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State Trooper Experience

Mojo

New member
Joined
Sep 21, 2008
Messages
6
Location
Tucson, Arizona, USA
I was on my way from Tucson to a very important appointment in Casa Grande today. Well, I missed it. My back left tire tread completely shredded and separated at 75mph on I-10 just outside of Marana, while I was in the middle lane between two semi trucks. Amazingly, I didn't crash and made it to the side of the road. Oddly, the car died as I coasted to a stop. It wouldn't start again after that so I didn't even mess with the tire. I made the plans to have it towed and as I waited for the tow truck, I watched three troopers drive by without giving me a second glance (one was busy pulling over a speeder).

Anyway, a little while later, a trooper in an SUV pulled up behind me. He approached my passenger side and I rolled the window down. He asked if I was ok. I said I was and then I told him I didn't want any secrets between us. I pointed down between the passenger seat and center console where my holstered and loaded LC9s was located. He smiled and said "thanks for letting me know". That was the end of the discussion about my gun!

We had a very comfortable discussion about my car and he even suggested that maybe the slapping of the separated tread could have tripped the fuel inertia switch. I was unfamiliar with this concept, but he said, "just pop the trunk and we can see". This would be a great way to find out if anything was in my trunk, but he was totally on the level and totally right! Of course I had nothing to worry about in the trunk. We located the switch, pressed the button, and my car fired right up when I started it. I called him a genius and he just smiled. I thanked him sincerely and shook his hand before he left. The tow truck driver still showed up and helped me out with installing the donut tire, so I didn't need a tow. I was able limp home. Even though I missed my meeting, this trooper saved me at least a hundred bucks on a tow (the service call was MUCH less) and whatever the diagnostic cost would have been at the shop. I didn't even get his name, but I sure appreciate the fact that he was there for me. Come to think of it, he never asked me for my ID or any personal info. He was perfectly comfortable with my pistol being in the car, especially because I mentioned it I suppose, and he really did me a solid by getting to the meat of my roadside problem. Respect to this gentleman, and I don't use the word "gentleman" lightly. Where I come from, that is high praise.

This was literally my first experience of any kind with a LEO by the side of the road in over twenty years, and I obviously have nothing but good things to say. Way to go trooper, thank you kindly for "protecting and serving".
 

Firearms Iinstuctor

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2011
Messages
3,428
Location
northern wis
We had a very comfortable discussion about my car and he even suggested that maybe the slapping of the separated tread could have tripped the fuel inertia switch. I was unfamiliar with this concept,

I have seen this happen several times to vehicles had have been able to preform this miracle when I stop to help a couple different motorist.

It was a puzzler the first time for sure.

Glad it all turned out for you.
 

Maverick9

Regular Member
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
1,404
Location
Mid-atlantic
So, basically, you're so intimidated by state troopers that you forgot Arizona law is 'informing=no', and you signed up to tell us that you prefer to 'train' troopers to believe you must not only inform you must talk about your firearm?

Sorry, that's a Fail.

PS nobody cares about your car - this is a 2A rights site.

Live and learn, huh?

I should add 'welcome to OCDO'. :)
 
Last edited:

utbagpiper

Banned
Joined
Jul 5, 2006
Messages
4,061
Location
Utah
So, basically, you're so intimidated by state troopers that you forgot Arizona law is 'informing=no', and you signed up to tell us that you prefer to 'train' troopers to believe you must not only inform you must talk about your firearm?

Sorry, that's a Fail.

PS nobody cares about your car - this is a 2A rights site.

Live and learn, huh?

Not a very polite welcoming, there Maverick.

Mojo had a polite, pleasant, non-eventful interaction with a peace officer that involved, however minimally, the presence of lawfully possessed firearm. Sounds on topic to me. The officer handled things exactly as he should, IMO and we ought to welcome these kinds of accounts lest all we ever read here are the incidents in which officers do not respect our RsKBA. That might tend to skew our perceptions and make us think that violating our rights is the norm, rather than the exception, in places like Arizona.

Welcome Mojo.

Charles
 

MAC702

Campaign Veteran
Joined
Jul 31, 2011
Messages
6,331
Location
Nevada
Welcome! Thanks for sharing your experience.

