Negative OC at Tappahannock Sheetz

flying_174 · Apr 22, 2009

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I am from the Richmond area and have a job in Tappahannock right now, I docabinets. Iopen carry everywhere I go and have not had any problems,until now. I have been traveling back and forth from this job and often stop atSheetz on the way to, or from. Probably been there about 8 times, without incident.Tuesday I went in around noon, it was busy for lunch. I was in line checking out, made the mistake of being in the managers line. Whenshe was getting to ring up my stuff she asked me,"Is thata regular gun?" I didn't know what to say, kinda threw me for a loop. Of all the things I wanted to say I politely sad,"Yes".Shethensaid, "Nexttime you come in here leave it inyour car." I then asked, Is thiscompany policy?" Shethen said,"Yes, you are making people nervous. Someone could come in here to rob us and take your gun and use it torob us." Isaid, "I'd like to see them try." She then continued to spue her anti gun agenda.................sigh...............:banghead:............sorry...........ok....... I'm ok, seriously.................:banghead:. When will people realize that thats is not true? Anyway I'm venting now but I believe I remained completely calm and respectful through the incident, even though she was treating me like a 17 year old child who doesn't know how to tie his own shoe laces. I finished paying and left. In hindsight I wishIhad left everything and walked out, but I really needed that Gatorade.

She was a shift manager. Don't think she has the say so in a situation like this. She said it was company policy, I don't believe that to be true. No signs where posted.

This was my first run in with anyone. I know I could have done a lot better, and not added the comment about the Bg's trying to take my gun. I'd like to hear what some of you would have done different. We learn from our experiences.

I was pulled over that night for a tail light being out. Had a very good experience with the officer. Very friendly of me OC'ing.

leprechaun117 · Apr 22, 2009

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flying_174 wrote:

I am from the Richmond area and have a job in Tappahannock right now, I do cabinets. I open carry everywhere I go and have not had any problems, until now. I have been traveling back and forth from this job and often stop at Sheetz on the way to, or from. Probably been there about 8 times, without incident. Tuesday I went in around noon, it was busy for lunch. I was in line checking out, made the mistake of being in the managers line. When she was getting to ring up my stuff she asked me, "Is that a regular gun?" I didn't know what to say, kinda threw me for a loop. Of all the things I wanted to say I politely sad, "Yes". She then said, "Next time you come in here leave it in your car." I then asked, Is this company policy?" She then said, "Yes, you are making people nervous. Someone could come in here to rob us and take your gun and use it to rob us." I said, "I'd like to see them try." She then continued to spue her anti gun agenda.................sigh...............:banghead:............sorry...........ok....... I'm ok, seriously.................:banghead:. When will people realize that thats is not true? Anyway I'm venting now but I believe I remained completely calm and respectful through the incident, even though she was treating me like a 17 year old child who doesn't know how to tie his own shoe laces. I finished paying and left. In hindsight I wish I had left everything and walked out, but I really needed that Gatorade.

She was a shift manager. Don't think she has the say so in a situation like this. She said it was company policy, I don't believe that to be true. No signs where posted.

This was my first run in with anyone. I know I could have done a lot better, and not added the comment about the Bg's trying to take my gun. I'd like to hear what some of you would have done different. We learn from our experiences.

I was pulled over that night for a tail light being out. Had a very good experience with the officer. Very friendly of me OC'ing.

The "security" gaurd at my local sheetz just looks at me with that "dammit, why are you allowed to be armed" look. Never had a problem.

Wolf_shadow · Apr 22, 2009

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Sent this to their official web site contact email will post answer if received

I live in Virginia where law abiding citizens are able to openly carry handguns for self defense. I would like to know your company policy on this matter. This question has come up on a gun owner message board, and the answer would help decide the support of thousands members on this board.

leprechaun117 · Apr 22, 2009

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Wolf_shadow wrote:

Sent this to their official web site contact email will post answer if received

I live in Virginia where law abiding citizens are able to openly carry handguns for self defense. I would like to know your company policy on this matter. This question has come up on a gun owner message board, and the answer would help decide the support of thousands members on this board.

Click to expand...

Thank you sir.

jegoodin · Apr 23, 2009

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leprechaun117 wrote:

Wolf_shadow wrote:

Sent this to their official web site contact email will post answer if received

I live in Virginia where law abiding citizens are able to openly carry handguns for self defense. I would like to know your company policy on this matter. This question has come up on a gun owner message board, and the answer would help decide the support of thousands members on this board.

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Thank you sir.

Several more of us should send the same/similar email...

jegoodin · Apr 23, 2009

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This is what I sent...

I live in Virginia where law abiding citizens are able to openly carry handguns for self defense. I would like to know your company policy on this matter. This question has come up on a gun owner message board after one of the members was asked to leave the Sheetz in Tappahannock, VA while carrying a firearm. He was asked to leave by the manager.

