View Full Version : Rent-a-cop problems
I was in downtown Fort Worth today doing some general street photography when I was approached by a security officer aka Rent-a-cop (not a real police officer) who told me I could not take photos. I handed him a copy of The Photographers Rights which he tore up and threw in the street without reading it. He then reached for my camera and when I backed away he pulled out his stun gun. I then called 911 while keeping distance between me and his stun gun. The first policeman arrived within a minute and put him on the ground.
He was detained till his supervisor arrived and relieved him of his duties. I now have to go to the security firm's office Monday and file a formal complaint.
Wonder how many times he's applied for the police academy and been denied on his phsyche evaluation. My best friend became a policeman years ago and my nephew is currently in law enforcement. I seriously concerned for him, as regards how my best friend changed. However, the much bigger problem is the rejects who make it into rent-a-cop uniforms and get stun guns (and probably a throw down gun on their ankle). You got lucky. Good presence of mind on the 911 call. You were probably about to go down.
I should have added.... I might (might) argue rights with a real policeman. Never with a rent-a-cop. They are troubled minds usually. Working for minimum wage to wear the uniform and swagger and intimidate people.
erikhaugsby
11-10-2007, 17:14
It's a scary situation when a minimum-wage uniform is able to go on a power trip and pull a taser on somebody just for backing away from a confrontation.
Wonder how many times he's applied for the police academy and been denied on his phsyche evaluation. My best friend became a policeman years ago and my nephew is currently in law enforcement. I seriously concerned for him, as regards how my best friend changed. However, the much bigger problem is the rejects who make it into rent-a-cop uniforms and get stun guns (and probably a throw down gun on their ankle). You got lucky. Good presence of mind on the 911 call. You were probably about to go down.
His explanation to the police was that I was the one who was confrontational and had to be taken down but several people who witnessed the event disagreed.
Thankfully police response downtown is quick...
It's a scary situation when a minimum-wage uniform is able to go on a power trip and pull a taser on somebody just for backing away from a confrontation.
The scary thing about this is he is/was a security guard working at a bank 3 blocks away..
Pherdinand
11-10-2007, 17:19
jesus. Some people are just plain stupid. I am glad the end is a happy end.
clarence
11-10-2007, 17:20
These things just don't happen in other parts of the world, where security guards are all pot-bellied, middle-aged men, and where stun-guns are outlawed.
Clarence
flippyot
11-10-2007, 17:20
This is why I get into trouble, because some punk like that gets in myface I don't back down. It's the Marine in me ;)
However I did get into a bit of an argument with a monk at the Tomb of Christ in Jerusalem and I did back down. I mean I can't hurt a monk in his house of worship.
His explanation to the police was that I was the one who was confrontational...
Well naturally, you demanded your rights given to you by law. It is bad enough the (little) people were given rights, but then to expect to exercise them... What is the world coming to?
Uncle Bill
11-10-2007, 17:41
It's the combination of rent-a-cop, uniform, minimum wage and taser in the same posting that scares the crap out of me. Security guards up here in Canada are by and large only armed with flash lights and might be slightly better trained.
If you were confronted on the street off private property, this guy just lost his job.
endustry
11-10-2007, 17:43
Rent-a-cops are rampant in Manhattan. So far I've only been shouted at not to photograph certain buildings and a quick cost/benefit analysis usually tells me it's not worth it to persist, wait for the police, explain my rights, PRAY they're rational cops and not meatheads, etc.
You handled your situation pretty well. It's also good there were others to back up your story, too.
foto_fool
11-10-2007, 17:45
At least you didn't end up on YouTube ("Don't tase me, bro!") :eek: .
But seriously, unless r-a-c was deputized or an off-duty real peace officer, he has no more right to carry a stun gun than you do, and no right to claim that you were confrontational and he was not. This guy assaulted you - the legal definition of assault - first when he tried to take your camera, and again when he pulled a stun gun on you.
If you file the formal complaint the security company will try to get you to sign away your right to legal and tort recourse. Don't sign. Contact an attorney, file a complaint for assault with the real cops, and sue the security company.
