Run in with Park Country Sheriff's department

[bchase75]

I had an interesting experience with a couple officers from the Park County Sheriff's department last Sunday, and I'm curious to see what y'all think.

Some friends and I had planned to spend the day shooting up at Pike National forest. We were at a spot that I've been going to for 10+ years, and it's a popular spot for others as well, based on how much brass/shotgun shells we pick up every time we go there. I was sighting in my AR and 10/22, as both have new glass, and my friends were shooting clay pigeons.

After we'd been there for a few hours, two officers from the Park County Sheriff's department pulled up and demanded our IDs. We happily obliged, and asked if there was a problem. They didn't tell us what the problem was, so I wandered over to my camp chair to grab a drink, and one of the officers said "Stay where you are, sir....we're liable to shoot first and ask questions later." I was a bit surprised at that, but I held my tongue. Eventually they returned our IDs, and they said we should shoot elsewhere. I asked if we were breaking any laws, and they said no, but they stuck around until we started packing up, the understanding being that we were done for the day.

Has anyone else had a similar experience? The area where we were shooting isn't too far from 285....maybe we'll have better luck if we go farther in?

[wctriumph]

Well????

[bchase75]

Sorry....fat fingered my keyboard before I was done typing. Complete post above.

[merl]

So some simple harassment?

edit - As Rucker asked did you get names so you can ask the department for a clarification on their actions?

[Rucker61]

Did you get their names?

[Dave]

About the time they said they might shoot first and ask questions later I would have been recording names, ranks, badge numbers, vehicle numbers and license plate numbers then calling their department to verify and register a complaint.

[bchase75]

Didn't get any names, but I should have. The younger officer was making me nervous....he started talking about how tracers and exploding targets we're illegal (we had neither), and then he got really worked up over it, so I just stood there and let him rant. I may call Park County to get clarification on the issue, as they never did say what the problem was.

[MarkCO]

You most surely should call, and get clarification, as well as report it. If they do not have a record of the contact, I would press it even further.

[bchase75]

Just called and got their names...dispatch said she'd have their supervisor call me.

[ChunkyMonkey]

Maybe some treehuggers from california who happened to be hiking there reported you in.

[kidicarus13]

Just called and got their names...dispatch said she'd have their supervisor call me.

Will be looking forward to the outcome. It is Park County so you never know.

[rbeau30]

About the time they said they might shoot first and ask questions later I would have been recording names, ranks, badge numbers, vehicle numbers and license plate numbers then calling their department to verify and register a complaint.

The "shoot first" comment from that officer is very unprofessional.

[bchase75]

Maybe some treehuggers from california who happened to be hiking there reported you in.

I was thinking the same thing....specifically that some libtard family from Boulder heard gunfire and got nervous.

[Colorado_Outback]

Cell phone video is your friend.

[bchase75]

Cell phone video is your friend.

Exactly....when I speak to their supervisor I'm going to let him know that any further interactions with the Park County Sheriff's office will be recorded, and I don't expect to get any grief about it.

[rbeau30]

Cell phone video is your friend.


:-) My Note 3 fits nicely in my shirt pocket with the Lens pointed outward.

[DavieD55]

Just called and got their names...dispatch said she'd have their supervisor call me.

File a complaint against the deputy who threatened you so it is on record incase he crosses you again and tries to f--- with you in the future.

[Colorado_Outback]

:-) My Note 3 fits nicely in my shirt pocket with the Lens pointed outward.

Even if you only get audio out of the deal its worth it. Served me well in the past more than once.

[bchase75]

File a complaint against the deputy who threatened you so it is on record incase he crosses you again and tries to f--- with you in the future.

Good thinking....both deputies were extremely unprofessional, so I wouldn't be at all surprised if one or both of them tried to f--- with us again.

[firefighter238]

Just called and got their names...dispatch said she'd have their supervisor call me.

Knowing Park County I wouldn't hold your breath on that!

[DavieD55]

Exactly....when I speak to their supervisor I'm going to let him know that any further interactions with the Park County Sheriff's office will be recorded, and I don't expect to get any grief about it.

