Joe, I waited a long time before writing this. I have been waiting since I was stopped by Salisbury City Police last Jan. 29 to hear what action they took in connection with my formal complaint about that traffic stop. I have been waiting for something that obviously never will come, and the interview they held with me in connection with the incident was obviously an attempt to simply placate, or perhaps, to silence me. I am not the silent type, and I believe this incident should be made public.
On the day in question, I was moving furniture and belongings to my new residence when I accidentally squeeled the tires on my heavily loaded pickup truck crossing Rt. 13 at Lowe's. An officer quickly "lit me up," and knowing what for, I pulled into the Toys R Us parking lot and began to search my glove compartment for my registration. In the early dark and rain, I became aware of the officer at my passenger window and looked over that way. What I saw was the officer in a crouched stance pointing his service weapon at my head.
Having never had a gun pointed at me before, I was dumbfounded, and asked the officer if he was f-----g crazy. He never moved but pointed to a couple of long guns--a deer rifle and a muzzleloader--that I was moving and had placed in full view leaning against the passenger side. I thought this was what you were supposed to do, rather than hide them. "I'm f----g moving! They're hunting guns!" I told him. He never moved the gun from straight at my head. Clearly, an experienced officer--he is a 10 yr veteran I was told--would have sensed no threat. All he had to do was to ask me to step out of the vehicle and I would gladly have done so.
When he continued to point at my head while the rain came down, I admit that I said some very bad things to him in response to his actions. This was not smart, of course, but was my gut reaction to someone trying to kill me for squeeling my tires. Backup finally arrived after what seemed five or so minutes, calmly walked me to the back of my truck without drama and without cuffing me while I told them what had happened. I have been told by one of those officers, and by the lieutenant who interviewed me the next day at HQ, that what this guy did is "standard procedure." So, that being the case, am I to believe that the hundreds of hunters who flood the roads during deer season--their guns fully in view like mine was--will be held at gunpoint--to their heads--while it is straightened out? I think not.
The Salisbury police have refused to release the names of the three officers who shot and killed a knife-wielding mental patient in the 700 block of South Park Drive last year. Was this officer one of them? Who knows? This is the reason why such information must be reported, and is in any sophisticated metropolis. Do we have a trigger happy officer out there? Again, who knows.
I may have passed on writing this if I got a simple apology. The officer who charged me did not show up for trial and the case of the spinning tires was dismissed. More cynical readers might suspect this was ordered to prevent any information about his actions from surfacing. All I know is if you get stopped by the police in Salisbury, Md., your life insurance had better be up to date.
Tom Leonard
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
61 comments:
The way you described it, yes the officer was perfectly within his right to do what he did. Hunting guns kill cops too. Cops can never be to cautious. This is not Mayberry, Salisbury has murderers and gang members that have openly threatned to kill cops. Trust me when I say this, if the Lieutenant who is in charge of internal affairs found that the officer did anything wrong the officer would have been charged faster then you could say complaint. He is known for charging cops for frivilous things let alone pointing a service weapon at someone. Next time carry your hunting weapons in a case and then you would not get gun faced.
a heavily loaded pickup truck huh? interesting. you mustve thrown on the gas pretty hard to spin your tires, even in wet weather.
now, the fact you had guns in your reach during the commission of a crime (albeit a very minor one) and you think the cop should take it lightly? sorry bud. a gun in anyones reach should be taken VERY seriously. also, mix in the fact you were throwing out some pretty aggresive language. the officer has every right to protect himself - especially the way salisbury is heading.
thoughts lead to words, words lead to action, action leads to habit. the fact it was dark and raining and the officer probably had no clue what you were reaching for, id say you got off lucky and this should probably be a thank you letter to the police department.
Unless you are driving a 450 hp truck with bald tires, accidently spinning your tires. Give me a break. They are not hiding the names of the officers that were involved in the JUSTIFIED shooting. What do you think they are just going to tell you that at the front window. File a freadom of information act and the names will be given.
