31 may 2016 incident
Road rage.
I was travelling west on Lakeway headed to get a new fuel filter for my Sweet Baboos spare motorcycle. I entered a school zone with the yellow light flashing. I slowed to 20 mph, no one behind me. A small white PU came rapidly up from behind and parked his bumper on my rear tire. I was concerned. I maintained my speed (20) and he backed off slightly, giving me a one finger salute, gesticulating and agitated in general. I saw a right turn and signaled. As my brake light came on he changed lanes to the left. I did not turn and attempted to read his LP. He changed lanes to get in front of me. Not an easy task reading it on a motorcycle in traffic, small numbers and a bit of distance. He made a rapid right onto King street and I thought he was going to enter I5. This is where I stop as I did not wish to get myself cornered on the interstate.
I pulled into a bus stop to call 911 and he pulled in the same space slightly ahead of me. He burst from his truck animated and angry arms flailing. Most of his conversation was incoherent. He told me repeatedly that I was not an American and lunged at me over and over. I warned him repeatedly to back off and stand down as I backed up. He lunged at me again and I unsnapped my well holstered 1911. I warned him again as I took another step back.
Now he starts calling me "a big man with a gun" and repeating that I was not an American. The fool lunged at me again and I drew my weapon and barked loudly, "Last chance, back away and stand down". That part was in my best First Sergeant voice and he backed off. He took a few steps back, using a bit of light sailor words and I holstered. He continued to rant as he got back in his truck and sped off onto I5N.
I called 911. A witness came up and volunteered photos of the truck and I thanked her. I explained what happened to dispatch and a unit was sent. Five arrived. Several Sergeants and a few Youngin's were in attendance. I explained the circumstances to the Sergeant, another Sergeant interviewed the witness. I did not know at the time but units were also shooting up I5 looking for my new friend.
Several things happened here. I was believed by the PD. I had a witness I did not know about. I was a "known entity" and had a tad of credibility with the LEOs due to past encounters.
The Youngin's asked the Sgt why I was not disarmed for safety. He informed them that I was not a threat, I was legal and Washington was an OC State. Hmmmm, why have they not already heard that during "Training".
Charges against my New Friend are pending. He attempted to throw several weak punches that I avoided. The young lady who witnessed it told the LEOs she saw him strike me. He will be interviewed by the PD and they will advise.
After arriving home, Lori had already checked the Whatcom scanner and I was listed as "Brandishing". Well, well, well. Seems as though there may be a little bit of a gap in the Bellingham Pee Dees Training program. An investigation will begin.