I wouldn't tell him you'll record it him next time. Just file a complaint, don't use profanity and be calm, polite, and professional. Just record any encounters in the future without them knowing incase it happens again so you get any abuse on record. That way it is documented and can be publicized if necessary.

[bchase75]

Knowing Park County I wouldn't hold your breath on that!

Does Park County have a reputation for this kind of BS?

[kidicarus13]

Does Park County have a reputation for this kind of BS?

Not that I know of but Park County a lot like Gilpin County... a lot of county employees know and/or are related to other county employees so the potential for "incidents" to get swept under the rug are greater ...IMO.

[Ronin13]

I went through the academy with several guys who got hired by Park County... Too bad you didn't get names. Odds are one of the guys was one of these deputies you ran into...

[Brass]

That was your lucky day. Out in the woods with two out of control cops and no witnesses and you still walked away unharmed. There are a million ways this could turn out badly for you.

[Mtn.man]

Our Motto, Come to Park County on Vacation
Leave on Probation.

we seem to get the worst as we are a training facility for other departments it looks like.
Call dispatch and get Fred's voice mail. He will call back. Or go to their site and send an email as well.
I have had a few problems with a couple in the past, but always got results from the boss.

Was one a husky blonde dude? Last name of Smith or something common?

[Bailey Guns]

Personally, I've never had a problem with a ParkCo deputy. But, after I left the metro PD I worked for and started my shop, I thought I missed LE so I hired on with PCSO. I was wrong. It's not only the deputies up here, it's a lot of the old timers who live up here who think because there's never been much in the way of LE, they can do what they want.

Some of the people in the dept were pretty unprofessional, though. I reluctantly responded to South Park to assist on a homicide and what I saw at the scene in terms of how it was handled left me utterly amazed. I gave my notice the next day after only 4 months of working there.

PCSO is also a "training" (I used that term VERY loosely) ground for newly certified officers. They don't learn the best in terms of how to interact with people and many can't get hired elsewhere. Not really the cream of the crop, so to speak. The pay is low so that's an issue in attracting quality people, too, although the work environment in terms of location is fantastic. That alone will attract some good, older, experienced officers.

I would definitely follow up with a complaint, especially about the "shoot first" comment. Have your friend(s) that was with you submit a statement as well.

Can you be a little more specific as to where you were? I might be able to shed some light on why PCSO paid you a visit.

[bchase75]

Not sure if I can describe where exactly....it's a left hand turn off 285 traveling south just as you come down over Kenosha Pass (Lost Park Rd?). A few miles in from 285....I'm thinking we might need to go further in next time.

[Bailey Guns]

I don't know that area real well but I do know there's a lot of livestock that graze openly out there. Maybe one of the ranchers? Who knows.

[Mtn.man]

Yep Carl, been that way since way before you came. You would have been a major asset to the Dept had you stayed on.
Fred is not bad but he did learn under boss hog, (back when we had 2 deputies 1 sheriff and alot of volunteers.
I referenced the "training" as we have had some "Police Academy Award winning losers" in the past and present.
The guy I delt with recently was a gung Ho stocky blonde wannabe Rambo in my yard, a few remarks, a call to Fred and he left with an apology.

[Bailey Guns]

I remember one of the deputies driving around in a mid-80s Caprice with over 300k miles on it. No markings. Emergency equipment consisted of a Kojak light duct-taped to the dash. That was probably early to mid 90s. They've come a long way since then.

[def90]

Probably a prominent/vocal new land owner in the area seeing that you and others have been there in the past without issue.

sent from a soup can and some string..

[Mtn.man]

OK pretty sure i know where you are shooting. Is FSLand but the new owner of the big ranch there that borders it is not a hunting, gun friendly guy so he probably called and because,,,
A. you are from the city
B. he has some $$
they act as if they are the BMFIC so they felt compelled.

[bchase75]

Good to know....thanks for the feedback!

[sniper7]

Should have thrown down when you were threatened. Brought them back to their headquarters in the back of their own car in their own handcuffs.

[Mtn.man]

Hey, our depts, shoot beer kegs when needed.

[10mm-man]

That was your lucky day. Out in the woods with two out of control cops and no witnesses and you still walked away unharmed. There are a million ways this could turn out badly for you.


or them.