- John
landsknechte
11-10-2007, 17:51
As someone who has been in the security business for years, this sort of crap really makes me cringe. There are a lot of good people in the business - students, young kids getting experience before they get pulled into an academy, retirees, and so on - and then there are some serious freaks. Heaven knows I've worked with enough of those, and had to fire more than my fair share of 'em.
His authority is derived from his acting as an agent of the property owner of the property he is protecting (at least in most jurisdictions). Off his property, he's got no more or less rights than you do. From the way the incident is described, this is legally no different than a mugger who trying to steal your camera while threatening you with a stun gun. He just happened to be wearing a uniform instead of a ski mask.
You're lucky the real police responded so quickly... :eek:
However I did get into a bit of an argument with a monk at the Tomb of Christ in Jerusalem and I did back down. I mean I can't hurt a monk in his house of worship.
This sounds like it could be an interesting story. Please, continue...
If you file the formal complaint the security company will try to get you to sign away your right to legal and tort recourse. Don't sign. Contact an attorney, file a complaint for assault with the real cops, and sue the security company.
- John
A few minutes ago I called a friend who is an attorney in Houston. He will handle the situation from here on out and any future communications will be referred to him.
I have no intentions of signing away any of my rights. It takes a lot to anger me but this situation has done it..
Did the real police say anything about why they didn't arrest him?
You're lucky the real police responded so quickly... :eek:
Downtown is pretty much saturated with officers on the weekends plus a sub station was 4 blocks away
So Colyn - did you get pics of the real cops putting the bad guy on the ground? :)
Did the real police say anything about why they didn't arrest him?
Actually he was arrested after his supervisor arrived and was told of the situation..
I have to go in Monday and file a formal complaint.
So Colyn - did you get pics of the real cops putting the bad guy on the ground? :)
Unfortunately no..I did however shoot a few of him in cuffs afterward...he wasn't very happy..
now this was a REAL situation in my country, Lisbon - Portugal.
Guy gets home, see his home door broke and from outside can see the theives still inside. Phones 911 and reports the situation :
Hello ? 911 ? Got some thieves inside my home, can you come please ?
911 : sorry, all our units are busy, best ETA will be 15 minutes.
P : but by that time they are away !!
911 : sorry, its the best we can do, we got loads of calls.
P : ok, thank you
he hangs up, counts 30 secs and call back
P : I call because a robery in XXXX , you dont need to send anyone anymore
911 : really ? are you ok ?
P : yap, I kill them, everything is fine
911 : excuse me sir ?
P : no worries, have a good day
he hangs up
30 secs later he has 3 police cars, an ambulance and paramedics on his door. the thieves , still inside, were arrested.
sargent confused, goes to homeowner
S :sorry sir, thought you kill them ???
P : and I thought you were busy ?
gotta love Portugal :)
yours is a scary story. you handle it well. without want to hijack the thread, just want to throw some humor on it :)
nikon_sam
11-10-2007, 20:43
Thanks...this really made my day...Good for you for sticking up for your rights, keeping a clear head and calling the cops...Hope I can handle it as well as you did...They should throw in Littering too!!!
nikon_sam
11-10-2007, 20:46
I too carry a copy of "The Photographer's Rights" along with a copy of the "The First Amendment"...
I handed him a copy of The Photographers Rights which he tore up and threw in the street without reading it.
Did the real cop cite him for littering? :)
He was detained till his supervisor arrived and relieved him of his duties. I now have to go to the security firm's office Monday and file a formal complaint.
Although I hate to hear of confrontations, I think this is great news, particularly that the real cop stuck up for you!
I hope word of this incident will be spread in the private security industry!
Thanks...this really made my day...Good for you for sticking up for your rights, keeping a clear head and calling the cops...Hope I can handle it as well as you did...They should throw in Littering too!!!
For years now I've taught my daughter to do the very same thing I did in this kind of situation. She's never had to put it to use and I hope she never has to. I hope I never have to do it again either.