Your answer will help decide the support of thousands members on this board. As a matter of policy the membership avoids doing business with businesses that exhibit anti-Second Ammendment behaviors through restricting activities that are lawful in accordance with Federal, State and local laws.

no carry permit ? · Apr 23, 2009

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I just ignore that kind of thing. She didn't tell you to leave, the store is not posted- case closed. Next time I would say, " well that is not Sheet's policy as your store is not posted as required by Statelaw. Make them tell you to leave, they won't 90% of the time, because they are BSing you about company.

This was just an anti-gunner throwing her weight around. Ignore her, too many emails asking about " your gun policy" will just get more stores to set a policy &post it. Unless they ask you to leave or do something stupid like calling the cops IGNORE IT.

Wolf_shadow · Apr 23, 2009

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no carry permit ? wrote:

I just ignore that kind of thing. She didn't tell you to leave, the store is not posted- case closed. Next time I would say, " well that is not Sheet's policy as your store is not posted as required by Statelaw. Make them tell you to leave, they won't 90% of the time, because they are BSing you about company.

This was just an anti-gunner throwing her weight around. Ignore her, too many emails asking about " your gun policy" will just get more stores to set a policy &post it. Unless they ask you to leave or do something stupid like calling the cops IGNORE IT.

Cite please. As far as I know VAlaw does not require business to be posted all that is required is to ask you to leave. The OP was told not to bring his handgun inside the store again. IANAL but IMHO this is sufficient to warrant a trespassing charge if OP carries into the store again as nowhas been notified. NEVER TELL TO POST!

:banghead:

jegoodin · Apr 23, 2009

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I also posed the following to the wikipedia entry under Sheetz "Controversy".

Tappahanock Virginia Open Carry Firearm Incident

On April 22, 2009 at the Tappahannock, VA Sheetz location one of the members of opencarry.org[12][/suP] was asked to leave the store by the manager on duty while lawfully openly carrying a firearm[13][/suP]. Emails have been sent via the corporate website[14][/suP] asking for clarification of the corporate policy. As a matter of policy the membership of opencarry.org avoids doing business with businesses that exhibit anti-Second Ammendment behaviors through restricting activities that are lawful in accordance with Federal, State and local laws.

livitup · Apr 23, 2009

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jegoodin wrote:

I also posed the following to the wikipedia entry under Sheetz "Controversy".

Tappahanock Virginia Open Carry Firearm Incident

On April 22, 2009 at the Tappahannock, VA Sheetz location one of the members of opencarry.org[12][/suP] was asked to leave the store by the manager on duty while lawfully openly carrying a firearm[13][/suP]. Emails have been sent via the corporate website[14][/suP] asking for clarification of the corporate policy. As a matter of policy the membership of opencarry.org avoids doing business with businesses that exhibit anti-Second Ammendment behaviors through restricting activities that are lawful in accordance with Federal, State and local laws.

And I'm sure it will be removed within a day or so. This little tempest in a teapot isn't encyclopedic in the least.

jegoodin · Apr 23, 2009

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livitup wrote:

jegoodin wrote:

I also posed the following to the wikipedia entry under Sheetz "Controversy".

Tappahanock Virginia Open Carry Firearm Incident

On April 22, 2009 at the Tappahannock, VA Sheetz location one of the members of opencarry.org[12][/suP] was asked to leave the store by the manager on duty while lawfully openly carrying a firearm[13][/suP]. Emails have been sent via the corporate website[14][/suP] asking for clarification of the corporate policy. As a matter of policy the membership of opencarry.org avoids doing business with businesses that exhibit anti-Second Ammendment behaviors through restricting activities that are lawful in accordance with Federal, State and local laws.

Click to expand...

And I'm sure it will be removed within a day or so. This little tempest in a teapot isn't encyclopedic in the least.

It very like will be, but you have to try...

By the way, I've already gotten a phone call from a Ms. Christine Bender with Sheetz corporate. We are playing phone tag, but in her initial message she said she would be happy to dicuss the Sheetz corporate firearms policy. No matter what, they seem to be responsive, which is a huge positive in my book.

Edit: I just removed it myself since I had the very positive conversation detailed below.

jegoodin · Apr 23, 2009

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I just got off the phone with Chrisine Bender from Sheetz corporate. We had a very pleasant conversation that lasted 10 minutes or so. She stated that Sheetz policy is to allow the carry of firearms in their stores in accordance with local laws. She told me that she is going to call the store today and discuss the situation with the manager. She indicated that Sheetz is very supportive of individuals second amendment rights. I gave her a quick synopsis of Virginia carry laws including open carry and concealed carry. She asked me to keep her contact information and call her any time with any question or concern and to particularly let her know if there are any more issues with Sheetz and openly carrying firearms.

I do not think the conversation could have gone any better.

Pagan · Apr 23, 2009

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Dang, your conversation was hands down better than the one I had with Rob, the Hampton Walmart manager. Now that that is cleared up.

no carry permit ? · Apr 23, 2009

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Wolf_shadow wrote:

no carry permit ? wrote:

I just ignore that kind of thing. She didn't tell you to leave, the store is not posted- case closed. Next time I would say, " well that is not Sheet's policy as your store is not posted as required by Statelaw. Make them tell you to leave, they won't 90% of the time, because they are BSing you about company.

