Slog
News & ArtsTuesday, June 28, 2011
Crime / City The Seattle Police Department Is "Very Embarrassed" After Leaving Unattended Semi-Automatic Rifle on Trunk of Patrol Car
Posted by Cienna Madrid on Tue, Jun 28, 2011 at 9:51 AM
*This post has been updated to reflect that a second witness, also a pedestrian, followed the driver of the patrol car—not the patrol car itself—around to alert an officer about the unattended rifle.
As Dan already posted this morning, Slog tipper Nick sent in this photograph, which he took "In front of the Roosevelt Hotel just after 9pm on June 27th. Left unattended, flagged down bike officers who were shocked as hell."
- Nick G.
- Holy shit! Free gun!
"The department is very embarrassed that this happened," says Seattle Police Department Sergeant Sean Whitcomb. "We’re incredibly grateful to the person that flagged down the bike officers and the woman who followed the patrol car driver around to let them know there was a rifle on the back of the car."
But were SPD officers driving around with an AR-15 rifle on the back of their squad car???? "I'm not going to comment," says Whitcomb, adding that the West Precinct has launched "an investigation into the circumstances that allowed this to happen."
Whitcomb says the department isn't releasing the names of the patrol officers. It's unclear at this point if the semi-automatic rifle was loaded or not. Regardless, Whitcomb says the officers didn't break any laws. "Really, it's just embarrassing," he says. "It most certainly shouldn’t happen at a police department level. People should expect more."
UPDATE: The department's Office of Professional Accountability is investigating the incident as well. "It is unacceptable that a rifle was left unattended on a patrol car and people should expect more from their police department," writes OPA director Kathryn Olson in an email. "I will monitor the investigation to ensure that all relevant facts are uncovered and that any lapse in procedure is appropriately addressed."
3
Somebody needs to explain that there's a wide gulf between "oopsie" and "committed a crime."
I'm quite certain I could get my ass fired without breaking a single law. After which, I guess I'll get a job with SPD...
I'm quite certain I could get my ass fired without breaking a single law. After which, I guess I'll get a job with SPD...
5
Driving around with a ginormous assault rifle laying on the trunk of your car = embarrassing.
Walking around with a tiny pocket knife in your hand = deadly.
Walking around with a tiny pocket knife in your hand = deadly.
6
"embarrassing" is getting your period on you new white tennis skirt or getting a boner in front of your babysitter.
THIS IS AN ASSAULT RIFLE. totally different!!!!!
THIS IS AN ASSAULT RIFLE. totally different!!!!!
8
Given the state of Seattle streets, and our hills, it's a miracle it didn't fall off and land in the middle of the street, ripe for some Kalebu kook to pick it up and start shooting at the city around him.
12
I expect once the Seattle Police Officers Guild puts out a press release with their version of this incident I'll feel much better about it.
13
it's actually not an assault rifle. Assault rifle's are fully automatic, AR-15's are only semi automatic. Still pretty deadly though.
17
Yes, people should expect more. In a city with a Police Department that wasn't constantly fucking up, they would expect more. Maybe some day we will expect more.
19
RCW 9A.08.010, " (d) CRIMINAL NEGLIGENCE. A person is criminally negligent or acts with criminal negligence when he or she fails to be aware of a substantial risk that a wrongful act may occur and his or her failure to be aware of such substantial risk constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would exercise in the same situation."
A wrongful act MAY occur - it does not have to actually occur.
A wrongful act MAY occur - it does not have to actually occur.
20
Fuck the Seattle Police, especially the West Seattle Police. It's nice to know that their Gang Unit was probably off beating on some homeless guy and was too busy to leave rifles chillin' around.
21
I'm confused, though. A woman was supposedly following the car to let them know a gun was on the trunk, but "Nick" saw no woman or police officers with the car parked.
22
If we didn't have a police department, would the city be more or less dangerous? In the private sector something like this would be grounds for termination.
25
Cienna, you didn't need to qualify that, because an AR is semi-automatic by definition. If it's full-auto, it's an M-16.
But not everybody knows that.
But not everybody knows that.
28
It looks like it is loaded. Based on the picture there appears to be a magazine in the magazine well, as well as the extra mag. pouch on the buttstock. That thing is ready to rock unless SPD rolls around with empty clips.
29
I love camera phones. No one would believe this had happend if it weren't for the photo.
I want OPA to release the names of the officers driving that car.
I want OPA to release the names of the officers driving that car.
30
Incompetence is usually grounds for getting fired or at least demoted. Even in a unionized work environment they usually keep the incompetents away from the dangerous toys.
31
Shouldn't it be the (so-called) Seattle thugs, ganstas and drug runners who should be embarrassed?
They left a perfectly good automatic weapon untouched for how long without grabbing it and doing some snatch and grabs at a jewelry store?
Serious...this place is no LA and never will be.
We demand an apology from felons all over the PNW.
They left a perfectly good automatic weapon untouched for how long without grabbing it and doing some snatch and grabs at a jewelry store?
Serious...this place is no LA and never will be.
We demand an apology from felons all over the PNW.
32
Aye.
Charge the officer with Negligence, Convict him, Strip him of rank and authority.
To punish him specifically? No. To set the standard that this is NOT ACCEPTABLE.
Yes it's 'embarrassing' and tragic to publicly lose your job for a gaffe...
But do any of us want to live in a society where it is ACCEPTABLE for those who are supposed to be aware and vigilant to MAKE such mistakes. Not in my front yard.
Zairian Danger Bacon Baugh
Charge the officer with Negligence, Convict him, Strip him of rank and authority.
To punish him specifically? No. To set the standard that this is NOT ACCEPTABLE.
Yes it's 'embarrassing' and tragic to publicly lose your job for a gaffe...
