything?

 

[CoralGablesNole!!]

Comply or die

 

[ericram]

Ranger is white right? So no explanation on why he pulled his gun? Glad you are not dead.

 

[Formerly Rockymtnole]

Early morning, rental car, no headlights, fidgety driver. Not sure the cop’s reaction is all that unusual.

 

[ReliableOstrich]

Early morning, rental car, no headlights, fidgety driver. Not sure the cop’s reaction is all that unusual.

Is there some niche crime family composed of people who fit the profile of a business traveler?

I suppose accounting fraud and insider trading are far more widespread than we'd like to acknowledge.

 

[Formerly Rockymtnole]

Is there some niche crime family composed of people who fit the profile of a business traveler?

I suppose accounting fraud and insider trading are far more widespread than we'd like to acknowledge.

I hear you. I said that IMO the reaction wasn’t unusual, not that it was justified. I think the cop should’ve run the plates and the name and seen that Ranger was legit if it was that concerning.

 

[noleit]

There was no reason for the cop to have pulled his gun from what RangerNole said. You should report his actions so it doesn't become a problem that escalate with worse results.

 

[ReliableOstrich]

I hear you. I said that IMO the reaction wasn’t unusual, not that it was justified. I think the cop should’ve run the plates and the name and seen that Ranger was legit if it was that concerning.

Maybe the cop found Ranger's message board posts, in which case he was warranted.

I kid.

 

[Phinhead]

My Experience:

We had an annual show for STEM at a mall, and I didn't want to drive back 80 miles home, so I grabbed a cheap motel. About 4:00 am, I have a knock at the door, so I look out the window and see two police officers outside my door. it's cops, so I do not get the gun off the night stand (CCW).

I open the door, and the cops pull their weapons (they have not seen my pistol), cuff me, and have me sit in the car in my underwear. Now, this is a town that I am a teacher in.

Why all the fuss? The cops go to the hotel and get a list of names. From that, they think "who has a warrant" and they go to the door. Now, a copy of my license was at the desk, but that didn't change anything as my name is supposedly like someone with a warrant. They questioned me and ran my license and let me go back into my hotel room.

School "Safety":

Now, with school safety, they are making a major grab for funding and increasing their footprint in the school. They have stated that they are going to randomly walk through our classrooms "to show a presence". I asked them to not walk through my room unless needed. The teacher must be the authority figure in the room and build a relationship with students, and this is hampered by a police presence. In fact, a room full of people not breaking the law shouldn't know the police exist.

I have issues with the police, and I fear the militarization of the units. Gone are Andy Griffin and here to stay is this.

 

[cgj0198]

This all could have been avoided if you had just used the hotel gym.

 

[Fijimn]

My Experience:

We had an annual show for STEM at a mall, and I didn't want to drive back 80 miles home, so I grabbed a cheap motel. About 4:00 am, I have a knock at the door, so I look out the window and see two police officers outside my door. it's cops, so I do not get the gun off the night stand (CCW).

I open the door, and the cops pull their weapons (they have not seen my pistol), cuff me, and have me sit in the car in my underwear. Now, this is a town that I am a teacher in.

Why all the fuss? The cops go to the hotel and get a list of names. From that, they think "who has a warrant" and they go to the door. Now, a copy of my license was at the desk, but that didn't change anything as my name is supposedly like someone with a warrant. They questioned me and ran my license and let me go back into my hotel room.

School "Safety":

Now, with school safety, they are making a major grab for funding and increasing their footprint in the school. They have stated that they are going to randomly walk through our classrooms "to show a presence". I asked them to not walk through my room unless needed. The teacher must be the authority figure in the room and build a relationship with students, and this is hampered by a police presence. In fact, a room full of people not breaking the law shouldn't know the police exist.

I have issues with the police, and I fear the militarization of the units. Gone are Andy Griffin and here to stay is this.

For future reference, the cops were looking for a bribe. Had you left a c-note on the nightstand and told the cops that your "ID" was next to the bed, you could have gone back to sleep.

 

[NDallasRuss]

Not sure the cop’s reaction is all that unusual.

Not for the police, no, it's not unusual.

 

[nynole1]

The thought of getting pulled over by the cops scares me nearly to death.
Hell, walking by the cops on the street, I won't check my pockets for a cell phone or make any rapid movements.

Ranger, did this experience change any of your opinions?

You probably shouldnt leave your house

 

[nynole1]

My Experience:

We had an annual show for STEM at a mall, and I didn't want to drive back 80 miles home, so I grabbed a cheap motel. About 4:00 am, I have a knock at the door, so I look out the window and see two police officers outside my door. it's cops, so I do not get the gun off the night stand (CCW).

I open the door, and the cops pull their weapons (they have not seen my pistol), cuff me, and have me sit in the car in my underwear. Now, this is a town that I am a teacher in.