... I watched three troopers drive by without giving me a second glance (one was busy pulling over a speeder)....

I thought that was the most telling part of the story, myself, and would be the focus of my letter to the Highway Patrol after thanking the helpful trooper, by name, in the same letter. Sharing your story on the Internet is one thing, and good, but sharing it with the State is the best thing you can do.
 

Rusty Young Man

Regular Member
Joined
Jun 19, 2013
Messages
1,548
Location
Árida Zona
Welcome (back) to OCDO, and greetings from someone else in sunny, dry Tucson Mojo!:)

Glad you figured out the switch thing (concept was new to me until about five years ago:p). Sorry to hear about the shredded tire and missed appointment.:(

SNIP...as I waited for the tow truck, I watched three troopers drive by without giving me a second glance (one was busy pulling over a speeder).SNIP...

Can't say my experience with most of the troopers I've dealt with has been pleasant, but at least they made contact. Don't know why two without any obvious task would ignore you.:confused:


So, basically, you're so intimidated by state troopers that you forgot Arizona law is 'informing=no', and you signed up to tell us that you prefer to 'train' troopers to believe you must not only inform you must talk about your firearm?

Sorry, that's a Fail.

PS nobody cares about your car - this is a 2A rights site.

Live and learn, huh?

I should add 'welcome to OCDO'. :)

Not the most friendly hello to someone you supposed was a newcomer. Though I agree with you in that one shouldn't willingly (nor be legally compelled to) divulge the status of their sidearm, I think Mojo made it clear that he was sharing his story because the trooper DIDN'T react as we've come to expect from the "privilege to bear some arms in certain manners" states.
 

Maverick9

Regular Member
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
1,404
Location
Mid-atlantic
Not the most friendly hello to someone you supposed was a newcomer. Though I agree with you in that one shouldn't willingly (nor be legally compelled to) divulge the status of their sidearm, I think Mojo made it clear that he was sharing his story because the trooper DIDN'T react as we've come to expect from the "privilege to bear some arms in certain manners" states.

It's a subtle jab at the rights of the individual, cow-towing to authority being touted as a "GOOD THING", and giving a long, shaggy-dog story, designed to change attitudes or gain sympathy.

The point is he posted as though he was proud of his interaction but in reality people like the OP make it hard for others to JUST FOLLOW the law. Maybe if he'd have kissed the Trooper's behind he's have given him a recipe for the world's greatest chicken soup?

What I care about is knocking these subtle subversive posts on their keister. The OP failed, acted like a dimwit and I don't care if he achieved sainthood, his actions were incorrect. The best course is to KNOW the law and follow the law and I believe posters who advise otherwise should be chastened.

To sum up, don't come to a 2A site awash in pride saying 'I didn't know the law, I kissed arse, and I got a prize!'.
 
Last edited:

Mojo

New member
Joined
Sep 21, 2008
Messages
6
Location
Tucson, Arizona, USA
Thanks for your welcome Maverick, but you seem to have missed the fact that I have been part of this forum much longer than you. Maybe I should welcome you instead... or not... I just don't tend to post much, partially because I really don't open carry, this forum doesn't get much attention anymore, and also because I've grown bored with rude and dickish forum behavior all over the 'net. In your case, I'll make an exception and reply.

You may find it "cool" to resist and belittle authority, and use the letter of the law to get as close to the limit as possible in hopes of being able to scream "I know my rights!" while face-down and cuffed. I'm not into that. Maybe you enjoy being the type to "exercise" your rights at a DUI checkpoint too by making cops uncomfortable. Whatever floats your boat. There are definitely lots like you and that's just fine, rights ARE rights. In case you didn't notice, I mentioned that I have had no personal meet-ups with law enforcement by the side of the road (or anywhere for that matter) in over 20 years. This is because I take pride in being a good citizen when it comes to owning a gun, driving a car, or just general public behavior. I'm not out to throw my rights or the laws around just because I can. I follow or exceed them because I can if I want, and I don't have to listen to some hater tell me otherwise. Therefore, your opinion means nothing to me.