But do any of us want to live in a society where it is ACCEPTABLE for those who are supposed to be aware and vigilant to MAKE such mistakes. Not in my front yard.
Zairian Danger Bacon Baugh
34
I don't understand... They were driving around with a woman following them and telling them about it. Yet we have this picture from an eye-witness who says no one cops were present.
35
"Didn't break any laws"??? Umm, last I checked gun owners are always legally responsible to have their guns stored safely, unloaded, with trigger locks, and usually in an unaccessible area when in transport. Police might be under different rules for properly carrying firearms, either way this is clearly not proper and a danger to public safety. If the police union acts to protect this guy, then we need a new police organization.
37
Good thing we always give law enforcement the benefit of the doubt when it comes to weapons and lethal force because they're professionals and have all the proper training.
39
The cop should get his ass kicked, but you hipsters need to chill a little.
It's a modern rifle, same type ranchers often use to take out coyotes on the other side of the mountains. You can get yourself a similar AR-15 from Cabela's using a coupon from the Sunday circular.
If grandpa's 30/30 was left on a patio table outside of Starbucks would there be this much excitement? That wouldn't be acceptable either, but there's unnecessary shock value here.
It's a modern rifle, same type ranchers often use to take out coyotes on the other side of the mountains. You can get yourself a similar AR-15 from Cabela's using a coupon from the Sunday circular.
If grandpa's 30/30 was left on a patio table outside of Starbucks would there be this much excitement? That wouldn't be acceptable either, but there's unnecessary shock value here.
40
All I can say is that if you did this in the military, on a military post, in a non-combat zone, in a SECURED area, your ass would be in some SERIOUS trouble. I had guys leave an unsecured weapon that was found by an officer lose rank and pay when I was in, and these weapons were unloaded.
Remember too, that those military guys made in a year what an average SPD officer make in about 6-8 weeks with overtime. This calls into question the professionalism of the SPD officers involved. IMHO, if the police want to act like they are in the military, then they should be punished like they were in the military, The officers should be in push-up position outside the commanders office for 20-30 minutes before they get called in for discipline.
Remember too, that those military guys made in a year what an average SPD officer make in about 6-8 weeks with overtime. This calls into question the professionalism of the SPD officers involved. IMHO, if the police want to act like they are in the military, then they should be punished like they were in the military, The officers should be in push-up position outside the commanders office for 20-30 minutes before they get called in for discipline.
41
@39- If someone left a rifle sitting outside a Starbucks, someone would call the cops to come pick it up.
So when the cops leave their guns just laying around, it's kinda noteworthy.
So when the cops leave their guns just laying around, it's kinda noteworthy.
42
I would hate to see that someone now gets fake assault rifles and glues them permanently to SPD car trunks... Please no one do this. That would be so uncalled for...
( ; =
( ; =
43
Really puzld? I am a gun owner and user, I am most definitely not a hipster, and this is not just irresponsible, it is negligent and dangerous. Doesn't matter what type of gun, the point is that if it had fallen from the trunk, any yahoo or child could pick it up. Or even some responsible person could injure themselves or others while trying to do the right thing if they found it, if they were unfamiliar with guns. You are aware that accidental gun injuries and deaths occur, right? Even with Grandpa's 30/30?
44
@39--It is bad firearm safety, period. This would be true if it were the same .22 rifle I used in Boy Scouts when I was 10.
The real issue here is accountability. If you or I left a firearm out in the open like this, we would (rightly) be subject to criminal negligence charges. The officer(s) responsible here will in all likelihood will face a professional sanction, at most.
The real issue here is accountability. If you or I left a firearm out in the open like this, we would (rightly) be subject to criminal negligence charges. The officer(s) responsible here will in all likelihood will face a professional sanction, at most.
45
@13 and 39- An AR-15 is absolutely an Assault Rifle...that is what AR stands for.
No adult owns these guns because they are not terribly practical, especially in the 'varmint' capacity. The scope mounts are needlessly expensive and fussy, the plastic stocks are generally uncomfortable and break over time, and cleaning and maintenance needs are just a hassle.
What ranchers use are high quality bolt action rifles, either a Browning 700, Savage, or Mossberg 800A (which is what I shoot), usually in the .270, 30-06, or maybe .308 calibre. No one bought .223 because in most states it is illegal to hunt big game w/ them -too big a possibility of wounding an animal but not killing it. and who can afford a useless rifle?
It is a gun designed to look like a person-killing machine, and its only practical purpose is killing people, so it certainly draws more attention than a 30/30, for good or ill. That is why all the 20 year old sub-literate morons, and police forces for that matter, buy them.
No adult owns these guns because they are not terribly practical, especially in the 'varmint' capacity. The scope mounts are needlessly expensive and fussy, the plastic stocks are generally uncomfortable and break over time, and cleaning and maintenance needs are just a hassle.
What ranchers use are high quality bolt action rifles, either a Browning 700, Savage, or Mossberg 800A (which is what I shoot), usually in the .270, 30-06, or maybe .308 calibre. No one bought .223 because in most states it is illegal to hunt big game w/ them -too big a possibility of wounding an animal but not killing it. and who can afford a useless rifle?
It is a gun designed to look like a person-killing machine, and its only practical purpose is killing people, so it certainly draws more attention than a 30/30, for good or ill. That is why all the 20 year old sub-literate morons, and police forces for that matter, buy them.
46
what the sarg is really saying is, it is not illegal for cops to recklessly leave an assault rifle on their trunk, but you citizens best better not try it!
47
What the Sarg was really saying is, it is not illegal for cops to be reckless with assault rilfes, but no citizen better try it.....