When stopped by a police officer you should always turn off your car and place both hands on the steering wheel. Only look for your license when the officer instructs you to do so.
This is especially true if you have weapons in the car. This officer probably could have blown your head off and it would have been justified in court.
Put yourself in his place. Man reaching into glove compartment and weapons within reach. No brainer IMHO.
Tom, I appreciate your viewpoint of what happened to you, but to your own admission you said some things in a manner that didn't help your cause.
Police have certain procedures that must be followed and even though you knew you weren't some crazed person trying to cause trouble, the officer didn't. The police must always err to the side of caution and you can pull up the statistics of all the officers shot and injured or killed while on or off duty to explain why.
If you ever get pulled over by the police do as I will do:
after coming to a stop, lower the drivers window and place both hands on the steering wheel and keep them there until an officer makes contact with you. If it is dark outside, also turn on the interior light after lowering your window and then place both hands on the sterring wheel.
As for your apology, what are you expecting an apology for? Where you assulted? You didn't mention anything in your story that showed cause for an apology. I don't think we should be asking cops to apologise for doing their jobs.
I hope and pray that you can move on from this incident and that you don't let this anger control your life.
Tom - First off saying he was "trying to kill" you is a little over the top, don't you think? If he had tried to kill you, I don't think you would be writing this.
Next, put yourself in the officers shoes... You said it was dark, you said you were searching your glove compartment, you said you were moving long-guns around, you immediately began cussing and shouting, obviously in an emotional state. I'd have drawn on you myself since you obviously could have been considered an immediate threat. You're lucky you didn't get shot.
When you get pulled over in the dark, especially with guns in the vehicle, sit still with your hands on the steering wheel. If you have a weapon, let the officer know that immediately. Do you know how many cops get shot upon approaching a vehicle during a traffic stop? It's one of the most dangerous times for a cop. And no, I'm not one of them, but a few of my friends are. They just want to go home to their wife or husband and kids at night.
I agree with the previous comments. Stop whining. If you were the cop who just pulled over some guy (he doesn't know that this is "Tom the hunter") who is reaching in the direction of weapons, you would definetly draw to. I'm sure he has a wife and kids to go home to just like you.
Good Grief. With all the cops getting killed nowadays, can you blame him, really? He was protecting himself, not trying to harm you. He didn't shoot you for God's sake. If I were a cop I would approach EVERY vehicle with my gun drawn. There is no such thing as too safe. Get over yourself and appreciate the fact that they put their life on the line everytime they go to work. You on the other hand, should apologize for your rude behavior and wasting taxpayers money filing a complaint.
No sympathy for you man. Comments so far on this are right on the money. Hunting or not you should carry guns with caution. The officer doesn't know you from Adam. Your smart remarks only made him more justified in pulling his weapon. Hopefully you learned a lesson with this incident.
The police absolutely did the right thing in this case if it happened as you described it. Get over yourself--how many cops get killed during routine traffic stops? I can't believe you are complaining about this.
Lets think about this incident. An officer stopped you for a minor traffic violation. He did a passenger side approach to your vehicle and when he arrived at the window he could see multiple firearms in plain view. You were also digging through your glove box. And by your own admision it was dark and rainy. So the officer drew his service weapon and pointed at you. You began to verbally challenge and protest the fact that he was pointing a gun at you. So he remained at gun point until back-up arrived. Then removed you from th evehicle with out incident.
First of all the officer has the right to branish his firearm at anytime that he percieves that his life or others may be in danger. Remember it is his perception.
Second, when a officer branishes his weapon in the official course of his duty, with justification, the courts consider that a display of force, not a use of force. It is not a use of force until he pulls the trigger.
Then the officer had the experience and training to wait until help arrived. That way he was not removing a hostile subject from a vehicle by himself. Which most likely would have created a use of force incident.
Oh and by the way, if you are upset that he removed you from the vehicle, the courts have consitantly supported LE in those types of actions. The courts realize the understand danger associated with traffic stops and permit the removal of occupants from the vehicle.
