Motorcyclists and non-riders , I would like opinions on this story

[newcigarz]

Originally Posted by icehog3

The rider put lots of people at risk with his riding and should have his license revoked.

I do not believe the cop ever pointed the weapon at the rider, he unholstered and approached the rider with the gun in the "hunt" position. This is not uncommon when dealing with the unknown, although I would not point the weapon and put my finger on the trigger until it became a deadly force situation. I just don't see the "aggressiveness" that is being claimed here.

The whole search warrant, detention situation sounds way over the top. There are less obtrusive ways to get the video removed from youtube, and I think the wiretapping charge was a bogus means to an end.

Thanks for weighing in on this Tom.

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by newcigarz

Thanks for weighing in on this Tom.

I'd like to hear some more of your thoughts, Tony.

I guess I have bias in both directions, being a rider and an LEO.

[newcigarz]

Originally Posted by icehog3

I'd like to hear some more of your thoughts, Tony.

I guess I have bias in both directions, being a rider and an LEO.

I have watched the video multiple times.
1) The rider endangers everyone around him with his disregard for safety on a public road with moderate to heavy traffic.
2) sounds like he got off real easy with the ticket. Could have/should have been reckless driving.
3) I think that even though the LEO has a gun out in "hunt" mode as you call it, I don't know that it was necessary for that situation, and I don't know how the rider or myself for that matter would be able to determine this was a cop and not some road rager.
4) the "wiretapping" charge just drives me crazy.

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by newcigarz

3) I think that even though the LEO has a gun out in "hunt" mode as you call it, I don't know that it was necessary for that situation, and I don't know how the rider or myself for that matter would be able to determine this was a cop and not some road rager.

I wish there was audio, all we have is the rider's claim that the officer did not identify himself as such, and I am not sure I would take him at his word.

Remember that LEOs, via Supreme Court case law, are not judged by the "reasonable man" theory, but by the "reasonable police officer" theory...based on the totality of circumstances, the information available at the moment, and not to be judged by "Monday morning quarterbacking".

Based on what I saw, was it reasonable for the officer to pull his car in front of the stopped mototrcycle, unholster his weapon, and assertively approach the rider in an attempt to stop his reckless behavior? I'd say it absolutely was reasonable.

Originally Posted by icehog3

I wish there was audio, all we have is the rider's claim that the officer did not identify himself as such, and I am not sure I would take him at his word.

Remember that LEOs, via Supreme Court case law, are not judged by the "reasonable man" theory, but by the "reasonable police officer" theory...based on the totality of circumstances, the information available at the moment, and not to be judged by "Monday morning quarterbacking".

Based on what I saw, was it reasonable for the officer to pull his car in front of the stopped mototrcycle, unholster his weapon, and assertively approach the rider in an attempt to stop his reckless behavior? I'd say it absolutely was reasonable.

+1

[Ashcan Bill]

I don't think the officer was out of bounds in drawing a weapon. He didn't point it at the guy and holstered it quickly.

And the guy isn't exactly a model citizen. He deserves whatever he gets.

What bothers me, assuming it's all factual, is the aftermath of raiding the guy's home and confiscating things. Even though the bike rider may be an idiot, that's a little too over the top for me to support. We have to have limits on both the good guys and the bad guys.

I say they all need a good kick in the a**

[St. Lou Stu]

Originally Posted by newcigarz

I have watched the video multiple times.

3) I think that even though the LEO has a gun out in "hunt" mode as you call it, I don't know that it was necessary for that situation, and I don't know how the rider or myself for that matter would be able to determine this was a cop and not some road rager.

Me too, and the one thing I did see is that the rider did 'push back' from the unmarked vehicle.... was he going to flee? hard to judge.
I saw a badge on the hip of the unmarked right away. That is identification enough. If I can read lips at all, it looks like there was a verbal identification.

Was the officer threatened? If he felt that way, he had every right. It is a helluva lot harder to react to a motorcycle speeding away than it is to immediately take control of the situation as he did. Once control was established, the weapon was holstered. Kudos for that.

All MHO, of course. What do I know?