Why all the fuss? The cops go to the hotel and get a list of names. From that, they think "who has a warrant" and they go to the door. Now, a copy of my license was at the desk, but that didn't change anything as my name is supposedly like someone with a warrant. They questioned me and ran my license and let me go back into my hotel room.

School "Safety":

Now, with school safety, they are making a major grab for funding and increasing their footprint in the school. They have stated that they are going to randomly walk through our classrooms "to show a presence". I asked them to not walk through my room unless needed. The teacher must be the authority figure in the room and build a relationship with students, and this is hampered by a police presence. In fact, a room full of people not breaking the law shouldn't know the police exist.

I have issues with the police, and I fear the militarization of the units. Gone are Andy Griffin and here to stay is this.

TPIWWOP

 

[ReliableOstrich]

You probably shouldnt leave your house

Leaving the house is fine.
I just avoid cops.

 

[Imtotallynottribe]

There was no reason for the cop to have pulled his gun from what RangerNole said. You should report his actions so it doesn't become a problem that escalate with worse results.

Ranger would have been shot and killed if he was in my situation. Because I %*%* sure didn’t lean out and yell at the LEO, I had to talk him down using calm even tones like I would with a wild animal or angry dog.

In my situation, it was back in 94-96 or so when I was an underclass man in college driving back from my parent’s home in the Tampa Bay Area following a hurricane. This was back when they had “legal” speedtraps where the road would drop from 65-45mph in one sign and if you missed it you then were in for a big ticket. It was at one of those speedtraps north of Citrus county that I got distracted and missed even though I generally knew it was there. So the cop hit his lights but because it was right after a hurricane there was no safe place to pull over as the sides of the road were completely flooded.

So I slowed down to 20 under the speed limit, turned by flashers on and waved back to the cop out the window to acknowledge he was on me and then slowly drove to the next road I could turn off. Because it was in the middle of nowhere between Chiefland and Crystal River it was probably a mile maybe two before I could safely stop the car.

The instant I stopped the car and was rolling down my window the rest of the way, some teenage looking cop bolts out of his car with gun drawn and runs up right to the window. His gun is literally inches from my forehead (which I’m sure any other Leo here would say is a HUGE error for him to be that close) with his gun on the trigger, safety off and the gun is frigging shaking. Not a slight tremor but jerking up and down an inch or more with his finger on the trigger.

I talked to that officer like you would a rabid dog and basically tell him in a calm, even voice that I have my hands on the wheel and no weapon and asked him politely to lower the weapon. After what seemed like an eternity but was probably only thirty seconds, he lowers the gun and as he tries to reholster it with shaky hands, he accidentally discharges it near the holster into the ground and the bullet hits the ground near my tire.

Fortunately, I was not killed and after he discharged the gun the LEO was embarrassed and after a quick talk about driving safer in the future he lets me off without even a written warning (not for my sake I’m sure, but to cover up that the incident had occurred).

If I had been Ranger or Black, I have zero doubts that I would be dead.

 

[NotGuiltyNole]

Got pulled over a few years back in Tucker, GA. Cop got behind me and followed me for about 3 miles and eventually lit me up. I pulled into a gas station he he comes over with gun drawn, gets me out of the truck, and gets my ID. I complied and was polite as I knew I had done nothing. After seeing my ID he holsters his gun and apologizes. Said my truck and physical description fit someone who had just committed a violent crime in the area, and was considered armed and dangerous. Told him I understood and thanked him for using restraint. We shook hands and went on about our day. I cannot imagine living a life where every person you encounter could be your last.

 

[Phinhead]

[QUOTE=" I cannot imagine living a life where every person you encounter could be your last.[/QUOTE]


Getting a list of names out of the hotel office, kidnapping innocent people at gunpoint, and placing them in cages in the back of vehicles is a sure fire way to make your next encounter your last.

I have never had a violent or criminal past. I have never been arrested, and that was a year and half ago, and for months, I daydreamed many times about killing them. It was that bad of an experience.

I should have probably seen someone about it. I am not trying to be funny.

 

[noleclone2]

I got pulled over for speeding by a State Trooper a month ago in the wealthier part of town, driving a fairly nice car (terrible car by locker room standards). The young trooper (he looked 12) walked up so slowly and very warily, with his hand on the grip of his gun the entire time before he got near me to ask for license and registration. Never once before had a guy walk up to me like that. I would presume before he gets out of his car he already has confirmed that the car is not stolen.

 

[RangerNole]

First time experiencing this type of interaction with a police officer?

Pretty much. About 30 years ago or so I was in a bar and this dude was really boisterous and spilling beer on people. I asked him if he would mind chilling a little since he had spilled beer on a couple of the people I was with and yes I did it nicely. Dude freaks out and they throw him out of the bar. Well several hours later he was still waiting on me outside. Dude wanted to get into it and there just wasn't much I could do. We go at it and I end up in top of him doing some pretty significant damage, once the fight started being nice wasn't on my mind. So I get yanked off him like I am a 50 lb rag doll. When I turn around to engage whoever did this; an enormous black guy says I am a cop. I chill and go on my way. Glad he was a cop and cool since he was a really big man.