The bottom line is, WHAT THE F were you thinking. You were stopped by a uniformed officer for a minor traffic violation. You had firearms in plain view in the passenger compartment of the vehicle and you immediately start digging through your vehicle. You should have had the common sense to sit there with out motion with your hands in plain view. Then you would have been able to repectfully talk to the officer to explain your actions.
If you need a apoligy, here it is. I am sorry you got your feelings hurt.
more than 15 years ago, when i was barely 21 i accidently ran a stop sign when i was going to pick up a friend from her home. the sign was covered by several tree brances and i just did not see it. so im traveling alone at night on a one way street when i see that there is an officer with his lights on behind me. i was a block from the house with no where to pull out his way but i didnt know it was me he wanted so when i pulled into the driveway you can imagine my surprise when the two officers jumped out of the car with guns drawn screaming. i was so shocked and scared and surprised it didnt all click right away that it was me that all this craziness was for. they scared me to death. and they didnt say they were sorry for scaring me or reacting that way, i guess they felt it was appropriate. anyway, i got a ticket even though the sign was blocked from view i went back during the day and took apicture and when my day in court came no officer showed. i always thought maybe it was because of his and his partneres outrageous behavior but i guess i will never know.
When stopped by a police officer you should cooperate and be respectful.
You did not do this so yes, the officer was well within his rights. Whether or not you realize this you were the threat.
Sorry.
The officer was right.
If the police lapse one time they might not make it home to their families that night. If I were a police officer I would have my gun out on every car I approached, we are living in very dangerous times.
It may seem like "overkill" (no pun intended), but when are officers are shot and killed everyday during routine traffic stops, can you really blame the man? If it were my husband, brother, son, etc., I'd rather he err on the side of caution.
As a retired law enforcer these
kinds of instances happen more
often than one may think. We are
on the job to serve and protect
and in this case thats exactly
what happened based on the above.
Specially being pulled over at nite, always stay calm and answer all questions. Then after the police asks you for the reg. card give it to him/her, don't be an A-hole about it. We've grown to be demanding in our old age and think that we're right at all times, NOT, so do as your told and move on. We are thankfull that there is someone out there in the night risking their lives for us.
Sorry Tom, no sympathy from me either. while your intentions were not malicious when reaching in the glove box, the officer had no way of knowing that.
take this as a lesson learned. next time you get pulled over, sit still, keep your hands in plain view and wait to see what the officer wants.
The officer may have been within his legal bounds however having a gun pointed at you is a very chilling experience . I think it goes back to common sense I really doubt you look like a cop killer with a load of furniture and if he had to do it again probably would have taken a different approach . It all stems back to lowering standards to level the playing field I think it's time for the standards to be raised concerning the hiring of police officers .
Too often, there is a special name for a "10 year veteran who sensed no threat". That name is "dead cop".
11:49 Lets be over dramatic . A cop with 10 years experience I doubt would have pulled his service weapon for a traffic violation . Just goes to show you can't teach common sense .
I usually keep my registration in the visor just so I don't have to have the appearance of reaching for the glove box for a potential weapon. Their job is tough enough, don't make it harder. You had your hands on a gun, why wouldn't he have his hands on his? The traffic violation doesn't matter, what the cop saw was this guy TOUCHING GUNS. For all he knows you could be a wanted criminal about to shoot at him. Guns do not belong loose in your car and within easy reach.
I can not even believe you think you are in the right. What is wrong with you?! Speaking as a parent of an Officer I want them to protect themselves so he can continue to do the job he loves.
I do not want a call that my son has been shot. I already had that call once and I DO NOT want to have a repeat.
You were in the wrong so get over it.
I didn't see any comment about the guy toughing his guns . I agree a loose weapon in the truck is concerning but when it's a hunting rifle that you can see and it's obvious the guy is moving is far different than walking up on a car and see the pistol grip of a hand gun sticking out .