This was just an anti-gunner throwing her weight around. Ignore her, too many emails asking about " your gun policy" will just get more stores to set a policy &post it. Unless they ask you to leave or do something stupid like calling the cops IGNORE IT.

Click to expand...

Cite please. As far as I know VAlaw does not require business to be posted all that is required is to ask you to leave. The OP was told not to bring his handgun inside the store again. IANAL but IMHO this is sufficient to warrant a trespassing charge if OP carries into the store again as nowhas been notified. NEVER TELL TO POST!

:banghead:

In Virginia the law does require them to post but you can be just told to leave. She didn't tell him to leave but instead lied about company policy and told him to leave it in the car. Trespassing arrests are getting tossed left & right. I was in court in Fairfax county recently and watch one officer lose everyone of his 5 trespassing cases. The judge said 5 times, it's aplace of public accommodation. Additionally before they can arrest you for trespassing in a store or mall etc. they have to tell you to leave first. Trespassing in a place of public accommodation is difficult to get a conviction on without the prior warning. The chance of getting convicted for trespassing for open carrying in a store is pretty small. I personally don't worry about it at all. Additionally many local trespass ordinances have been getting tossed because they conflict with State law. In general there is a big difference between trespassingon private property not open to the public and is posted& private property that is open to the public. I disagree withyou on the posting issue, I wish everyestablishment that objects to open carry would post. I would respect their right and exercise mine elsewhere.Someday when your bored sit through the morning sessions and watch trespass cases get tossed, one after the other.

Sheriff · Apr 23, 2009

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flying_174 wrote:

Shethen said,"Yes, you are making people nervous. Someone could come in here to rob us and take your gun and use it torob us." Isaid, "I'd like to see them try."

Hate to stray off topic..... but don't ever assume a person can't take your gun from you. :shock:

And they don't have to be a 6'6" 275 pound professional weight lifter to do it either.

BB62 · Apr 23, 2009

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Sheriff wrote:

flying_174 wrote:

Shethen said,"Yes, you are making people nervous. Someone could come in here to rob us and take your gun and use it torob us." Isaid, "I'd like to see them try."

Click to expand...

Hate to stray off topic..... but don't ever assume a person can't take your gun from you. :shock:

And they don't have to be a 6'6" 275 pound professional weight lifter to do it either.

CONGRATS jegoodin& flying174!

Now that the matter has come to a satisfactory close...

Are you aware of any good places on the web that discuss methods of weapon (I do NOT like to use that word) retention?

Neplusultra · Apr 23, 2009

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Sheriff wrote:

flying_174 wrote:

Shethen said,"Yes, you are making people nervous. Someone could come in here to rob us and take your gun and use it torob us." Isaid, "I'd like to see them try."

Click to expand...

Hate to stray off topic..... but don't ever assume a person can't take your gun from you. :shock:

And they don't have to be a 6'6" 275 pound professional weight lifter to do it either.

Yep, in the entire history of Montgomery County (VA Tech) three officers have been killed. Two with their own gun, one with the gun from another officer......

DKSuddeth · Apr 23, 2009

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She then said, "Yes, you are making people nervous. Someone could come in here to rob us and take your gun and use it to rob us."

That's comedy gold right there.

wylde007 · Apr 23, 2009

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no carry permit ? wrote:

I disagree withyou on the posting issue, I wish everyestablishment that objects to open carry would post.

I wish they wouldn't. Then it gives me an excuse to either:

A) School them, or
B) Publicly express my disgust and show other patrons that I am willing to take my business elsewhere.

All they can do is ask you to leave. You are honor-bound (as the law-abiding citizens that I know you all are

) to accommodate such a request.

If they decide to be confrontational (ie, make a scene or bring an officer into the picture) it can go two ways: either they look like gibbering idiots or the officer escorts you off premises.

Even though I have expressed my distaste in the handling of such situations by LEOs elsewhere, I would hope that if expressly asked to leave ("You will have to leave" not implied, like "your gun is making people nervous") that you would be permitted to do so freely and without any altercation. A good LEO will respect your rights and know that if you oblige the request to vacate, that you have honored the spirit of the law and no further action is required on their part.

Your experience is also good to hear because Sheetz has the awesomest sammiches.

2¢

mercutio545 · Apr 23, 2009

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jegoodin wrote:

I just got off the phone with Chrisine Bender from Sheetz corporate. We had a very pleasant conversation that lasted 10 minutes or so. She stated that Sheetz policy is to allow the carry of firearms in their stores in accordance with local laws. She told me that she is going to call the store today and discuss the situation with the manager. She indicated that Sheetz is very supportive of individuals second amendment rights. I gave her a quick synopsis of Virginia carry laws including open carry and concealed carry. She asked me to keep her contact information and call her any time with any question or concern and to particularly let her know if there are any more issues with Sheetz and openly carrying firearms.

I do not think the conversation could have gone any better.

Awesome. I think I'll start going to Sheetz more!

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