Unsurprisingly, you missed the point of my post in your concerted effort to find a "fail". Two perfect strangers met due to a roadside problem. Both of us had guns. I wanted him to feel comfortable around me, and in turn he did exactly the same. I benefited more from the whole encounter than he did. I would attempt that same level of comfort if no guns or law enforcement officers were involved, and I expect it from others. That is the way humans should act, should they not? I had no reason to be intimidated by him because I had nothing to hide. Furthermore, I wanted there to be no reason why he might feel intimidated by me in case I had something to hide. Maybe you would have felt differently in my situation, but like I said, I really don't care what you would do. The law definitely states that I do not have to inform, you are correct about that. Please show me where it says I "must" not inform. I firmly believe in my second amendment rights, and in the process of being a sane human, I neither gave them up nor had them taken away from me yesterday. Fail? No, win/win! Neither of us were in any danger of offending or putting off the other, AT ALL. It seems that you have an urge to be the one who intimidates based on the language and general demeanor you portray here. I'm sorry you have to feel that way. Sadly, if that is how you choose to live all of your life, my opinion is that you should stay away from guns altogether to reduce your chances of having to hire a defense attorney someday. But you don't have to listen to my opinion in the same way that yours means zero to me. That seems to be the biggest difference between you and I - I won't force my doctrine on you.

To the rest of you who had kinder things to say, thank you for noticing that my point was that even though LEOs are getting a bad rap these days all over the country, there are some of us who have experiences quite the opposite and it is nice to give credit where due. Cops are just as human as the rest of us. I simply wanted others to hear of a good experience instead of falling for all the cop-hater hype like some fanatical people seem to do. I was friends with a city cop in Alabama years ago who died to save someone else. He was a good guy. He was a human like the rest of us. Some jack-ass tried to intimidate him and he had to pay the ultimate price for it. Just because they wear a badge doesn't mean they are always against us. Remember that.
 

SovereigntyOrDeath

Regular Member
Joined
Dec 15, 2014
Messages
411
Location
Coeur D Alene, Idaho
I was on my way from Tucson to a very important appointment in Casa Grande today. Well, I missed it. My back left tire tread completely shredded and separated at 75mph on I-10 just outside of Marana, while I was in the middle lane between two semi trucks. Amazingly, I didn't crash and made it to the side of the road. Oddly, the car died as I coasted to a stop. It wouldn't start again after that so I didn't even mess with the tire. I made the plans to have it towed and as I waited for the tow truck, I watched three troopers drive by without giving me a second glance (one was busy pulling over a speeder).

Anyway, a little while later, a trooper in an SUV pulled up behind me. He approached my passenger side and I rolled the window down. He asked if I was ok. I said I was and then I told him I didn't want any secrets between us. I pointed down between the passenger seat and center console where my holstered and loaded LC9s was located. He smiled and said "thanks for letting me know". That was the end of the discussion about my gun!

We had a very comfortable discussion about my car and he even suggested that maybe the slapping of the separated tread could have tripped the fuel inertia switch. I was unfamiliar with this concept, but he said, "just pop the trunk and we can see". This would be a great way to find out if anything was in my trunk, but he was totally on the level and totally right! Of course I had nothing to worry about in the trunk. We located the switch, pressed the button, and my car fired right up when I started it. I called him a genius and he just smiled. I thanked him sincerely and shook his hand before he left. The tow truck driver still showed up and helped me out with installing the donut tire, so I didn't need a tow. I was able limp home. Even though I missed my meeting, this trooper saved me at least a hundred bucks on a tow (the service call was MUCH less) and whatever the diagnostic cost would have been at the shop. I didn't even get his name, but I sure appreciate the fact that he was there for me. Come to think of it, he never asked me for my ID or any personal info. He was perfectly comfortable with my pistol being in the car, especially because I mentioned it I suppose, and he really did me a solid by getting to the meat of my roadside problem. Respect to this gentleman, and I don't use the word "gentleman" lightly. Where I come from, that is high praise.

This was literally my first experience of any kind with a LEO by the side of the road in over twenty years, and I obviously have nothing but good things to say. Way to go trooper, thank you kindly for "protecting and serving".

Welcome back (if you decide to stick around) and thank you for the story. We need more good cop stories in our lives these days.
 