12:16 Get a hold of your emotions they have no place in rational discussion !
Remember the next time you are pulled over to do a couple of simple things. 1- turn your engine off! 2- Keep both of your hands on the steering wheel in plain view of the officer 3- wait for the officer to ask you before making any moves or saying anything. I am not an officer but if I was the officer you would have ended up on the ground handcuffed and searched. I agree the actions of the officer may seem extreme however try it from their perspective and you will change your mind. If you were fumbling in the glove box then you sir were WRONG not the officer!
It occured to me that the cop probably thought he was rummaging in the glove box for a handgun stahsed there.And a truckful of furniture doesnt make it obvious he is moving because he could also be a burglar.I absolutely loathe admitting it,but I cannot fault the officer in this scenario for how he reacted.All he knew is that it was a truckful of houseold items,long guns in plain view,and a guy fumbling thru a glovebox and he reacted in a manner that is not out of ordinary,considering all the maniacs who shoot cops.
Because the pick up truck is loaded with stuff (furniture, guns, whatever) doesn't mean he was moving. It is not obvious. There are lots of psychos out there that look like they could be innocent, lots of psycho looking people that are innocent. How does the cop know the squealing tires weren't to get away from the cop, because he just robbed someone for all the stuff in the truck? Sorry the cop is right here.
Also, if a cop doesn't appear in court, there may be a legite reason. Not necessarily because they felt what they did was wrong. In the end, he had you on a traffic violation...if he had you on other charges I am sure he would have been there!
Oh so now you can read the cops thoughts ! Bottom line the cop overreacted didn't show up for court because he knew he was wrong hey it happens . But for you few kooks on here recommending shoot first ask questions second I hope like heck your not cops !
You were wrong, the cop was right, end of story. As for turning off the engine of my vehicle...not on your life. It wasn't that long ago a cop looking car was pulling women over on back roads and raped them. Nowhere in the law does it say I have to turn my engine off.
My first impression "stolen goods"
including weapons!
The people who are defending the hunting gun issue , did you know that a 357 mag. pistol is legal for use as a hunting gun. Along with many other pistols and rifles.
Most police officers are assulted with guns that are legal to hunt with. Having said that , people kill people , whatever gun they use is not the issue.
I'm with the police officer on this case. You reach into your glovebox without being told while guns are in plain view , it could be justified to put a bullet in your body. So , get over it my little dumpling.
Another argument for raising standards for hiring police officers . When I was a kid you had to be at least 6 ft tall physically fit and intelligent to be a police officer. Now thanks to political correctness anybody can be a cop and that's a heck of a lot of responsibility and authority to give to just anyone !
If the policeman was "trigger happy" you wouldn't be alive to tell the tale.
You need to get over this if you have been stewing about this for 6 months! I don't believe half of what you've said; you accidently squealed tires while loaded down with furniture?! By your own admission, you had your hand on the guns while fumbling around! It's people like you that give responsible gun owners a bad name! Based on your actions, I see you as a future recepient of a Darwin award! Can't wait to read that one!
Future Darwin Award recepient!
sorry buddy, you are driving a loaded vehcile with guns leaning on your windown, and when the officer approaches you are digging around inside the vehicle and yelling obscenities at him and you think he was in the wrong??? try again. ps, if he was "trying to kill you" you wouldn't be alive to be on this blog complaining.
I'm thinking this post backfired on you quite a bit.
Sounds like someone from the "Obama wants to take my guns" crowd tried to get a rise out of his friends and failed.
Its too late when the officer is laying dead in the street. He didnt know you from Adam. He did exactly what he was trained to do and I applaud him. I would have done the same. Count your blessings you were in Salisbury and not Some big city....your guns would belong to somebody else.
