Don’t bring a snowball to a gunfight 
VIDEO: http://reason.com/blog/2009/12/19/reasontv-exclusive-footage-dc
ARTICLE w/pictures: http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/citydesk/2009/12/19/did-d-c-cops-overreact-to-snowball-fight-14th-and-u/
Yea saw that one this morning.
I saw a little bit about this but haven’t heard if the Detective will face disciplinary action?
The guy probably shouldn’t have pulled a gun just for getting his car hit with snow. But then they stupidly hit the cop in the face with a snowball, enticing him more, and acted like they were the ones being abused. It seems “herd behavior” took over the crowd and they overreacted with all the profanity and what not. When that happens, things usually get blown out of proportion.
Pepper Spray would have been a more apropriate response.
Still, I have heard a bit of a back-story and these Kids apparently make a habit of being asses and this is not the first time something similar has happened.
The Cop overreacted but I kind of understand why given the context.
Yeah, stupid citizens should do what they’re told! :rolleyes:
Actually, because he has arrest powers and a gun, he has a duty to be even more restrained in his actions, not less.
M_P
He absolutely should NOT have pulled a gun for hitting his car with a snowball.
He was setting himself up for a pissing match and he got one.
A couple of the hipsters actually tried to make the argument “What’s the difference between throwing snowballs at cars and the snow falling from the sky…” WOW! I guess when it comes to rational thought, logic/common sense this crowd of freedom fighting snowball throwers lose big.
You all know I am as pro police as anyone. But this guy is an idiot. I have also read the Dept. is defending his actions by saying he did nothing inappropriate. Of course if this had been a civilian he would be in jail waiting for his court date.
Should have ignored it, just a snowball and a car, pulling a gun pure genius, they should not have thrown a snowball at him, and supposedly this was a twitter gathering for a snowball fight, they should have taken that to a park to begin with . . . I see fault with everybody in that.
Yeah that is true. But it was people having a lot of fun. Sure it should have moved, but at no point was his drawing of his firearm justified unless there is something big we have not heard about.
The news just said that he is on Desk duty.
Was his car specifically targeted or a random “oh shit” and hitting it was an accident? Not that either one justifies pulling a firearm. It’s also an unmarked car, a personal Hummer maybe, so I highly doubt it was an attempt to piss off a cop initially. Joe Citizen would be behind bars right now and especially so in Washington D.C.
I guess D.C. will ban snowballs next. For a city that isn’t supposed to have handguns in it, why would you get out of your Mummer with weapon drawn? He should have flashed his badge then asked who is trying to call an accident by throwing snow balls. I figure that if he had used a different approach and established his authority right away the outcome would have been different. Luckily he isn’t a Peace Officer in the Southern most states. Can you imagine what would have happened if he drew down in TX, FL, KY, or LA. His show of force would have probably been met by a show of arms from the citizens. That is why I say he should have shown some discretion and restraint.
I completely agree with you on this one. That would have been the smartest thing to do. I usually support cops, but in this situation he completely abused his authority. Lack of judgement apparent with both parties involved.
Agreed. He over-reacted and should be punished just like any other citizen that pulls a gun on a snowball thrower.
that whole story has bad news written all over it…
I agree whole heartedly I don’t know a single police officer on duty or off duty who would pull a weopon out with out clearly identifying himself beyond all reasonable doubt that he is a police officer after watching the video it appears he just hops out of his car asking who threw the snowball while holding his side arm WTF but the basic storyline is lighten the F@#k up its a snowball fight!!!
What a douche…
He doesn’t deserve to wear a badge.
Lets throw snowballs at the black guys car, then throw them at the actual black guy and expect the good outcomes to rain down upon us.
Are those shotgun taser rounds in wide circulation yet?
LEO having a bad day…and making it worse. He had an opportunity for some good PR and instead will generate alot of negative PR. There may be more to the story, but from what has been posted and shown, drawing his firearm was way out of line.