In all honesty it is a rather nerve racking experience..but I still plan to go back tomorrow...
Did the real cop cite him for littering? :)
I'm not sure yet what other charges if any he will be facing other than assault but I made sure they knew what he did..
Although I hate to hear of confrontations, I think this is great news, particularly that the real cop stuck up for you!
The first officer on the scene saw him attempting to attack me with the stun gun for no reason. That with eyewitness accounts convinced the police I did nothing wrong..
I hope word of this incident will be spread in the private security industry!
Supposedly the security company supervisor will be educating (??) the other officers on photographers rights since I gave him a copy..
Security officers nationwide need to be better informed of what they can and cannot do..
jan normandale
11-10-2007, 21:36
Colyn, this is a well set out course of action you took from the offering to inform through a pamphlet on photography in public places, to calling 911 and finally taking a course of action.
I run a group "the harassed photographer" on flickr, it's intent is to educate. If you get a chance could you relate this event along with a shot the "offendiing image" if possible?
Best on the legal route. Keep us posted please!
http://flickr.com/groups/leavemealone/
SolaresLarrave
11-10-2007, 21:39
Colyn... I have to admire your presence of mind. And in a case like this, it does pay to have a cell phone! :) I'm glad you didn't back down. Good! :D
Colyn,
You did a great job of handling the situation. Thankfully, the situation resolved without any harm to you. I can only hope that this a.h. meets the love of his life at a jail dance.
Bob
oftheherd
11-10-2007, 23:22
As someone who has been in the security business for years, this sort of crap really makes me cringe. There are a lot of good people in the business - students, young kids getting experience before they get pulled into an academy, retirees, and so on - and then there are some serious freaks. Heaven knows I've worked with enough of those, and had to fire more than my fair share of 'em.
His authority is derived from his acting as an agent of the property owner of the property he is protecting (at least in most jurisdictions). Off his property, he's got no more or less rights than you do. From the way the incident is described, this is legally no different than a mugger who trying to steal your camera while threatening you with a stun gun. He just happened to be wearing a uniform instead of a ski mask.
Thanks, I was going to say something similar. There are good guys and bad guys in every job. This was one of the bad ones who give all the good ones a bad name. As already mentioned, unless NY laws are contrary to most, once he leaves his property and/or is off duty, he is a citizen, nothing more or less. He needs to be subject to law and hopefullly conviction. That will help prevent him from getting a job in security again.
Glad things worked out well for you. It could have been serious.
patrickjames
11-11-2007, 00:00
Look on the bright side- Soon you will be able to afford almost any Leica you want! :)
Hell if I was you I would have let him tase me. Cha ching!
Patrick
Pherdinand
11-11-2007, 05:18
by the way by tearing up and throwing away the print you gave him, he also destroyed a property of yours, and he also littered in a public place :)
try to find as much as you can against him.
Al Patterson
11-11-2007, 05:29
It is good to see one of these come out where it was the cowboy security officer arrested rather than the innocent photographer.
I hope your lawyer nails this guy to the wall. Since the supervisor seems to have the right attitude, I'd offer to drop a lawsuit against the security firm if they fire the guy who confronted you. This individual shouldn't be working security ANYWHERE. He should be sweeping floors at McDonalds...
now this was a REAL situation in my country, Lisbon - Portugal.
Guy gets home, see his home door broke and from outside can see the theives still inside. Phones 911 and reports the situation :
Hello ? 911 ? Got some thieves inside my home, can you come please ?
911 : sorry, all our units are busy, best ETA will be 15 minutes.
P : but by that time they are away !!
911 : sorry, its the best we can do, we got loads of calls.
P : ok, thank you
he hangs up, counts 30 secs and call back
P : I call because a robery in XXXX , you dont need to send anyone anymore
911 : really ? are you ok ?
P : yap, I kill them, everything is fine
911 : excuse me sir ?
P : no worries, have a good day
he hangs up
30 secs later he has 3 police cars, an ambulance and paramedics on his door. the thieves , still inside, were arrested.
sargent confused, goes to homeowner
S :sorry sir, thought you kill them ???
