Virginia State Police Encounter - positive!

[Phillip Gain]

My wife, infant son, and I were on our way home from visiting relatives. We were driving north on I-95 through Richmond. No one was having any fun. We had been sitting in stop-n-go traffic for probably an hour. Our boy was crying and inconsolable in his car seat.

My wife was driving. I had already climbed into the back seat to try to soothe the boy. About that time, Virginia State Police got behind us and switched on the lights...

Even though Virginia is an open carry state, I was still nervous. I had my .357 in my IWB holster. Jacket was off, so the gun was more or less in plain sight.

In any case I handed my DL and Utah CCW forward to my wife. She handed them to the officer, who motioned for me to roll down my window. He asked if I was armed, and I answered with "Yes sir. It's on my right hip." He asked me to keep my window down, and returned to his car.

About 5 minutes later he returned with the ticket. He handed back my DL and CCW and said "Thank you for your professionalism." And we were on our way. No muss, no fuss.

[Keykutter]

You think a ticket is no muss? :):)

I still feel like crying when I get one;)

KK

[NavyLCDR]

I think it's pretty sad when we feel the need to identify ourselves to police officers in America when we aren't even the ones being stopped by the police (IE: not driving). Especially in a state where no permit is required to open carry a firearm in a vehicle, such as Virginia. Flame away, I know, it's coming.

Good job on the officer's part for handling the situation appropriately.

[Keykutter]

I think it's pretty sad when we feel the need to identify ourselves to police officers in America when we aren't even the ones being stopped by the police (IE: not driving). Especially in a state where no permit is required to open carry a firearm in a vehicle, such as Virginia. Flame away, I know, it's coming.

Good job on the officer's part for handling the situation appropriately.

Ah, you taunt for the game! That's kinda what I figured.

KK

[mercdragon]

Et Al,

As no mention of why the ticket was given, it makes one wonder what caused the officer to become involved. The poster of this thread climbing over the seat to deal with the child?

Fine eyesight that officer must have.

Also KUDOS to the officer for being aware and professional in his duties.

Take care and be safe
pfb

[Tucker's Mom]

Maybe the LEO saw Philip going to the back to soothe his son...that means he has to remove his seat belt to go to the back. Glad to know you got a good LEO...he must be single or childless so he doesn't understand the kid-situation.

[Treo]

If you aren't driving there is no need to identify yourself to the cop.

My mom had a story she liked to tell about a police encounter she had. I have no idea if it is true but she claimed she was pulled over one morning and the cop (Omaha PD) walked up to the car and found her sitting there w/ 4 screaming kids (2 in car seats). She said he looked at her and said "Lady you have enough trouble", walked back to his car and drove away

[NavyLCDR]

If you aren't driving there is no need to identify yourself to the cop.

The presence of a gun seems to elicit an irresistible urge in some people to do so.

[Deserteagle]

The presence of a gun seems to elicit an irresistible urge in some people to do so.

Almost as if we need to feel guilty for carrying a gun.

[Phillip Gain]

Et Al,

As no mention of why the ticket was given, it makes one wonder what caused the officer to become involved. The poster of this thread climbing over the seat to deal with the child?

Fine eyesight that officer must have.

Also KUDOS to the officer for being aware and professional in his duties.

Take care and be safe
pfb

Apologies. My wife was over the speed limit by a bit. That's what got the officer's attention. (They were trapping hot and heavy in the Richmond area.) No ticket for being unbuckled. Perhaps Virginia doesn't require it for adults in the back seat?