[Squeeze]

You played it smart. I can't think of very many instances where I'd get into a pissing match with LE. Especially ones who seem to know jack and shit about the law and just make up the law as they go. Definitely interested to see how the "talk" with the supervisor goes.

[bchase75]

You played it smart. I can't think of very many instances where I'd get into a pissing match with LE. Especially ones who seem to know jack and shit about the law and just make up the law as they go. Definitely interested to see how the "talk" with the supervisor goes.

He called this afternoon. Seemed like a nice guy, and also seemed genuinely surprised by what went down. He told me he'd investigate and call me back next week. After reading the feedback from folks who commented on this post, however, I'm thinking it's probably a location issue. Gonna head up next weekend with my girlfriend and scout new shooting locations farther away from that ranch.

[KevDen2005]

I would say contact the department and find out why you were being contacted. You have a right to know. Once you are told not to move, you definitely have a right to know why you are being contacted. If what you are saying is correct, I would be coming unglued being contacted that way by fellow LE Officials. I camp and shoot in Park County all the time.

[speedysst]

Or "Press hard. Five copies. Thanks for playing in the park."


Our Motto, Come to Park County on Vacation
Leave on Probation.

we seem to get the worst as we are a training facility for other departments it looks like.
Call dispatch and get Fred's voice mail. He will call back. Or go to their site and send an email as well.
I have had a few problems with a couple in the past, but always got results from the boss.

Was one a husky blonde dude? Last name of Smith or something common?

[Delfuego]

Hey, our depts, shoot beer kegs when needed.[ROFL1] They sure do. Much easier than just cutting the lock off. Best Park County story I ever heard...

[Eric P]

I've noticed a lot of places I used to shoot now have no shooting postings. These were north of deckers on the forest service roads. Not hand made sign but the official nfs signs. It seems as more people use an area for other purposes, they get shut down for shooting.

[.455_Hunter]

Anytime a mountain biker or hiker squawks about somebody shooting in the forest, the immediate response is to close the area to all firearms activities.

[blackford76]

Anytime a mountain biker or hiker squawks about somebody shooting in the forest, the immediate response is to close the area to all firearms activities.

Yes, because tree hugger rights are way more important than ours...

[bchase75]

Yes, because tree hugger rights are way more important than ours...

Sounds like they prefer the path of least resistance. Pretty pathetic if you ask me.

[drift_g35]

He called this afternoon. Seemed like a nice guy, and also seemed genuinely surprised by what went down. He told me he'd investigate and call me back next week. After reading the feedback from folks who commented on this post, however, I'm thinking it's probably a location issue. Gonna head up next weekend with my girlfriend and scout new shooting locations farther away from that ranch.

Whats wrong with harris park? Seems like that is much closer to you.

[MED]

Not sure if I can describe where exactly....it's a left hand turn off 285 traveling south just as you come down over Kenosha Pass (Lost Park Rd?). A few miles in from 285....I'm thinking we might need to go further in next time.

I camp about a mile or so past the cattle guard off one of the trails. I have never had a problem shooting in there. A few miles in? ...what were you using as the backstop, and how close were you to Lost Park Road? There is a commonly used shooting area about 1/4 to 1/2 mile past the cattle guard, past the bend, and to the left, which usually has a few people shooting on the weekends. There isn't any recreational traffic there just people entering or leaving the area; although, I can see them closing this because it is right off the road. They probably don't like a lot of shooting off Lost Park Road because of all the traffic. As a whole, this area doesn't have a lot of places with great backstops for shooting; although, a lot of nice OHV trails.

[.455_Hunter]

although, I can see them closing this because it is right off the road. They probably don't like a lot of shooting off Lost Park Road because of all the traffic.

Its scary for Progressives to drive by and see people shooting real GUNS!!!!!!!

I would say that I see somebody shooting at that spot about 50% of the time we go back in there. It's really a good spot, with a great backstop.

[SamuraiCO]

Sounds like we should all meet there this weekend for some shooting lol

[bchase75]

Whats wrong with harris park? Seems like that is much closer to you.