48
I don't think I have yet to see a more anti-Police forum board then this one. Probably the same idiots out protesting and damaging peoples property. It's embarrassing sure, but let me guess, this make this Officer a dirty corrupt wife beating cop right? Or better yet, this incident should be tied to every Officer on the department? It shouldn't have happened, but it did. Reprimand the officer and move on with your life. Had someone been killed, or hurt, this would be entirely different. And I highly doubt they were driving around with it on the trunk; and yet somehow it didn't slide off? I don't buy it.
Bottom line is pretty simple, if you're to ignorant to see past a couple of actual misconduct cases, then that's your problem. The fact is, only a small amount of the department as a whole have been involved in misconduct. It's like saying, "I saw a couple black guys in jail" therefor they must all be mistrusted and are certainly all criminals. They had a word for that kind of thinking. But hey, let's take it out on the hard working Officers who don't even have so much as a smudge on their record. If you want to go after dirty corrupt cops, great, I'm all for it, but again, they make up a small fraction of a fraction. Nor is there a department wide problem with excessive force, racial profiling or anything else. You can't prove otherwise based on a few isolated incidents.
Bottom line is pretty simple, if you're to ignorant to see past a couple of actual misconduct cases, then that's your problem. The fact is, only a small amount of the department as a whole have been involved in misconduct. It's like saying, "I saw a couple black guys in jail" therefor they must all be mistrusted and are certainly all criminals. They had a word for that kind of thinking. But hey, let's take it out on the hard working Officers who don't even have so much as a smudge on their record. If you want to go after dirty corrupt cops, great, I'm all for it, but again, they make up a small fraction of a fraction. Nor is there a department wide problem with excessive force, racial profiling or anything else. You can't prove otherwise based on a few isolated incidents.
49
@45 - "AR" == ArmaLite, as in Eugene Stoner / Fairchild ArmaLite
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AR15#Histor…
@All - yes, even a .22 single shot cricket junior size rifle would be negligent in these circumstances. I sincerely apologize if my comments led anyone to believe that handling any firearm negligently was acceptable.
See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AR15#Histor…
@All - yes, even a .22 single shot cricket junior size rifle would be negligent in these circumstances. I sincerely apologize if my comments led anyone to believe that handling any firearm negligently was acceptable.
50
Are some of you people stupid or something? You can walk around with a shotgun through downtown and it's legal. Accidentally leaving it behind is not going to get you prosecuted. Doing it over and over might, but again, if you can PROVE intent that an Officer left it behind, then knock yourself out. If a citizen left his firearm on the top of their car, they'd be called stupid and that's about it. But hey, since he's a cop... let's throw him in jail and label him a dirty cop and fire him. I heard an Officer say "hell" the other day, let's hang him!
51
Yeah, if a soldier or marine did this they'd start with an Article 15 and it might not stop there...
53
@48 What "past a couple of actual misconduct cases?" You mean the cursing cases? What other misconduct cases have the police reprimanded their officers?
Get it?
"But hey, let's take it out on the hard working Officers who don't even have so much as a smudge on their record." You really killed that straw man, man.
Get it?
"But hey, let's take it out on the hard working Officers who don't even have so much as a smudge on their record." You really killed that straw man, man.
54
Dayum I'd grab it of the trunk and start shooting the cops for being so stupid (oooo.....come arrest me for saying that). Freedom of Speech mofo's
55
@50 "Are some of you people stupid or something? You can walk around with a shotgun through downtown and it's legal."
But little itty-bitty pocket knifes? Illegal?
"But hey, since he's a cop... let's throw him in jail and label him a dirty cop and fire him."
Who said that?
But little itty-bitty pocket knifes? Illegal?
"But hey, since he's a cop... let's throw him in jail and label him a dirty cop and fire him."
Who said that?
57
The comments thread has grown since I last checked this blog and its comments, so I apologize if someone else has already addressed this.
Wonder what would happen if one of us civillians were do do anything similar? I asked a relative who is a defense attourney.
"I'm thinking that maybe-- maybe-- there might be a crime (non-felny, i.e., up to a year in jail, not prison) for reckless endangerment (RCW 9A) for reckless doing something that created a substantial risk of injury to another, which need not be intentional), and maybe for transporting a firearm not put away and locked (RCW 9.41).... but I seriously doubt any prison time. There's a maxim in law about intervening criminal acts by third parties often times relieve a person of any responsibility. Now, there could be civil liability-- a lawsuit for damages-- where an injured person might sue for injuries caused by the firearm in a thief's hands, which must be based upon negligence of the owner, i.e., was it reasonably foreseeable that somebody could be injured by a firearm that was stolen from an unsecure location."
Wonder what would happen if one of us civillians were do do anything similar? I asked a relative who is a defense attourney.
"I'm thinking that maybe-- maybe-- there might be a crime (non-felny, i.e., up to a year in jail, not prison) for reckless endangerment (RCW 9A) for reckless doing something that created a substantial risk of injury to another, which need not be intentional), and maybe for transporting a firearm not put away and locked (RCW 9.41).... but I seriously doubt any prison time. There's a maxim in law about intervening criminal acts by third parties often times relieve a person of any responsibility. Now, there could be civil liability-- a lawsuit for damages-- where an injured person might sue for injuries caused by the firearm in a thief's hands, which must be based upon negligence of the owner, i.e., was it reasonably foreseeable that somebody could be injured by a firearm that was stolen from an unsecure location."
58
An AR-15 is NOT an assault rifle.
I really wish ignorant people would stop talking about guns.
It is however really stupid that it happened.
I really wish ignorant people would stop talking about guns.
It is however really stupid that it happened.
59
@49- That may be the original intent, but AR has come to be shorthand for Assault Rifle, and all it's accessories/lifestyle trappings.
