Tense Incident in OK!

20 Sept 07

Incident in OK, from an LEO friend there:

"Yesterday, two members of our Drug Task Force (in plain-clothes) confronted several suspects in a vehicle that had just departed a known drug-pad. The stop took place at night, in the parking lot of a local convenience store coincidentally frequented by our uniformed, patrol officers.

A CQB/struggle ensued, and one of the our officers immediately lost his sidearm (his only one) that he was carrying in a flimsy, ankle holster. His pistol went unceremoniously skidding across the parking lot. Two of our uniformed officers who (quite by accident) had just pulled up, saw the errant gun spinning along the pavement and immediately drew down on their still-unidentified colleagues.

Unfortunately, our detectives could not 'stop,' as they were in physical contact with actively-combative suspects.

It was tense for a few moments as our plain-clothed detectives attempted to identify themselves verbally. Fortunately, one of the uniformed officers recognized one of the detectives, and the situation instantly de-escalated.

Three suspects were then taken into custody that night without further incident. All our officers are okay. No shots fired."

Lessons: (1) In any circumstance, even when you are in uniform, don't assume you'll be taken for a "good-guy" just because you know yourself to be one. In the police business, as a normal part of competent and correct police work, we sometimes point our guns at innocent people. The practice is regrettable, but often intensely necessary.

(2) Carry your pistol(s) in serious holsters. I am continuously astonished at the chinchy, insecure pieces of garbage that pass as "holsters." When you go armed, get serious, or get out of this business!

(3) When you need to carry a gun, you probably need to carry two! A backup gun, like all forms of insurance, is an annoying nuisance, until it's needed. Then, it's priceless!

/John