imported post
After watching that video, my first instinct upon seeing that guy jump out the car and draw his gun - being a crotch-rocket rider myself (without the interstate wheelies) - oddly enough was not to reach for my ever-near sidearm. My first instinct would have been to pull back on the handle-bars and position my weight over the rear tire while pegging the throttle - and as the bike wants to go, it should be free to do so - hurling a blue ball of Suzuki at the assailants midsection like a 600cc tiddlywink. More than likely, I would have been shot-at, maybe even hit, but that is less certain than the aggressive approach of the person exiting the vehicle that is not clearly identified as police, neither was the aggressor.
Due note, that is of-course all predicated on the fact that I don't wheelie, or do other dangerous acts that ask for trouble - as it usually comes knocking, which would throw my self-righteousness indignation right under the bus.
However, looking at it from the officers position, he could have perceived the reverse motion as an attempt at evasion, which usually results in a draw-down if other lives are at risk (which, I would argue they were, being as this guy was being reckless).. However, I find it utter reprehensible for a plain-clothed officer to escalate to a draw-down on someone who knows not their intent, affiliation or authority.
Another however (yes, I'm a windbag today), in some states, a civilian may be authorized to intervene in a situation where a felony or other types of nefarious acts have been committed, or in defense of the state or an individual in threat of their life.. (this whole 'however' is a stretch in this situation, I know)
The moral of my post was really that, in that exact situation, I would feel the need to hesitate from taking any action because of the illegal activity (which would have been compounded if I also armed while doing these acts, I think). However, if I was in this situation without provocation (for instance, a case of mistaken identity) and a plain-clothed officer jumped out of an unmarked car and failed to identify himself right away, I think I would have been shot for sure, but not the only guy bleeding.
And not because I dislike LEOs; I have no problem with properly identified LEOs.. it is because I cannot assume every aggressive, armed road-rager who jumps out of their car is a plain-clothed officer (or recently, an off-duty officer, like in the case just the other day in Oregon I think it was)
Bottom line; wheelies are cool, and undeniably fun ----- on a dirt-bike, in a designated area. Stunts, wheelies and the like on the open road is a danger to others. Some chicks dig wheelies; but I don't know any chicks who dig twisted-metal and hamburger-meat wrapped around a van full of devastated - or even deceased - children. I think this guy needs a lesson in risk vs. benefit assessment - in addition to good lawyer.
Oh yeah, and the whole video taping charge is a load.. And, lets ride! safely.. which means armed..
Edited: because I am an idiot sometimes.