P : and I thought you were busy ?
gotta love Portugal :)
Hmmm this may have actually happened somewhere sometime but It's about the 20th time I've heard this story, usually told as a joke....
Unfortunately no..I did however shoot a few of him in cuffs afterward...he wasn't very happy..
Cool! Are ya gonna post them here? :p
Mike
Roger Hicks
11-11-2007, 09:53
by the way by tearing up and throwing away the print you gave him, he also destroyed a property of yours, and he also littered in a public place :)
try to find as much as you can against him.
Seconded!
And congratulations to the OP for handling it so brilliantly.
Cheers,
R.
Ronald M
11-11-2007, 10:02
I love the Lisbon story. Here you might get arrested for filling a flalse report.
Very good idea to get your lawyer to handle this. They want you to come to the office on Monday so you don't go to one. The complaint form will most likely free them from legal action even though they are responsible for their employee's action.
John Robertson
11-11-2007, 15:15
Unfortunately no..I did however shoot a few of him in cuffs afterward...he wasn't very happy..
Just make damned sure he does not get to know your private address, especially if he is fired!! He sounds a bit "off-balance" to me!:eek:
We have had a few instances in Australia of security guards seriously injuring or in some cases even killing people - usually by beating them to death. While there are reputable security companies, too many of them are cowboys who hire cowboys and more often than not, get away with it. The politicians seem disinclined to do anything except act shocked and huff and puff when some innocent person gets killed by one of these thugs. There have been a few TV exposes catching them in the act - king hitting people from behind for giving them "lip" and kicking them when on the ground. It is seldom that charges are brought against them. A few years back when I was single I got to know some of the security guys who provided security at our local nightclubs. Actually I got to like these guys who were well trained, well selected and sensible. They agreed there was a bad element in the industry who needed to be cleaned up.
PS there was a case here a few years back which shocked me -probably shocked all of Australia. A 48 year old man died after being hit by a security guard at a hotel. The facts are disputed about how rowdy the man (who was a distinguished and well known ex sporting hero) was being but the jury appeared to give the bouncer the benefit of the doubt and he got off. What was un-controverted was that the bouncers followed this guy into the street and hit him when he was well off the premises - he had by then left the premises and was out of the guards jurisdiction - if he ever had one. There was disputed evidence that the victim was trying to get into a car to leave when he was punched to the ground. Nearby residents gave evidence that the bouncer told the victim that he was going to belt him for being a "smart mouth." (Somehow I doubt these were the exact words used.) I can only say that I was very surprised that he got off as it sounded like manslaughter to me. Hard to see how the guard was at risk from the victim in the circumstances - evidently the jury disagreed. The guard was a former boxer by the way.
I wanted to let everybody know what's happened so far.
My attorney called me today and has advised me not to have any contact with the security company. If they call I should refer all inquiries to him. After talking to the owner of the security company he has decided we need to file a court case and plans to do so later this week..
As some have said there are both good and bad security personal. The problem is the bad make the others look bad so I wanted to let those out there who work hard and do right that their hard work is very much appreciated and to those who abuse the system I hope you get what you deserve..I plan to take this bad apple to the cleaners..
I hope your lawyer nails this guy to the wall. Since the supervisor seems to have the right attitude, I'd offer to drop a lawsuit against the security firm if they fire the guy who confronted you. This individual shouldn't be working security ANYWHERE. He should be sweeping floors at McDonalds...
After talking to my attorney today I'm beginning to wonder if the super and/or owner has the right attitude since he has recommended court..
After talking to my attorney today I'm beginning to wonder if the super and/or owner has the right attitude since he has recommended court..
(disclaimer: I am not a lawyer.) Perhaps the super/owner realizes that the guard is a bad apple and deserves to be criminally prosecuted. Perhaps he is also trying to avoid a civil suit against himself and the company. In a civil suit he as supervisor can be dragged into the affair and together wiht the company might be found responsible for the guards aggressive behavior toward you. Your lawyer can best explain what the options are and why the super/owner is willing to let one of his employees be crimminally charged.
foto_fool
11-11-2007, 16:33
Colyn - Any friends at Dallas Morning News? If the paper were to pick up this story it could go national on the wire services. And it should. Not everything happens in NY or LA.