Never been there. Someone PM'd me directions earlier today, so I'm definitely going to check it out ASAP.

[Mtn.man]

Bring a couple of BIG trash bags and pack out some of the shit others leave, Please.

[kidicarus13]

Whats wrong with harris park? Seems like that is much closer to you.

Thought it was closed as mentioned in another recent thread.

[Martinjmpr]

Thought it was closed as mentioned in another recent thread.

I believe it is but I haven't been there personally to check it out. If it is closed, and if you don't mind paying to shoot, Buffalo Creek Gun Club is not very far away from Harris Park.

[Mtn.man]

It's not closed, we slip off too shoot at least once a week.

[Fromk]

Thought it was closed as mentioned in another recent thread.

I was up at Harris Park with some people a couple weeks ago. Seemed open to me.

[Bailey Guns]

It hasn't been closed for over a year.

[Rabid]

I had a very interesting run in with Park County Sheriffs Department. It might be different now, as this happened 10+ years ago, but my complaint was swept under the rug and i was told i was a liar. I have since recorded every interaction with the police. Good job pursuing this, no matter the outcome we do not want bad apples running around and i am sure this helps.

[Chad0724]

Ummm.... I would have told them to take a hike or call a supervisor.

[sampson]

Where is harris park? Doing a search now, but tapatalk search function sucks. Thanks in advance :-)

Sent using Tapatalk

[SideShow Bob]

Where is harris park? Doing a search now, but tapatalk search function sucks. Thanks in advance :-)

Sent using Tapatalk

You are not allowed access to that information until you schedule and complete your mandatory flipper rub with Marlin.

[sampson]

You are not allowed access to that information until you schedule and complete your mandatory flipper rub with Marlin.

Flipper rub with a marlin?? Thats not sexual is It? Dont need the info that bad..lol.

Sent using Tapatalk

[BREATHER]

Correct me if I am incorrect, for those that may know... Isn't the sheriff of Park County(Fred?) one of the sheriffs that backed Gubernor Lickhispooper's anti gun agenda. Isn't he one of the sheriffs that did not stand up and say he would he would not enforce anti 2nd rights. Isn't he the one that was standing next to Inhispoopers at the podium when the brouhaha was signed....

Just asking, maybe that's why his deputies act that way...

[sampson]

That explains it then. Found a map elsewhere if someone needs it

[Mtn.man]

Correct me if I am incorrect, for those that may know... Isn't the sheriff of Park County(Fred?) one of the sheriffs that backed Gubernor Lickhispooper's anti gun agenda. Isn't he one of the sheriffs that did not stand up and say he would he would not enforce anti 2nd rights. Isn't he the one that was standing next to Inhispoopers at the podium when the brouhaha was signed....

Just asking, maybe that's why his deputies act that way...

And you would be TOTALLY WRONG!

[Bailey Guns]

Correct me if I am incorrect, for those that may know... Isn't the sheriff of Park County(Fred?) one of the sheriffs that backed Gubernor Lickhispooper's anti gun agenda. Isn't he one of the sheriffs that did not stand up and say he would he would not enforce anti 2nd rights. Isn't he the one that was standing next to Inhispoopers at the podium when the brouhaha was signed....

Just asking, maybe that's why his deputies act that way...

Consider yourself corrected.

Sheriff Wegener said he would consider anything, including barking dog calls (or something equally benign), a higher priority than enforcing the mag limit law. He is strongly pro-2A. He was also one of the 54 who sued Hickenlooper.


Letter to the Citizens of Park County, CO from Sheriff Fred Wegener:

Recently, our country has faced two horrific mass murders at the Century Theatre in Aurora, Colorado, and Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. In the wake of these tragedies, it is understandable that both Colorado and the rest of the nation search for reasons why.

With this comes a renewed interest in public safety issues. As law enforcement professionals and as your elected Sheriff I do not believe that these tragedies should be used as the backdrop to advance gun control legislation.
I am committed to public safety and faithful to my oath of Office, to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. The Constitution of the State of Colorado, and our Second Amendment.

It was in this spirit of commitment to our Constitution and the citizens we serve that the County Sheriffs of Colorado voted at the January meeting in Larimer County to oppose suggested state legislation that would limit the Second Amendment rights of Colorado citizens.