 

[RangerNole]

Early morning, rental car, no headlights, fidgety driver. Not sure the cop’s reaction is all that unusual.

It was around 830 pm.

 

[RangerNole]

Perhaps your car matched the description of a recent rape, murder, armed robbery or other crime in the area and he did not feel the need to disclose it to you as being the reason he pulled you over. Did you get his name or badge number or anything?

Was possible but he could have explained that. He knew I knew what he was doing. This has happened to my dad and the cops told him that exact thing; "hey we had a call about a violent crime and your car matched the call". Ok no biggie and I wouldn't have had an issue with that.
I told my team what happened and one guy from the area said that cars ride around with no lights and when people flash them they turn around and rob/assault. I have heard of that years ago. Of course again he could have said something.

 

[RangerNole]

I got pulled over for speeding by a State Trooper a month ago in the wealthier part of town, driving a fairly nice car (terrible car by locker room standards). The young trooper (he looked 12) walked up so slowly and very warily, with his hand on the grip of his gun the entire time before he got near me to ask for license and registration. Never once before had a guy walk up to me like that. I would presume before he gets out of his car he already has confirmed that the car is not stolen.

I got no issue with having your hand on your gun. I almost never carry anything in my right hand since it is my gun hand. Honestly when I see cops or other LE carrying stuff with their gun hand I think they are not very aware of focused. Now pulling your gun prior to even getting up on me is not acceptable.

 

[Phinhead]

TPIWWOP

There is a funny side to that story that I will never put in writing. If I see you at a tailgate one day, Ill let you know.

 

[RangerNole]

Ranger would have been shot and killed if he was in my situation. Because I %*%* sure didn’t lean out and yell at the LEO, I had to talk him down using calm even tones like I would with a wild animal or angry dog.

In my situation, it was back in 94-96 or so when I was an underclass man in college driving back from my parent’s home in the Tampa Bay Area following a hurricane. This was back when they had “legal” speedtraps where the road would drop from 65-45mph in one sign and if you missed it you then were in for a big ticket. It was at one of those speedtraps north of Citrus county that I got distracted and missed even though I generally knew it was there. So the cop hit his lights but because it was right after a hurricane there was no safe place to pull over as the sides of the road were completely flooded.

So I slowed down to 20 under the speed limit, turned by flashers on and waved back to the cop out the window to acknowledge he was on me and then slowly drove to the next road I could turn off. Because it was in the middle of nowhere between Chiefland and Crystal River it was probably a mile maybe two before I could safely stop the car.

The instant I stopped the car and was rolling down my window the rest of the way, some teenage looking cop bolts out of his car with gun drawn and runs up right to the window. His gun is literally inches from my forehead (which I’m sure any other Leo here would say is a HUGE error for him to be that close) with his gun on the trigger, safety off and the gun is frigging shaking. Not a slight tremor but jerking up and down an inch or more with his finger on the trigger.

I talked to that officer like you would a rabid dog and basically tell him in a calm, even voice that I have my hands on the wheel and no weapon and asked him politely to lower the weapon. After what seemed like an eternity but was probably only thirty seconds, he lowers the gun and as he tries to reholster it with shaky hands, he accidentally discharges it near the holster into the ground and the bullet hits the ground near my tire.

Fortunately, I was not killed and after he discharged the gun the LEO was embarrassed and after a quick talk about driving safer in the future he lets me off without even a written warning (not for my sake I’m sure, but to cover up that the incident had occurred).

If I had been Ranger or Black, I have zero doubts that I would be dead.

Well in the cops defense he was probably like crap this is tribe; if he talks for more than 5 minutes I am shooting myself or him.

 

[Fijimn]

Pretty much. About 30 years ago or so I was in a bar and this dude was really boisterous and spilling beer on people. I asked him if he would mind chilling a little since he had spilled beer on a couple of the people I was with and yes I did it nicely. Dude freaks out and they throw him out of the bar. Well several hours later he was still waiting on me outside. Dude wanted to get into it and there just wasn't much I could do. We go at it and I end up in top of him doing some pretty significant damage, once the fight started being nice wasn't on my mind. So I get yanked off him like I am a 50 lb rag doll. When I turn around to engage whoever did this; an enormous black guy says I am a cop. I chill and go on my way. Glad he was a cop and cool since he was a really big man.

I have had Bakersfield PD, Tally PD, Peruvian military, Peruvian police and an arm robber stick a gun in my face - in the case of the Peruvian Military and armed robber, shoot at me. They were all pretty unnerving. Armed robber not surprisingly being the worse because I figured I was dead. An exposed firearm is a scary thing for the majority of people-regardless of who is brandishing the weapon.