I'm PISSED

[theGinsue]

So, I was outside because of my neighbor kids and their loud noises tonight doing the Neighborhood Watch thing. I only took my ASP [expandable baton] a Root Beer (in a bottle -unopened), and my 2-CR123 cell flashlight. I have a corner lot so I'll stand on the corner and keep an eye on things.

Apparently, one of the cars that went by (so they say) called the cops on me - claiming I was carrying (I guess in my hand) a gun. I had 3 patrol cars pull up, got searched, rad the riot act, chastized for carrying my ASP, threatened about carrying my gun (which I have on occasion, but NOT tonight!!), and had a NCIC check performed.

One of the responding cops is the one who showed up a week and a half ago when th evandals were out. She kept fairly quiet. The other two were hostile and threatened me repeatedly. I reminded them that I do have a right to Open Carry in CO - although I wasn't doing it tonight! I also informed them that I'm aware of what brandishing a weapon is.

They informed me that having my ASP, un-expanded, while standing in my own yard could be considered "threatening" and I could (will be if they are called again) be charged with FELONY MENACING.

The primary cop on the scene did his damnedest to provoke and escalate. Even though I clearly informed hi mthat I haven't carried a firearm for well over a week, he came out at the end and flat out called me a liar and claimed I must have run inside and put my gun up before they arrived (yeah, like I had any idea they were coming!).

Where the hell were they when my neighbors kids were gunning their truck engines(repeatedly, multiple times a day)? Where were they when these kids rolled up with their bass boxes pounding away at all hours of the day and night (repeatedly, multiple times a day)? Where were they when my next door neighbor had his truck (parked right in front of mine) vandalized 2 weeks ago? etc. etc.

Heaven forbid I should remain in my own yard and keep an eye on my home and vehicles. Heaven forbid I should consider excercising my rights to Open Carry a firearm in a two-point secured holster on my thigh - not touching it - IN MY OWN YARD?!.

I've had enough of this SH!T.

I'm going to have an OC party in my front yard VERY soon. EVERYONE IS INVITED!

[ChunkyMonkey]

wow... in Co Springs of all place?

[SAnd]

You are challenging them. They are the top dog and you aren’t bowing down to them. Try acting afraid of them next time

You might consider going in and having a chat with the chief of police to see what he thinks. Maybe the guy you dealt with is a jerk that they know about and need info on.

Maybe set up a camera up so you have a record of what happens.

On the other hand you can always talk to the kids. They will understand if you would just reach out to them. Oh – and next time kneel in the presence of the cops. (He said jokingly)

[crzy_one]

I miss AZ and being able to open carry and not ever being harrassed...

what a bunch of shit, the other cops should have shut the moron up...

[jerrymrc]

I am so glad I live in the County.

[Graves]

You should've punched him in the face and asked him where the f*** his hat was.

[low drag]

Simple.

Play the game. Call the cops (if you have the butt head officer's name request him) on the kids making noise. Of course ask them to stop first. Then you can say you think they have weapons when you call for the cops.

Keep a log of your calls and if they respond.

Bottom line, start having fun with it and jack with them. Get your neighbors in on it if you can.

Oh, video the conversations with the cops if you can.

[esaabye]

I'm in for an OC BBQ in the front yard.

[theGinsue]

I miss AZ and being able to open carry and not ever being harrassed...

what a bunch of shit, the other cops should have shut the moron up...

Only the female cop was decent in her demeanor towards me. The third cop kept walking around behind me and spouting out little one line comments about how I was provoking a confrontation by being outside in the first place.

Maybe set up a camera up so you have a record of what happens.

Oh, video the conversations with the cops if you can.

That is what I decided to do. This way, if I am arrested and charged with felony menacing, I can show the video of me just standing in my yard (and maybe, heavin forbid, walking around my yard too) without waving anything at anyone and NOT possessing a firearm and see how far that goes in court.

Now I just have to find a system that I can afford.

[theGinsue]

I'm in for an OC BBQ in the front yard.

Chicken and elk okay?