Maverick9

Regular Member
Joined
Apr 7, 2013
Messages
1,404
Location
Mid-atlantic
You may find it "cool" to resist and belittle authority

See, you've failed again in having any ability to read my reply. What about a recommendation to follow the law is belittling and resisting?

You didn't know the law, you kissed his butt and bowed your head and gave up your right to privacy. Good job. (golf clap).

As a long timer, I have to ask why you don't know better and I'm glad you're not posting more of this drivel.
 

utbagpiper

Banned
Joined
Jul 5, 2006
Messages
4,061
Location
Utah
You didn't know the law,

Did he say he didn't know the law? Did he suggest that he thought he was legally required to disclose?

There is certainly no law against disclosure. From the report the manner of disclosure can't possibly be interpreted as being rude or threatening.

The only "problem" is he didn't carry (or interact with cops) exactly the way you choose to do so. So you are berating him and attempting to shame him into adopting your preferred methods.

From a social (not legal, but social) perspective, how is your conduct any different than those evil CC P4P types who disparage OC in an attempt to shame gun owners into using their preferred method of carry?

The OP's reported conduct was legal, peaceful, polite, and the overall interaction with the police officer was entirely uneventful and helpful to the OP.

Get off your high horse and accept that not everyone cares to do things exactly the way you do. Respect their freedom as you'd expect them to respect yours. What you call "kissing his butt" some folks recognize as courtesy without surrendering anything. We might just as well characterize your assertion of your rights as being a pig-headed, inconsiderate jerk. But where would that get us?

Charles
 

Mojo

New member
Joined
Sep 21, 2008
Messages
6
Location
Tucson, Arizona, USA
See, you've failed again in having any ability to read my reply. What about a recommendation to follow the law is belittling and resisting?

You didn't know the law, you kissed his butt and bowed your head and gave up your right to privacy. Good job. (golf clap).

As a long timer, I have to ask why you don't know better and I'm glad you're not posting more of this drivel.


I don't believe I misinterpreted anything. Trying to find failure in people seems to be a big thing to you. Your comments about being intimidated by troopers, "training" them, and "cow-towing to authority" all pretty much struck me as derogatory terms meant to tear down law enforcement and the authority given to them by the state that allows you to carry a gun so freely. I don't appreciate that, especially in the mean-spirited tone you took when you don't even know me and thought I was a noob. You said that people like me "make it hard for others to JUST FOLLOW the law." It seems that "JUST" is the problem word for me here. You clearly have issue with someone who not only "JUST" follows the law but also prefers to be something a little more. If you want to JUST follow the law, it's your right. I can't rightfully discount that and I'm proud of you for not thumbing your nose at the law (golf clap for you). Nobody says that you have to try to be better than the bare minimum of what people expect of you. Maybe my standards are different simply because I was raised differently.

I guess I didn't see it as necessary to spell everything out for you, but since the very WORD of law is your guide, maybe I do. I know the law. That's part of what I mean when I talk about responsibility as a gun owner. When I moved to AZ I made sure to know and comply with the laws before I pulled my guns out of their cases. I knew I didn't HAVE to tell the trooper anything. Hopefully there is no need to rehash my motives about telling him because everyone else here seemed to understand that already. I also mentioned that the pistol was wedged between the passenger seat and the center console. What I guess I didn't explicitly mention was that it was actually in plain sight, and upon removing his sunglasses he surely would have seen it anyway. It seems I waived my right to privacy when I chose not to conceal, rather than when I stated what he was about to see in front of him. I'll go out on a limb and guess that since you post so much in an open carry forum, you waive your right to privacy every day.

Why don't I know better? Better than what? You? Heh, I don't think I even need to go there. We also have different opinions on what constitutes "drivel" in an open forum. See, I personally think trolling and hassling someone over their opinions is drivel, but what do I know. I appreciate good debates, but generally only intelligent ones and those are hard to find these days. Again, MY opinion, and you can take that away from me just as soon as you disarm me. Both of which are the most un-American of actions. Some of us don't think like you. Deal with it.
 

