I feel Violated

[FreedomVA]

I am sad and frustrated today... I had a run in with a local WMA officer yesterday and i tried to forget the incident, but it really bothering me and i do not know what to do, if anything i can do!?

I was on my way to work in afternoon and i would take the back roads (that goes through WMA) to avoid heavy NOVA traffic. While driving i received a phone call and decided to pull over to a WMA parking lot to take my calls. When i pulled in i noticed a local Sheriff and a WMA vehicles and no other vehicles around, i proceed to take my calls. When on my calls, a few minutes later a WMA vehicle pulled in front of my vehicle in a manner to block my car in, then the WMA officer got out of his vehicle and proceeded to approached my vehicle. I open my window to see what the LEO needed, he then started to say " You are not allow to park here unless you are Fishing, Hunting or Boating", i told him i did not want to talk or text on my phone while driving and i am not aware of any temporary parking restrictions.

He then proceed to scope out the interior of my vehicle and noticed my handgun, then he proceeded to ask "Are you allowed or supposed to be in possession of a firearm"? I responded " Yes officer". After a couple of smirks and grunts, he then asked me for my ID. I then gave him my ID and CHP credentials ( i know i'm not obligated to, but i didn't want to come across as being defiant either). After a few seconds, he handed back my ID's and drove off without a word.

I know this issues is minor and i should be able to "let it go" but all day yesterday, it kept on thinking about it and it started to make me feel violated. In 35+ years living in Virginia, this is the first time ever i ran into this experience with a LEO. Most Virginia LEO i've been in contact with in the past have never treated me in this manner and mostly good experiences, until now.

Thanks for letting me share.

 

[solus]

I am sad and frustrated today... I had a run in with a local WMA officer yesterday and i tried to forget the incident, but it really bothering me and i do not know what to do, if anything i can do!?

I was on my way to work in afternoon and i would take the back roads (that goes through WMA) to avoid heavy NOVA traffic. While driving i received a phone call and decided to pull over to a WMA parking lot to take my calls. When i pulled in i noticed a local Sheriff and a WMA vehicles and no other vehicles around, i proceed to take my calls. When on my calls, a few minutes later a WMA vehicle pulled in front of my vehicle in a manner to block my car in, then the WMA officer got out of his vehicle and proceeded to approached my vehicle. I open my window to see what the LEO needed, he then started to say " You are not allow to park here unless you are Fishing, Hunting or Boating", i told him i did not want to talk or text on my phone while driving and i am not aware of any temporary parking restrictions.

He then proceed to scope out the interior of my vehicle and noticed my handgun, then he proceeded to ask "Are you allowed or supposed to be in possession of a firearm"? I responded " Yes officer". After a couple of smirks and grunts, he then asked me for my ID. I then gave him my ID and CHP credentials ( i know i'm not obligated to, but i didn't want to come across as being defiant either). After a few seconds, he handed back my ID's and drove off without a word.

I know this issues is minor and i should be able to "let it go" but all day yesterday, it kept on thinking about it and it started to make me feel violated. In 35+ years living in Virginia, this is the first time ever i ran into this experience with a LEO. Most Virginia LEO i've been in contact with in the past have never treated me in this manner and mostly good experiences, until now.

Thanks for letting me share.

I abhor bullies and when they abuse their power even more so.

Therefore, I would formally report the incident to the local sheriff's department since they are the highest peace officer in the county, quote just for the record unquote of course, in case there is a pattern of this kinda of behaviour toward citizens in the area from LEs during stops.

If the sheriff says eh...at least you have tried.

PS: handing the LE documents solves the problem immediately so IMHO [5 cents worth] you handled it properly.

 

[color of law]

Since I don't know what/where WMA is I would contact the chief and let him/her know your feelings. Were there any signs posted supporting the officers claim?

 

[Grapeshot]

Since I don't know what/where WMA is I would contact the chief and let him/her know your feelings. Were there any signs posted supporting the officers claim?

From the horse's mouth - having a CHP solves the problem.

"Firearms
•
It is unlawful to have in possession or in a vehicle a bow, crossbow, or any firearm that is not unloaded and cased or dismantled:While on Department-owned lands west of the Blue Ridge except when it is lawful to take bear, deer, grouse, pheasant, quail, rabbit, raccoon, squirrel, turkey, or waterfowl
»
While on Department-owned lands east of the Blue Ridge except when it is lawful to take bear, deer, grouse, pheasant, quail, rabbit, raccoon, squirrel, turkey, waterfowl, or migratory game birds.
»
Except when possessing a permit issued by the Department.
»
Except when possessing a handgun and a valid concealed carry permit issued by a Circuit Court.
»
It is unlawful to possess or transport any loaded firearm or loaded crossbow in or on any vehicle at any time on a WMA.
»
Target shooting is permitted only on designated ranges."

https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/wmarules.pdf

 

[user]

If he blocked your car in, you were not reasonably free to leave. Reasonable suspicion required, otherwise, false arrest.