@50-You may not be fully engaging w/ the issue. No one is disputing that it is entirely legal to carry a shotgun or rifle (and often a handgun in plain sight, but not in hand). In many places you may even have a chambered round. You usually cannot drive w/ a chambered round. But I believe leaving a weapon loaded and unattended will probably land you in some hot water, especially if something bad happens.
What this incident illustrates is poor mental discipline. The AR-15 is not the officer's side arm, it is something that is generally only brought out for a specific reason. I don't know if SPD routinely carry a rifle and shotgun in the trunk, but many departments do. So if the officer brought it out, it certainly should be something they remember. And "stressful job" or "bunch of liberal crybabies" never excuses a lapse in concentration or discipline while handling firearms, because they are FUCKING DANGEROUS. Anyone who disputes that is either unfamiliar with firearms or too stupid to be trusted w/ them.
@50-You may not be fully engaging w/ the issue. No one is disputing that it is entirely legal to carry a shotgun or rifle (and often a handgun in plain sight, but not in hand). In many places you may even have a chambered round. You usually cannot drive w/ a chambered round. But I believe leaving a weapon loaded and unattended will probably land you in some hot water, especially if something bad happens.
What this incident illustrates is poor mental discipline. The AR-15 is not the officer's side arm, it is something that is generally only brought out for a specific reason. I don't know if SPD routinely carry a rifle and shotgun in the trunk, but many departments do. So if the officer brought it out, it certainly should be something they remember. And "stressful job" or "bunch of liberal crybabies" never excuses a lapse in concentration or discipline while handling firearms, because they are FUCKING DANGEROUS. Anyone who disputes that is either unfamiliar with firearms or too stupid to be trusted w/ them.
60
And don't forget people:
These are the same guys who's Officers Guild contract is up for renewal right now as well!
(Really, SPOG?!? Do we really need to put "keep firearms locked up when not in use" down writing for you to do it now too? I mean, "underpolicing" is one thing, but... co'mon, guys -- REALLY?!?!)
These are the same guys who's Officers Guild contract is up for renewal right now as well!
(Really, SPOG?!? Do we really need to put "keep firearms locked up when not in use" down writing for you to do it now too? I mean, "underpolicing" is one thing, but... co'mon, guys -- REALLY?!?!)
61
No it's not illegal. It's also legal as a citizen to walk around with a load firearm in plain view on your hip. Stupid yep, illegal no.
62
As has already been stated, I'm also REALLY curious about the apparently conflicting reports of a woman who followed the car and the slog tipper that said no one was around. How does Whitcomb know about the woman?
63
This is insane, and they're going to save us from ourselves with marijuana? Legalize marijuana for adults with Sensible Washington. Look for Sensible Washington on Google and Facebook. If you need a petition send an email to petitionrequest@sensiblewashington.org
64
Every time this subject comes up the gun kooks start bleating about "it's naaaaht an assault rifle, it's only semi-automatic", but completely ignoring the fact that a semi-automatic weapon is MORE lethal than a full-auto one when used with such a tiny little clip. It's actually difficult to use the full-auto version of this weapon correctly, as it becomes difficult to aim, and it fires so rapidly that you're almost certain to empty the clip in your first burst if you don't have a lot of experience with it. A gun with an empty clip is not a gun anymore. In contrast, a semi-automatic rifle can be fired very rapidly AND ACCURATELY with repeated trigger pulls, using just the bullets you need to hit your target, and not wasting your clip scattering hot lead all over the damn place. In fact, the primary use of full-auto weapons is for cover, to create zones of fire that are not aimed at anyone in particular but which no one will want to enter until your guys get to the other side or wherever. Snipers, or anyone who aims carefully, don't want full-auto; it's counterproductive to them.
65
Look at all the people having a heart attack about the *GASP* "Assault Rifle". OMG we need moar laws!!!!!one!!!!!! I am a born and raised Seattle native, and I have owned several AR-15s. None of them have magically assaulted anyone. So I guess that just makes them rifles.
I think we can all agree that leaving an unsecured rifle (or any weapon) on the trunk of a patrol car is negligent. and grounds to fire the officer.
I think we can all agree that leaving an unsecured rifle (or any weapon) on the trunk of a patrol car is negligent. and grounds to fire the officer.
66
Look at all the people having a heart attack about the *GASP* "Assault Rifle". OMG we need moar laws!!!!!one!!!!!! I am a born and raised Seattle native, and I have owned several AR-15s. None of them have magically assaulted anyone. So I guess that just makes them rifles.
I think we can all agree that leaving an unsecured rifle (or any weapon) on the trunk of a patrol car is negligent. and grounds to fire the officer.
I think we can all agree that leaving an unsecured rifle (or any weapon) on the trunk of a patrol car is negligent. and grounds to fire the officer.
67
The big question is what was the AR doing out of the car in the first place? Stupid actions get terrible results. That officer should be reprimanded and deserves whatever punishment is dealt. SPD has been in the spotlight for many situations over the last year, not many of them positive. It might be time for a federal level oversight to take place before the next "oopsie" happens.
68
Guns are nothing but a tool.
It takes some moron using said tool in a manner that endangers others to cause a problem.
That rifle could have sat on the back of that car for years...and if no one did anything with it, it would have just sat there.
Guns don't jump up and start shooting at people.
Guns don't suddenly go off without warning.
Guns are safe.
PEOPLE are deadly. Usually when they are under educated on how things work.
Those same people tend to make laws about things that don't need laws.
We do not need a law saying Guns do need to be locked up when not in use.
95% of the time gun owners do it to cover their butts.
Don't think that the 2 cases per week the media blows out of proportion is representative of the guns in the country. There are MILLIONS of guns in the US.