- John
Seconded! (referring to the security guard destroying Colyn's property)
Might the fact that the piece of paper has little real value make this a bit of a non issue? Or might this be a case of "conversion"?
(repeat disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, so set me straight if I'm off track.)
landsknechte
11-11-2007, 16:37
Out of curiosity, was this a small mom & pop security firm, or a regional / national company?
Hell if I was you I would have let him tase me. Cha ching!
Patrick
I know the intent here is humourous, but since you never know how a taser will affect an individual, it's not really a good idea! ;)
This individual shouldn't be working security ANYWHERE. He should be sweeping floors at McDonalds...
Just as long as he doesn't get a job at the post office...
Colyn - Any friends at Dallas Morning News? If the paper were to pick up this story it could go national on the wire services. And it should. Not everything happens in NY or LA.
- John
The only people I ever knew in the news business has long since moved on.
Out of curiosity, was this a small mom & pop security firm, or a regional / national company?
I can't name the company but it isn't a small mom & pop business. I'm not sure whether they are national though I do know they are in several cities here in Texas..
Well, like all above I'm really glad that Colyn wasn't hurt and that the rent a cop has been fired and hopefully prosecuted but the added value here is that this unbalanced individual has been removed from the security business before he really did hurt or kill someone!
I was married to a sheriff's deputy for a very short time many years ago and have seen what happens when you give people with small brains and big egos a gun and a badge. It can be very scary. A gun, a uniform and a badge of any kind can create an unbelievable power trip if the individual in question is not extremely well adjusted. I avoid any contact with guns and badges unless absolutely necessary. But if you aimed a taser at me I'd call in a New York minute. Nice work Colyn.
Uncle Bill
11-11-2007, 17:48
Smart move to hand it off to a good litigation lawyer.
One of the problems with this security company and maybe others is they are telling their personal that Homeland Security gives them the right to prevent photography in public places by whatever means when in fact Homeland Security does NOT ban photography nor does it give security companies these rights.
"The Photographers Rights"??
What on Earth is that?
Looked it up. Boy, does that require a grain or two of salt.
Useful against Cooperate America, but not very handy if Big Dog don't like you taking pictures of his ol' lady on the public sidewalk in front of a biker bar.
Having a right doesn't mean you won't get the crap beat out of you, and a civil judgment is worthless against someone with no assents, or that bears a grudge.
Reminds me of the righteous in spandex shorts who insist they have "rights" to ride their bicycle regardless of common sense. Of course the Darwin Principle takes care of them eventually.
Then again, on the plus side, the Canadians decided that women have the same right to take their shirts off that men do. Of course the Newton Principia takes care of them eventually.
I fear this thread will soon deteriorate, so I'll try to be thoughtful and well-mannered.
Yes, there is a difference between rights and wisdom. However, failing to make the effort to assert and protect one's rights is never wise. How it is done is extremely important, and each situation will dictate a wise course of action. In this instance, Colyn exercised great tact & wisdom, IMO.
But if we hide behind the expedient, we soon will have no rights to protect.
One of the problems with this security company and maybe others is they are telling their personal that Homeland Security gives them the right to prevent photography in public places by whatever means when in fact Homeland Security does NOT ban photography nor does it give security companies these rights.
They can, however, prevent photography on private property.
I fear this thread will soon deteriorate, so I'll try to be thoughtful and well-mannered.
Yes, there is a difference between rights and wisdom. However, failing to make the effort to assert and protect one's rights is never wise. How it is done is extremely important, and each situation will dictate a wise course of action. In this instance, Colyn exercised great tact & wisdom, IMO.
But if we hide behind the expedient, we soon will have no rights to protect.
At the risk of playing the devil's advocate, there are always two sides to every coin. I wasn't there.
