Warning: The video above includes strong language.
This video of a gunfight between police and a criminal involved in a car crash can be very useful in pointing out what not to do. Before director of USCCA content Kevin Michalowski and attorney Tom Grieve get into their analysis, they show a video of a police chase that ends with a car crash and a gunfight with law enforcement.
Tip No. 1: Don’t Leap to Conclusions
In the video, a man, who knows nothing about the background of the situation, points out that there was a crash and the driver needs help. But this wasn’t a simple car crash. Listen to the officers who are more aware of what is happening in the moment. If law enforcement asks you to back away, you should back away. You may otherwise be charged, depending on your locality, with obstructing an officer.
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Tip No. 2: Don’t Immediately Pull Out Your Phone
It’s the first thing many people do these days. Legally, however, you may get into some hot water. Filming what is happening could bring up one-party consent issues. This would mean it is illegal to film people without their consent. Again, this will depend on your location.
Your Safety Comes First
While we have the right, and some would argue the responsibility, to ensure the police are acting justly, your first thought should be your safety. Cops don’t pull out their guns and shout, “Show me your hands,” for no reason. The man in this video could have gotten himself or an officer killed.
Ultimately, if you want to see what’s going on and take the legal risk of filming, do so safely. Get yourself behind cover. The safest bet, though, leave the area and let the cops do their jobs.