2 idiots per week should not be used to punish the other end of the bell curve.
It takes some moron using said tool in a manner that endangers others to cause a problem.
That rifle could have sat on the back of that car for years...and if no one did anything with it, it would have just sat there.
Guns don't jump up and start shooting at people.
Guns don't suddenly go off without warning.
Guns are safe.
PEOPLE are deadly. Usually when they are under educated on how things work.
Those same people tend to make laws about things that don't need laws.
We do not need a law saying Guns do need to be locked up when not in use.
95% of the time gun owners do it to cover their butts.
Don't think that the 2 cases per week the media blows out of proportion is representative of the guns in the country. There are MILLIONS of guns in the US.
2 idiots per week should not be used to punish the other end of the bell curve.
69
@59
- "That may be the original intent, but AR has come to be shorthand for Assault Rifle, and all it's accessories/lifestyle trappings."
LOL! No...it has not, nor has it ever been. The "AR" in "AR-15" is an abbreviation for "Armalite", the company that originally manufactured the gun (as well as others, like the AR-10). "Assault Rifle" in this context is a misapplication of the term, either due to ignorance or willful misrepresentation. It is NEVER correct to refer to a semi-automatic-only firearms as an "assault rifle", and is usually tossed around by the press and others who have no idea what they're talking about in order to make the firearm in question sound more scary. That's why you'll hear it used to label semi-auto AK-47 variants/clones just as often.
- "That may be the original intent, but AR has come to be shorthand for Assault Rifle, and all it's accessories/lifestyle trappings."
LOL! No...it has not, nor has it ever been. The "AR" in "AR-15" is an abbreviation for "Armalite", the company that originally manufactured the gun (as well as others, like the AR-10). "Assault Rifle" in this context is a misapplication of the term, either due to ignorance or willful misrepresentation. It is NEVER correct to refer to a semi-automatic-only firearms as an "assault rifle", and is usually tossed around by the press and others who have no idea what they're talking about in order to make the firearm in question sound more scary. That's why you'll hear it used to label semi-auto AK-47 variants/clones just as often.
70
Hi - AR stands for Automatic Rifle, nothing more, nothing less - get it right and keep it factual. Negligence is negligence, civilian, police, or military. They would throw the book at anyone else making this mistake. Any act of violence traced back to this event would be a winning lawsuit, hands down. Lots of shooters use AR's as varmit hunting rifles, lots just hang cool tactical gear on them for bragging rights. What a person's personal preferences are is a fact of second amendment rights, like it or not. Cigarettes, alcohol, and car accidents kill more people every year worldwide than all deaths by firearms in both wars and civilian criminal cases by massive multiple amounts - yet no one seems to care about irresponsible usage of these privileges by adults......................
71
@2, Reg, who should be shot for leaving coffee atop his auto,
it's OK if it's an assault rifle, or nuke, but never, never, ever waste good coffee!!!!!
Negative on the coffee, people.....
it's OK if it's an assault rifle, or nuke, but never, never, ever waste good coffee!!!!!
Negative on the coffee, people.....
72
@59
- "That may be the original intent, but AR has come to be shorthand for Assault Rifle, and all it's accessories/lifestyle trappings."
LOL! No...it has not, nor has it ever been. The "AR" in "AR-15" is an abbreviation for "Armalite", the company that originally manufactured the gun (as well as others, like the AR-10). "Assault Rifle" in this context is a misapplication of the term, either due to ignorance or willful misrepresentation. It is NEVER correct to refer to a semi-automatic-only firearms as an "assault rifle", and is usually tossed around by the press and others who have no idea what they're talking about in order to make the firearm in question sound more scary. That's why you'll hear it used to label semi-auto AK-47 variants/clones just as often.
- "That may be the original intent, but AR has come to be shorthand for Assault Rifle, and all it's accessories/lifestyle trappings."
LOL! No...it has not, nor has it ever been. The "AR" in "AR-15" is an abbreviation for "Armalite", the company that originally manufactured the gun (as well as others, like the AR-10). "Assault Rifle" in this context is a misapplication of the term, either due to ignorance or willful misrepresentation. It is NEVER correct to refer to a semi-automatic-only firearms as an "assault rifle", and is usually tossed around by the press and others who have no idea what they're talking about in order to make the firearm in question sound more scary. That's why you'll hear it used to label semi-auto AK-47 variants/clones just as often.
77
Not breaking any laws??? RUBBISH! It is a CLEAR violation of RCW 9.41.270(1) that forbids the "carrying, exhibiting, displaying, or drawing any firearm, dagger, sword, knife or other cutting or stabbing instrument, club, or any other weapon apparently capable of producing bodily harm, in a manner, under circumstances, and at a time and place that either manifested an intent to intimidate another or that warranted alarm for the safety of other persons." It apparently warranted alarm in the citizens who flagged down the bike patrol officers who were "shocked as hell" and warranted alarm in the woman who followed the patrol car around to tell the police officers that there was an unsecured assault rifle on the back of their car. Not illegal??? RUBBISH!!! But, of course, nothing will happen to the scofflaws...
78
Leaving any equipment you're responsible for is a big no-no, let alone a loaded firearm, but mistakes do happen and in fact this is far from the first time an officer has left a weapon on top of their vehicle and drove off. It's the first time I've heard of it being a rifle but it does happen. He'll receive some harsh discipline but won't lose his job.
79
I was just getting off work around that time, and my colon was starting to give me the elbow. It would have been fun to be there to shit on that gun and the patrol car. Except for the part where I don't go around with TP on me.
84
@45
I wasn't going to comment on this, but your ignorant statement forced me to. AR is the designation given to rifles which were originally designed by the ARmalite company. An assault rifle is a select fire rifle which shoots a mid-sized round. Get your shit right before so arrogantly posting.