I have been on both sides of these confrontations. Had my Nikorex F ground under the iron heal of fascist dogs, and had the press and the Catholic church threaten to have me fired.
I my case, I now feel sorry for that sweaty stressed out cop, but I haven't bought a newspaper or been to church (for anything but weddings or funerals) in many years.
Sometimes it isn't so much expediency as it is Noblesse oblige. At best getting a rent-a-cop fired can only be a regrettable necessity. Before he hurts someone else.
Getting a congressman fired, now that is a glorious victory.
You're right this is a deteriorating thread, perhaps trivialized by it's proximity to Veteran's Day...
We now return to agitating for a Minox forum based upon that beaded chain being the purest form of range finder.
They can, however, prevent photography on private property.
That's true and why you should make sure you don't trespass.
I never step foot on private property unless I have written permission from the owner..
rogue_designer
11-12-2007, 16:25
I never step foot on private property unless I have written permission from the owner..
You don't ever walk into a corporate building, or a shopping mall without express written consent?
nikonhswebmaster
11-12-2007, 16:56
Reminds me of the righteous in spandex shorts who insist they have "rights" to ride their bicycle regardless of common sense. Of course the Darwin Principle takes care of them eventually.
http://www.carsrcoffins.com/images/newpatch.gif
oftheherd
11-12-2007, 16:58
After talking to my attorney today I'm beginning to wonder if the super and/or owner has the right attitude since he has recommended court..
Probably hopes for a couple of things. If he also sues his imployee, he seeks to imply he has no liability himself, and if you buy that, maybe you won't sue hiim also. Do whatever you lawyer suggests. He is your expert on law and has your best interests as his guide. That may or may not be true of the owner of the security company.
You don't ever walk into a corporate building, or a shopping mall without express written consent?
I should have added while taking photos..
Probably hopes for a couple of things. If he also sues his imployee, he seeks to imply he has no liability himself, and if you buy that, maybe you won't sue hiim also. Do whatever you lawyer suggests. He is your expert on law and has your best interests as his guide. That may or may not be true of the owner of the security company.
I've turned the matter over to my attorney and will let him do what he thinks is best. He told me today that he will file notice this week..
nikonhswebmaster
11-12-2007, 17:12
Menacing is a pretty low level crime where I live, unless it is stalking or involves a police officer. But still who knows what the employer's insurance company will want to do. All depends most likely what happens in court with the rent-a-cop. If he gets convicted... but likely he will walk on a disturbing the peace or the like. Not many misdemeanors get tried, outside of traffic court. My guess is you will be offered some money to forget it.
You don't ever walk into a corporate building, or a shopping mall without express written consent?
I assume he means with a camera, snapping away.
tkluck: I agree with just about everything you've said. Everyone, the sweaty rent-a-cop, has a story, and I must always remind myself not to judge the person, but discern the principle and the situation.
I'm working on getting a certain congressman fired. :D
Menacing is a pretty low level chime where I live, unless it is stalking or involves a police officer. But still who knows what the employer's insurance company will want to do. All depends most likely what happens in court with the rent-a-cop. If he gets convicted... but likely he will walk on a disturbing the peace or the like. Not many misdemeanors get tried, outside of traffic court.
My guess is you will be offered some money to forget it.
The company may just file bankruptcy and try to avoid any payout.
David Murphy
11-12-2007, 18:51
Leica M3, M4, M5
IIIa, IIIc, IIIf
Bessa-T
Canon P, Canon 7
Kiev 4a
Graphic View 4x5
etc., etc. ... Nice cover. Now tell us Colyn, who do you really work for and who sent you!
Now tell us Colyn, who do you really work for and who sent you!
WORK!!!!!!!:eek: :eek: :eek:
How could you accuse me of such a vile terrible thing??:( :(
Really...I'd never do a thing such as work... Honest:angel:
jan normandale
11-13-2007, 10:23
Colyn, recently there was a taser related death in Vancouver's airport which involved security staff. It's a serious issue.
Here's a timely link from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation regarding taser related deaths in Canada. You're fortunate.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/interactives/map-tasers-canada/
Gabriel M.A.