The County Sheriffs of Colorado welcome open, honest; and deliberative dialogue on all public safety issues. At the same time we urge our state elected officials not to make decisions during this grieving period because it would likely lead to policies that are unenforceable, possibly unconstitutional, and punish law abiding citizens. Our forefathers had just defeated the world power of the time when they crafted our Constitution. They knew the importance of our Second Amendment and that it specifically gave citizens the basic right, to defend themselves their families and our country.

God Bless,

Fred Wegener



Rather than posting speculation a quick search would've revealed the truth about Sheriff Fred Wegener.

[kidicarus13]

Rather than posting speculation a quick search would've revealed the truth about Sheriff Fred Wegener.
Posting inaccurate info on the internet is bad.

[CareyH]

I have met Sheriff Fred and several of his deputies at the Lake George 3 gun matches. The Sheriff and the deputies I met were all very nice, and had a passion for shooting. Sheriff Fred is about as "Pro-gun" as you are going to get. I am not going to defend what these particular deputies did, but I do not think this is the norm for the deputies in his department. Also, to say the sheriff is anything less than a supporter of the second amendment would be a statement based on pure ignorance.

[BREATHER]

I STAND CORRECTED AND HUMBLY APOLOGISE. This was told to me by a life long Colorado resident and retired Denver firefighter. Not that I took his word as gospel, and that is why I asked here the question. I sort of figured you fellas would put me on the right track.

SO that would bring up the question,,, why did the deputies act this way.... Or is it the citizens the officers are interacting with. I myself, have had a run in with a Park Co. deputy while shooting in the forest. The issue that day was that the fire hazard had changed from the day before and I should not have been shooting in that condition. That particular officer was polite and professional. I suppose that I may be lucky as all the encounters I have had with LEO's have always been positive...

I am not a politician so when I voice an opinion, I don't necessarily concern myself what anyone thinks, I hope that there are people on this board that realize that there are valid concerns about the behaviors of some gun owners. But I guess some of us realize that after reading about the conditions in various shooting spots. I have found shot up TVs and fuel containers 16 + miles in the bush. Why would someone drag that shit that far and then just leave. Of course I packed it out....

[Bailey Guns]

PCSO is a small department with a limited budget. Oftentimes the only people who can be attracted to work there are young, inexperienced officers. And when they're hired they don't get the same level of training a new officer would get in a larger, metro-area department. Obviously, many of the better officers get some experience then move on to another department where pay can be 50% more in some cases. In the last several years, though, a few older, experienced and retired officers have hired on for whatever reason...usually to supplement retirement income. That's really helped.

[kidicarus13]

He called this afternoon. Seemed like a nice guy, and also seemed genuinely surprised by what went down. He told me he'd investigate and call me back next week.

So what was the outcome?

[bchase75]

Pretty much as expected. He told me that when they receive a bunch of 911 calls they have to respond, and they get a lot of calls in that area when people are shooting. He also got a sanitized version of what happened from the deputies in question, who told him they didn't ask us to leave (a lie), and that they didn't know what I was talking about in regard to the whole "please don't move sir....we're liable to shoot first and ask questions later" statement (another lie). Since it was my word against theirs, I didn't really feel like pushing the issue. I thanked him for his time, but I also told him that any future contacts with the PCSO would be recorded, and that I better not get any shit about it.

[kidicarus13]

Pretty much as expected. He told me that when they receive a bunch of 911 calls they have to respond, and they get a lot of calls in that area when people are shooting. He also got a sanitized version of what happened from the deputies in question, who told him they didn't ask us to leave (a lie), and that they didn't know what I was talking about in regard to the whole "please don't move sir....we're liable to shoot first and ask questions later" statement (another lie). Since it was my word against theirs, I didn't really feel like pushing the issue. I thanked him for his time, but I also told him that any future contacts with the PCSO would be recorded, and that I better not get any shit about it.

Thanks for the update for the benefit of the members that shoot in Park County.

[bchase75]

You bet. The cynic in me thinks that this is just how things will be from now on, but the optimist in me (shrinking daily) has high hopes for November.