Cuffed and Caged for Open Carry

[Madrevar]

3-2-09

12:30pm

Coon Rapids (Riverdale Crossing)

For reference, I begin this story carrying a CZ82 9x18mm in an all but unused Czech leather police holster, with thumb-break. I am wearing nothing but shorts/tshirt/sandals with only wallet/gun on me, with keys in left hand and beverage in right.

My girlfriend and I had just eaten at Chipotle and were leaving to pay my phone bill at the adjacent TMobile. After leaving Tmobile, we proceeded across the lot to my truck. I got as far as the rearend of my truck, when a Coon Rapids Police Department marked car flew in and stopped a few parking spots to the left and opposite my side, approximately 15 yards away. The Officer commanded, "Hey, you! Get over here!" Then, "Now turn around, up against the car!" This car was to my left parked next to my truck. I complied with all demands up to this point. As the Officer approached me with pistol drawn, "DO YOU KNOW WHAT FRICKEN' CONCEALED CARRY MEANS?" As he puts my hands behind my head I reply, "Yes Sir." Then he asks, "Then why are you carrying out in the open like that?" I chose my words carefully, "Well, Officer my permit says 'Permit To Carry' not 'Concealed Carry'." He says, "I DON'T CARE WHAT THE FRICKEN PERMIT SAYS! ITS CALLED 'MINNESOTA CONCEALED CARRY LAW' FOR A REASON!"

After disarming me and handing my pistol to his partner to be secured, he immediately started cuffing me. I ask, "Officer, may I ask why we are cuffing?" To which he replies, "So I can frisk you and put you in the car." At this point I am not sure what is going to happen, but start thinking a "Disorderly Conduct/Distubing The Peace" charge is in my future. After putting me in his squad, he and his partner and another officer deliberate on what to charge me with and if open carry is legal. After about ten minutes he comes back and starts asking me the rudimentary questions for his report, where I live, phone number, etc. After that he lets me out of the car, uncuffs me and gives me my keys and wallet back, but no gun yet. First he gives me the speil about how open carry is not the best idea, sheeple will call MWAG, and how if enough sheople would have been disturbed he would have charged me. He also told me that when and if I have law enforcement respond again I should be fine if I do as I did that day. He also admitted that he didn't have much experience with carrying off-duty much so he hasn't had to deal with it himself. All in all the Officers were polite and professional, even if a bit excessive with the detainment. He had me and the girlfriend get in my truck, hands my pistol and mag back to me through my window. I notice my previously-chambered round is missing, so I asked him to get that for me. We shook hands and I asked for his card. Then he went on his way.

No particular agenda on my part, just looking for comments and contructive criticisms from all. Thanks

[Paul]

The only thought that I would have in relation to the rapid response to your location (and the unknown part) is what the caller told the dispatcher. 'Man with a gun in the restaurant' is much different than 'Guy eating a burrito with a firearm secured in the holster'. People are notoriously poor at relaying accurate information when calling 911... May explain their initial attitude and actions, but that is still not an excuse for the open carry part of it.

At least they were professional overall, I know many of the Coon Rapids guys, they are all pretty decent.

[Paul]

It also may be a reason to consider concealing your firearm... Just because it is legal does not necessarily mean it is the wisest choice in all settings.

[macphisto]

I despise stupid people.

I especially despise stupid people who have managed their way into law enforcement.

I would call the Coon Rapids chief and suggest some rudimentary training for his goons.

[westberg]

From what you wrote it sounds like the officer learned more then you from the experience. Not inferring you needed to learn anything, I think you did a good job remaining calm. It sounds like the officer was professional enough to realize and admit it was something he was not very familiar with. It sounds like all went well, good job.

[elmerfuddem]

The temp on March 2, 2009 was low of zero, high of 21, and you were wearing what?

It may be legal to open carry, but probably not the best choice. Cover up next time. What if some bad guy grabs your gun?

[macphisto]

Hey fudd,

You're a funny guy. You make me smile.

Always,

Mister MacPhisto

[elmerfuddem]

Hey fudd,

edited out picture by westberg

i can read lips.
can the mod?

[macphisto]

It's not a personal attack, merely a suggestion.

[westberg]

I despise stupid people.

I especially despise stupid people who have managed their way into law enforcement.

I would call the Coon Rapids chief and suggest some rudimentary training for his goons.

That is pretty harsh and a broad brush in my opinion and not trying to change your opinion but have you considered how often any given LEO in MN deals with a permit holder vs gang bangers, speeder, drunk drivers and etc. This I'm sure is not at the top of the list of things for them to know inside and out. Just because we think it should be at the top of their list, I just believe it is not. Everyone knows or should know if you open carry there is the chance for what happened above, so no crying after the fact that they should have done this or that.

[DeanC]

What if some bad guy grabs your gun?

I'll just grab it back.

3-2-09 I am wearing nothing but shorts/tshirt/sandals with only wallet/gun on me, with keys in left hand and beverage in right.

Right there is where I became skeptical.

[elmerfuddem]

It's not a personal attack, merely a suggestion.

[macphisto]

Everyone knows or should know if you open carry there is the chance for what happened above

Right, but why is that? Sooner or later somebody is going to get killed over a mistake like this.

[Pinnacle]

The temp on March 2, 2009 was low of zero, high of 21, and you were wearing what?

It may be legal to open carry, but probably not the best choice. Cover up next time. What if some bad guy grabs your gun?

Come give it a try sometime sport.... Not only will you have your hands completely full with trying to take my firearm, you might just take a couple of lumps in the process.

Your comments are slightly off base and quite frankly uninformed.

[Paul]

Right there is where I became skeptical.

For me it was that the one and only post is a police 'screwery' story. I am not saying it is not true or did not happen... Just saying.