11-13-2007, 10:30
I was in downtown Fort Worth today doing some general street photography when I was approached by a security officer aka Rent-a-cop (not a real police officer) who told me I could not take photos. I handed him a copy of The Photographers Rights which he tore up and threw in the street without reading it. He then reached for my camera and when I backed away he pulled out his stun gun. I then called 911 while keeping distance between me and his stun gun. The first policeman arrived within a minute and put him on the ground.
He was detained till his supervisor arrived and relieved him of his duties. I now have to go to the security firm's office Monday and file a formal complaint.
Interesting. Moral of the story: Being an A-hole trumps Reason. I'm so glad the A-hole only had a stun gun, imagine if he had had a gun with bullets. Actually, don't. Isn't there a new "shoot first, ask questions later" law in place now?
No, not even in Texas. ;)
Interesting. Moral of the story: Being an A-hole trumps Reason. I'm so glad the A-hole only had a stun gun, imagine if he had had a gun with bullets. Actually, don't. Isn't there a new "shoot first, ask questions later" law in place now?
Colyn, recently there was a taser related death in Vancouver's airport which involved security staff. It's a serious issue.
Here's a timely link from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation regarding taser related deaths in Canada. You're fortunate.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/interactives/map-tasers-canada/
There have also been a number of taser related deaths here in the US as well.
If a person dies from a taser used by a trained law enforcement officer I'd hate to think how bad it could be if an untrained person had free reign.
Interesting. I'm so glad the A-hole only had a stun gun, imagine if he had had a gun with bullets.
Actually he did have a 380 strapped to his ankle which he was not entitled to have.
Here in Texas a private citizen can be licensed to carry a firearm. He neither had a cancelled firearm permit nor was he licensed as an armed security officer therefore he violated the law in both regards.
I am licensed to carry but seldom do. Had I been carrying a gun I would have been well within my rights to use deadly force in this situation...
He neither had a cancelled firearm permit
Concealed??? :D
therefore he violated the law in both regards
Just the kind of hothead ya wanna be dealing with... :eek:
Actually he did have a 380 strapped to his ankle which he was not entitled to have.
Here in Texas a private citizen can be licensed to carry a firearm. He neither had a cancelled firearm permit nor was he licensed as an armed security officer therefore he violated the law in both regards.
I am licensed to carry but seldom do. Had I been carrying a gun I would have been well within my rights to use deadly force in this situation...
Unfortunately, we'd be hearing about you on the evening news instead of reading about it here. :eek:
Unfortunately, we'd be hearing about you on the evening news instead of reading about it here. :eek:
I suspect the 380 would have been used in a life or death situation. Even I don't believe he would have been stupid enough to use it in front of the crowd that had gathered..
nikonhswebmaster
11-14-2007, 01:38
I do notice after looking it up that Fort Worth is fairly low in crime, not as low as New York City, but far better than even Dallas, which is twice as dangerous -- and not even close to my hometown St. Louis, which is now twice as dangerous as Dallas, 4 times as bad as NYC.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_cities_by_crime_rate
I do notice after looking it up
Where are you looking this up?
I'm not sure about Texas (no pun intended), but many other states have mandatory sentencing laws in effect when a firearm is involved in the commision of a felony. Although in this case, he'll probably be charged with a misdemeanor. Still, we can hope.
I'm also curious how the outcome of this incident would have been different if the private security officer HAD been on the property he was hired to protect.
~Joe
Good on you for keeping your head cool Colyn. I'll join the chorus and support your decision to go with whatever your attorney tells you to do. Good luck, and hope you won't have to bump into the same guy again.
I'm not sure about Texas (no pun intended), but many other states have mandatory sentencing laws in effect when a firearm is involved in the commision of a felony. Although in this case, he'll probably be charged with a misdemeanor. Still, we can hope.
We need that law here..
He was charged with felony possession of a concealed firearm, and aggravated assault with intent to commit serious bodily injury. He is also now unemployed and will most likely lose his security license.
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