First of all, 12:11 and 2:22, I don't know how you concluded my "hands were on a gun." That is totally wrong. As I said, they two rifles were leaning against the seat. They were on the opposite side of the truck. They were not a threat to the officer even had they been loaded, which of course they were not. To 12:49, I would have PREFERRED to have been allowed to leave the vehicle and be placed in handcuffs--then he would not have had to risk shooting me in the head. I did use abusive language, I said that upfront. What I did not say was that I apologized later at the scene to the officer and shook his hand. I would be one of the first to fight limiting proper use of police firearms. But they should be used with common sense and after proper training. I don't believe that happened in this case. I think the officer over-reacted and set things in motion that could not be stopped and could have ended with a tragic fatality. That is what concerns me--what happens next time. Surely our police department can spend the time to type a few lines about the result of the investigation to a citizen who takes the time and trouble to file a formal complaint. Finally, yes, I agree in looking back that the most provocative thing I (innocently and unknowingly) did was reach in the glove box for my registration. Lesson learned. I won't do it again. But surely, just because he wants to go home every night, an officer should not pull his gun and point at someone's head when he should clearly have realized in a few seconds no threat was present. Innocent citizens want to go home to their wives too.
1:20
I was thinking the same thing. Who moves things in the rain anyway?
Just because he moved in the rain doesn't give a cop a reason to point a gun on him .
Tom...you are a mailman. I am familiar with you and the situation that unfolded that night. The others are right. When stopped by a police officer it is best to keep both hands on the wheel and wait until you are instructed to search for things in light of the number of police officers killed in the line of duty each year. I can understand how this officer may have felt threatened had you been reaching in the vicinity of your rifles. But in your defense, the officer has been ridiculed by his peers for the event that evening. They still tease him to this day. He was a young officer not long out of the academy. Everyone makes mistakes. You made one and so did he. You're alive and are really no worse for the wear. Maybe both of your learned from the incident. Suck it up and move on.
This is what happens when you give a group "special" privliges"
The cops could have shot you dead and then claimed that you reached for a rifle.
Shoot an intruder in your own home and get thrown in jail.
We have to take are god given rights back from those that have taken them.
By force if neccessary!
Tom, apparently you aren't getting it, you're an idiot. you think police are mind readers and you think "hunting guns" don't kill people. the three officers that shot that guy last year were cleared by THE STATE POLICE and STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE. You give a bad name to resposible gun owners. On top of your stupid behavior, you find it necessary to further provoke an officer pointing a gun at your head. These are not the actions of a sane person which is all the more reason the officer did not back down. I'm surprised you weren't taken to the hospital for a psych evaluation! If you still don't get it after seeing all these comments, you probably never will get it and shouldn't own a firearm.
11:18 So what does a cop killer look like? That way we will know and can stop them before they kill.
Tom, you were wrong. Man up! The police officer controlled the situation. You were not injured and when it was determined that itwas just a minor traffic violation you were cited and released.
With all the Police officers and their wives negatively commenting and attacking this man you really do your self a disservice. This could have been a teachable moment but you instead take the low road like any good Union member would and attack and smear a man who was going about his daily tasks and really did not violate a law . He had a gun pointed at him and I'm sure it was a very scary moment for him . Instead of understanding his position you denigrate him as a kook because he was moving on a bad day. I have lost all confidence and question the maturity of local law enforcement good job !
40 years ago none of the cops working today could have passed the test .
Thanks 6:36, but negative comments don't bother me. In relating this incident to others, from all walks of life, the result has been overwhelmingly that they too feel the officer over-reacted. Still, lets all sit quietly and put our hands on the wheel the next time we are stopped. If someone does this and prevents this kind of reckless behavior, then this will have done some good. Believe me I AM over it...I just thought the public should know. My only objection to the South Park Drive shooting, as reported, was the failure to name the officers. Its as much a media as a police failure. The information is there if they wanted to file a Freedom of Information Act request. Something that did stick in my mind was that if I had been shot, yes, I am sure this officer would have said I was reaching for the guns. Just a tragic mistake. And how would a dead man set that right?