I wasn't going to comment on this, but your ignorant statement forced me to. AR is the designation given to rifles which were originally designed by the ARmalite company. An assault rifle is a select fire rifle which shoots a mid-sized round. Get your shit right before so arrogantly posting.
85
@74 - The M16A3 and M16A4 use a very similar "chassis" to most of the AR-15 models. Short of a good look at the fire control mechanism, I have a hard time believing that you're doing anything but blowing hot air. I could be completely wrong, but my understanding is that patrol officers are not cleared to use military-model weapons. Which makes it very unlikely that it's an M16.
@All the assault rifle talk -
My suspicion is that the confusion is the result of the legal definition of "assault weapon" including many things not unique to "assault rifles."
@All the assault rifle talk -
My suspicion is that the confusion is the result of the legal definition of "assault weapon" including many things not unique to "assault rifles."
88
I always love the liberal anti-gun propaganda term "assault weapon" it implies that there are other weapons that aren't made for "assault"
one day I want to own a hug gun.
one day I want to own a hug gun.
89
My apologies. It seems that the legal definition of "assault weapon" includes no assault rifles at all. It's intended as a separate classification, including only semi-automatic weapons.
Either way, I suspect it's the difference between Assault Rifle and Assault Weapon that's got folks confused.
Either way, I suspect it's the difference between Assault Rifle and Assault Weapon that's got folks confused.
90
Assault rifles by definition must have selective fire. The term Assault Rifle was coined by none other than Hitler himself. SPD owns many destructive devices: short barrels rifles, machine-guns, grenades, sniper rifles pistols, rifles and shot guns. Many things that a citizen can't own in Washington. They also are allowed to use silencers at their descretion. All ties in nice with their armored vehicles and robots. The Seattle police Dept. does whatever the fuck they want. In Seattle your rights are a myth when you deal with the SPD. I was born here(Seattle) in the 60's, so I have seen them in action many, many times.
93
the reason people get confused about the terms "Assault Weapon" and "Assault Rifle" is because they are basically meaningless words unless you are talking about specific legal context, for which there is none in WA state.
95
A police officer made a human mistake. It happens occasionally.
Probably got interrupted by something and if you look at the details, i wouldn't be
surprised if high fatigue levels were involved. If the officer had pulled a double shift
or been cycling between shifts.
When you do that to people, they make some really basic errors.
Probably got interrupted by something and if you look at the details, i wouldn't be
surprised if high fatigue levels were involved. If the officer had pulled a double shift
or been cycling between shifts.
When you do that to people, they make some really basic errors.
96
Thank god it wasn't a knife used to whittle wood or else someone would have been shot multiple times!
97
@68- Guns are tools.
Tools for killing living things.
It makes them a special category of things.
Tools for killing living things.
It makes them a special category of things.
99
Maybe this has been asked... If nothing illegal happened, just embarassing; does that mean if I walk through downtown with an assault rifle I legally own, I am not committing a crime? Also, as to if it was "loaded or unloaded", there is clearly a magazine locked in the weapon in the photo. Let us assume and has been proven in the past that the Seattle Police do not roll around with blanks loaded in their magazines. I'm going to bet that those are live rounds in the magazine of an assault rifle owned by the police.
100
Wow, that's stunningly stupid. Which seems to be par for the course for Seattle cops. You'd that you folk in Seattle, being the paragons of liberalism that you are (can you detect the sarcasm), would have a police force that reflects that.
101
Since no one was hurt, this is just funny. If the SPD had better PR, then this wouldn't be as controversial. I know some people want a "full investigation" but get real, it's a mistake and I'm sure that the internal gibes will prevent this from happening again. Plus there's a picture for the SPD training manual! Also, police have guns. It's part of the job. Lighten up. Great photo!
102
Civilian AR-15's are semi-auto.
However 3-round and full auto AR-15's are available for military & law enforcement purchase, and are still AR-15's. I have no idea what version SPD buys.
However 3-round and full auto AR-15's are available for military & law enforcement purchase, and are still AR-15's. I have no idea what version SPD buys.
103
Nothing illegal about it? I bet if a citizen drove around with a rifle on the back of their trunk that a police officer would find something illegal about it.
104
@99: "...if I walk through downtown with an assault rifle I legally own, I am not committing a crime?"
No crime. Open-carry is legal in the state of Washington. It requires no license.
A license is only required for concealed-carry in the state of Washington. Washington is a "shall-issue" state for a concealed pistol license, which means that if you are eligible for the license (e.g. you aren't a felon restricted/don't have mental health issues that prevent you from owning firearms) then the state must issue you a concealed pistol license.
http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/firearms/…
State law also explicitly preempts more restrictive local laws on firearms:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?…
Washington state is among the more permissive states when it comes to firearms, which may surprise a lot of locals.
No crime. Open-carry is legal in the state of Washington. It requires no license.
A license is only required for concealed-carry in the state of Washington. Washington is a "shall-issue" state for a concealed pistol license, which means that if you are eligible for the license (e.g. you aren't a felon restricted/don't have mental health issues that prevent you from owning firearms) then the state must issue you a concealed pistol license.
http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/firearms/…
State law also explicitly preempts more restrictive local laws on firearms:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?…
Washington state is among the more permissive states when it comes to firearms, which may surprise a lot of locals.
105
Also, WHO THE FUCK CARES about the definition of "assault rifle" or "assault weapon?"
What does that have anything to do with anything?
What does that have anything to do with anything?
106
@ 45
AR-15's are great fun at the range. which is where non elitists gun owners use them.