The Trickster

Regular Member
Joined
Sep 21, 2012
Messages
216
Location
Arizona
So, basically, you're so intimidated by state troopers that you forgot Arizona law is 'informing=no', and you signed up to tell us that you prefer to 'train' troopers to believe you must not only inform you must talk about your firearm?

Sorry, that's a Fail.

PS nobody cares about your car - this is a 2A rights site.

Live and learn, huh?

I should add 'welcome to OCDO'. :)

Just because he isn't required to inform a peace officer by law doesn't mean he can't/shouldn't do so if it's what he wants to do. You seem to be another one of these whine-about-authority types who has no problem telling everyone else what to do. How ironic....:rolleyes:

PS: I'm somebody and I care/enjoyed his car story.
 

OC for ME

Regular Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2010
Messages
12,452
Location
White Oak Plantation
Tell me more of this switch you speak of. I've been around vehicles for 40 years or so and this switch is news to me. I drive a diesel pick-up truck and this switch may not apply to me. My DW, on the other hand, drives a more "uptown" type of vehicle and she "just" may be afflicted with such a device.

Thanks for the story, glad the cop was able to save you some jack. Sounds "just" like another boring roadside encounter with a cop.

I respectfully request that you only post cop stories that are fraught with rights violations and cop misconduct, so as to appease the more enlightened among us.;)
 

Mojo

New member
Joined
Sep 21, 2008
Messages
6
Location
Tucson, Arizona, USA
Tell me more of this switch you speak of. I've been around vehicles for 40 years or so and this switch is news to me. I drive a diesel pick-up truck and this switch may not apply to me. My DW, on the other hand, drives a more "uptown" type of vehicle and she "just" may be afflicted with such a device.

Thanks for the story, glad the cop was able to save you some jack. Sounds "just" like another boring roadside encounter with a cop.

I respectfully request that you only post cop stories that are fraught with rights violations and cop misconduct, so as to appease the more enlightened among us.;)

I got down to Firestone to buy a new set of tires later in the day, and relayed what the trooper had said about the switch. The tech was very familiar with the problem. I drive a 98 Lincoln Mark VIII. If I'm not mistaken, this is a Lincoln/Ford thing, but other vehicles may have it as well. Apparently this switch is for safety reasons, like in a roll-over situation. The switch trips, fuel gets cut to stop the engine from running. The tech at Firestone told me that he has seen them trip on some (Ford) cars from just going over speedbumps. Seems like kind of a dangerous thing in many situations though, like mine. My engine died just as I was getting across the lanes to stop in the shoulder. Power steering was out, but fortunately I didn't have to make a hard turn. The switch is located on the inside wall of the trunk, driver side, just where the separated tire was slapping up against the wheel well. Right behind a little access panel was a big red button that just needed to be pushed to reset. Easiest "repair" on that Lincoln yet!
 

OC for ME

Regular Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2010
Messages
12,452
Location
White Oak Plantation
I got down to Firestone to buy a new set of tires later in the day, and relayed what the trooper had said about the switch. The tech was very familiar with the problem. I drive a 98 Lincoln Mark VIII. If I'm not mistaken, this is a Lincoln/Ford thing, but other vehicles may have it as well. Apparently this switch is for safety reasons, like in a roll-over situation. The switch trips, fuel gets cut to stop the engine from running. The tech at Firestone told me that he has seen them trip on some (Ford) cars from just going over speedbumps. Seems like kind of a dangerous thing in many situations though, like mine. My engine died just as I was getting across the lanes to stop in the shoulder. Power steering was out, but fortunately I didn't have to make a hard turn. The switch is located on the inside wall of the trunk, driver side, just where the separated tire was slapping up against the wheel well. Right behind a little access panel was a big red button that just needed to be pushed to reset. Easiest "repair" on that Lincoln yet!
Thanks again. I'll ping my mechanic and the GM dealership. Sounds like a feature to avoid if I can. The intent may be well and good, the application, maybe not so much.
 

Firearms Iinstuctor

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2011
Messages
3,428
Location
northern wis
The switch is installed to stop the fuel pump in a crash so if the line is broken fuel isn't pump out.

Wasn't a problem with the old mechanical pumps car stopped pumped stopped electric pumps keep on pumping
 
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