Most of the time when the police are second guessed in the media they have to sit back and take it. Well it is about time that they speak up and give some of it back.
How was he supposed to know your guns were not loaded and you weren't reaching for them when you were reaching in the same area?!
Dude, you're wrong, the cop had every right to point his gun at you. He doesn't know who you are, you could be a violent criminal for all he knows. Store your guns where they belong and stop whining.
The officer did exactly what he or she was trained to do. Under my watch Mr. Leonard would have been handcuffed as he suggested and hauled to lockup. Some of these responding just don't get it and must work behind a desk.
Hey Tom, getting no sympathy here, huh? The only thing the stopping officer should possibly get in trouble for was not obeying the Court's summons to show up the day your ticket was be ajudicated.
"I apologized later at the scene to the officer and shook his hand."
And that is where you should have left it.
Using your logic the cop should percieve every person a threat and draw his weapon for every stop. It goes back to the lower standards of today I want only the best of the best armed.
No sympothy for this idiot!! HE should have just stayed still and not even touched them. The police dont know who this guy is, if he is a criminal or just moving. He shoulda just stayed still with his hands on the steering wheel! But he would rather ridicule the police for being safe and ensuring that they go home after their shift! He must not really know what the police are faced with on a daily basis expecially in Salisbury. Hey dude their are actually people out their that want to hurt the police and kill them, how are they supposed to know you are not one of them! Put the guns in the back of the truck or behind the seat, hell leave them in the open just dont go touching them while the police pull you over. ITS COMMON SENSE!
I don't think professionalism is to much to ask ! You don't draw your weapon unless you intend on using it !
10:53: Hey dude yourself. One more time. I never touched the guns. They were on the opposite side of the vehicle, muzzles pointed up, in full view--not hidden--and not near me. Just like they are with thousands of hunters each fall. Where did you get "touching" the guns from in my posts? Did you just make it up to create a phony picture of the traffic stop in which the officer truly would have been justified in drawing his weapon? Of course he would have in that case--"common sense," as everyone, myself included, has called for. Perhaps if you read more carefully, you can think and write correctly next time.
6:02....First, let me say that I think the cop was right...dark night with low visibility, guns in sight, person leaning over in the vehicle...good enough cause for me to see the cop had reason to pull his weapon out. Good thing the guy didn't get shot. SECONDLY, to say that the State Police and the State's Attorney cleared a cop of killing someone is a joke and a BIG one...there are DOZENS of cases across the country where cops have shot people IN THE BACK and been acquited/cleared by the "investigation" of the police...LOL! I'd like to be the one "investigating" my friends and colleagues, too. I'm pretty sure they would be okay...And the State's Attorney??? Another joke. There are probably thousands of cases where the police assaulted, maimed, & killed citizens, but were cleared by the (always friendly to the police) States Attorney. Think of all the police who have been filmed beating the hell (or life) out of an innocent citizen, filed a false police report, and were later "cleared" by the (always friendly to the police) States Attorney. When the police get to "investigate" the police, lol, how do YOU think it's gonna turn out??? LOL!! Thats why the police ALWAYS reject an independent investigation--- ALWAYS, ALL THE TIME, EVERY TIME. Shoot someone 47 times for reaching for his wallet?? Do YOU think that after a man takes 20-30 rounds from a 9mm and is on the ground he MIGHT not need another 20-30 shots? Some States Attorneys apparently don't think so....I was told by a friend of mine (a lawyer) that Constitutional rights don't exist in the town of Ocean City and its WELL KNOWN by all attorneys throughout the state. The police do as they please and are backed-up by the --- you guessed it --States Attorney....bring a better argument about why 3 officers with mace and batons and bullet proof vests had to kill a guy with a knife. There isn't a man I know that could couldn't be subdued by THREE armed and trained men, unless they sent all of the "short, tough guy" cops. If THATS what happened, well, I can understand. And, of course, the States Attorney (SURPRISE!!) cleared them... lol.....
Post a Comment