But of course, you see "AR-15" and automaticly assume the owner is some retarded hick assclown. Nice, man, really nice. No one, anywhere, ever, gives 2 shits what you think about anything. Remember that. Also, no one here gives a damn what kind of varmit rifle ranchers use, and if you can't take down a varmit with a varmit round (which is what .233 is) cleanly using a semi auto rifle, then it's no wonder you need a "high quality" bolt action. If you haven't noticed, people like you kind of piss me off.
On-topic, the officer should definitly be punished, this is beyond stupid. Much like #45.
AR-15's are great fun at the range. which is where non elitists gun owners use them.
But of course, you see "AR-15" and automaticly assume the owner is some retarded hick assclown. Nice, man, really nice. No one, anywhere, ever, gives 2 shits what you think about anything. Remember that. Also, no one here gives a damn what kind of varmit rifle ranchers use, and if you can't take down a varmit with a varmit round (which is what .233 is) cleanly using a semi auto rifle, then it's no wonder you need a "high quality" bolt action. If you haven't noticed, people like you kind of piss me off.
On-topic, the officer should definitly be punished, this is beyond stupid. Much like #45.
107
Ugh, commenters need to chill the f*ck out. Seriously, go back to ripping on M. Bachman or debating the merits of deisel vs. hybrid.
My first thought after reading about this incident: I'm glad I don't have to deal with guns at all on a day to day basis. My second thought: I'm glad we employ a police force to do so. Third thought: cops make mistakes, and in the grand scheme of things, this is REALLY F*CKING minor.
Seattle is one of the safest cities in the world. go live in Chicago, Philly, Miami for a spell, see if something like this phases you.
If you really want to make a statement, get out into the city and work towards ridding it of handguns, b/c ridiculing the SPD for this is a waste of time.
My first thought after reading about this incident: I'm glad I don't have to deal with guns at all on a day to day basis. My second thought: I'm glad we employ a police force to do so. Third thought: cops make mistakes, and in the grand scheme of things, this is REALLY F*CKING minor.
Seattle is one of the safest cities in the world. go live in Chicago, Philly, Miami for a spell, see if something like this phases you.
If you really want to make a statement, get out into the city and work towards ridding it of handguns, b/c ridiculing the SPD for this is a waste of time.
108
@107:
That may be so, but one sure-fire (pun intended) way to change that paradigm is for SPD to go around FORGETTING TO SECURE THEIR OWN FUCKING ORDINANCE.
Whomever did this is probably going to get a literal slap on the wrist, when in fact they should be suffering under the severest disciplinary action possible for their stupidity.
People are human, they make mistakes, granted. But LEO's are supposed to be held so a somewhat higher standard, particularly when it comes to the use of lethal weapons - and most particularly with regards to those in their own possession. This cop fucked up big-time, and should be made an example of, for the elucidation of his or her fellow officers.
THESE WEAPONS ARE NOT FUCKING TOYS, and anyone who treats them as such, even inadvertently, should have that fact impressed upon them to the fullest extent possible.
That may be so, but one sure-fire (pun intended) way to change that paradigm is for SPD to go around FORGETTING TO SECURE THEIR OWN FUCKING ORDINANCE.
Whomever did this is probably going to get a literal slap on the wrist, when in fact they should be suffering under the severest disciplinary action possible for their stupidity.
People are human, they make mistakes, granted. But LEO's are supposed to be held so a somewhat higher standard, particularly when it comes to the use of lethal weapons - and most particularly with regards to those in their own possession. This cop fucked up big-time, and should be made an example of, for the elucidation of his or her fellow officers.
THESE WEAPONS ARE NOT FUCKING TOYS, and anyone who treats them as such, even inadvertently, should have that fact impressed upon them to the fullest extent possible.
109
Im sorry.. but if your going to be trusted and TRAINED to carry a fucking gun, leaving YOUR ASSIGNED WEAPON on the truck of your car; a weapon I might add, you must remove/unlock from its holding area either in the front seats or from inside the trunk is "a big fucking deal."
Suspended immediately pending termination for potentially fatal negligence. Is this cop one of the "bad" ones, who knows, but unless you were unconscious, there is no excuse for leaving your weapon unattended.
Suspended immediately pending termination for potentially fatal negligence. Is this cop one of the "bad" ones, who knows, but unless you were unconscious, there is no excuse for leaving your weapon unattended.
110
@61 and others: learn your fucking laws before posting people. Yes, in Redneckville i'm sure you can carry your dad's (who happens to be your brother) shotguns and aim it at people's faces threatening to shoot them and not be punished. In WASHINGTON however, we actually think things like this are BAD. "§ 9.41.220., § 9.41.190.
All machine guns, short-barreled shotguns, or short-barreled rifles, or any parts thereof are considered contraband." And then there are open-carry bans in most places that require handguns to be concealed and have a concealed weapons permit. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_laws_in…
All machine guns, short-barreled shotguns, or short-barreled rifles, or any parts thereof are considered contraband." And then there are open-carry bans in most places that require handguns to be concealed and have a concealed weapons permit. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_laws_in…
111
And I know we're talking about cops here so these laws don't apply, but don't make statements that are blatantly WRONG. A police officer may have some laws that don't apply, but that lenience is made up for with a no-warning responsibility to be safe.
112
I'm shocked that the SPD allowed him to take that photograph. If they knew he had taken it at the time, I"m quite certain it would have fallen to the bicycle cops to shoot him in the face. A breach of protocol like this will surely be marked with a raise and some paid vacation.
113
The police were just testing see what type of criminals were in there area. Luckily you idiots passed. I would have guessed otherwise from your comments.
114
Would you be as upset if the police left their car running with no one present? Cars kill more people than guns. Actually guns don't kill anyone. The person behind the gun kills the person.
Oh no, it is a gun. Call your president. Make a new law. Throw someone in jail. Bla. Bla. Bla. IDIOTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh no, it is a gun. Call your president. Make a new law. Throw someone in jail. Bla. Bla. Bla. IDIOTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
115
@Chris Jury: there are a lot of practical benefits to owning an AR in .223.
The caliber works just fine on smaller game like coyotes and other varmints (and in heavier weights, like the 75 grain, can take deer humanely as well. Some states ban all rifles for deer hunting and restrict huntersw to shotguns.) It has a much flatter trajectory and less recoil than the .30-30 and other heavier bullets, and the semi-auto platform acts to attenuate recoil even more, making longer range shots at smaller targets easier, with less holdover necessary. Unlike older semi automatic designs, the DI system has relatively few reciprocating parts, and can rival bolt guns for intrinsic accuracy. Most AR owners I know have opted for flat top models, which are very sturdy and simple platforms for mounting scopes. They're a bit finicky to clean, but hardly useless.
Of course leaving ANY gun unattended on the hood of a car, whether you call the weapon an "assault rifle" or not, is terribly irresponsible.
The caliber works just fine on smaller game like coyotes and other varmints (and in heavier weights, like the 75 grain, can take deer humanely as well. Some states ban all rifles for deer hunting and restrict huntersw to shotguns.) It has a much flatter trajectory and less recoil than the .30-30 and other heavier bullets, and the semi-auto platform acts to attenuate recoil even more, making longer range shots at smaller targets easier, with less holdover necessary. Unlike older semi automatic designs, the DI system has relatively few reciprocating parts, and can rival bolt guns for intrinsic accuracy. Most AR owners I know have opted for flat top models, which are very sturdy and simple platforms for mounting scopes. They're a bit finicky to clean, but hardly useless.
Of course leaving ANY gun unattended on the hood of a car, whether you call the weapon an "assault rifle" or not, is terribly irresponsible.
116
No you idiots there is not a Law for accidentally leaving a "Legal Weapon" on the trunk of your car!!
117
No you Idiot's it's not against the Law to accidentally leave your "legally registered weapon" on the back of your vehicle!!! This was an accident and not intentional, no one was hurt and an HONEST person responded accordingly by doing the right thing.......Some people have a very stupid perspective of things...!!!
118
For all the people who have started chiming in on the difference between a semi AR and a full auto military M-16, please stop. Same with talk about the kinds of magazines, the flashlight, the rail system, the backup sights vs. a holographic sight vs. a scope, everything. The officer in the story, did not care.
He did not care about his gun, else he would not have merely forgotten about it and left it on the trunk of his car. He did not care whether his gun was set for Condition Four or Three or Two or One, else he would not have left his rifle with ANY magazine on the trunk of his car. He did not care about the cost of his rifle, else he would have not have left his expensive rifle with all the fancy goodies on the trunk of his car. In short, he did not care.
If there is to be a minimal amount of punishment for this officer, let it be this; that his rifle is taken away from him. If he wants it back, let him demonstrate a precise knowledge of firearms safety. If he wants it back, let him ask another officer if he can borrow theirs. If he wants it back, let him train every week with it, using approved ammunition he has to purchase. Let him earn it back, if he cares about it.
He did not care about his gun, else he would not have merely forgotten about it and left it on the trunk of his car. He did not care whether his gun was set for Condition Four or Three or Two or One, else he would not have left his rifle with ANY magazine on the trunk of his car. He did not care about the cost of his rifle, else he would have not have left his expensive rifle with all the fancy goodies on the trunk of his car. In short, he did not care.
If there is to be a minimal amount of punishment for this officer, let it be this; that his rifle is taken away from him. If he wants it back, let him demonstrate a precise knowledge of firearms safety. If he wants it back, let him ask another officer if he can borrow theirs. If he wants it back, let him train every week with it, using approved ammunition he has to purchase. Let him earn it back, if he cares about it.
119
@115 - Back at the ranch in North Dakota folks don't have extra cash laying around, so they buy a gun that will last them their entire life, and will often get passed down a couple generations. Everyone owns a .22 for around the yard/teaching kids to shoot, a good high caliber bolt action for hunting/varmints, and a good 12 gauge for birds...and that is it. A plastic stocked semi-auto w/ a dozen extra moving parts that by law you can't take out for deer, antelope, etc. isn't gonna fit the bill.
When I was young I often talked w/ my uncle about his time in Vietnam. They hated the M16, it was absolute garbage, always jammed, fussy, inaccurate, barrels warped-and I guess despite whatever refinements I'll always view them through that lens.
When I was young I often talked w/ my uncle about his time in Vietnam. They hated the M16, it was absolute garbage, always jammed, fussy, inaccurate, barrels warped-and I guess despite whatever refinements I'll always view them through that lens.
120
#105 Thanks for the clarification. I thought that was the law. I got confused when I was stopped walking up Pike St. with a Baseball bat a few years ago. I have wondered what would happen if I carried one of my shotguns or my assualt weapon. But this was because I had to expalin to the cop that sometimes a baseball bat is just a baseball bat.
121
Its just a bad day at the office for the officer. Everyone makes mistakes or just forgets what they are doing. Cops are no different. Its sad that we shine a spotlight on the very people that would take a bullet for us if they had to.
123
@121: if the day is going badly enough that you forget that your assault rifle is on the trunk, perhaps you shouldn't be out on the streets with said rifle...
also, relevant? http://www.komonews.com/news/local/11854…
also, relevant? http://www.komonews.com/news/local/11854…
124
given that the Seattle PD is one of the most corrupt in the country and has a long history of letting its officers "cop a wallk" on any/all charges brought against them, do any of you REALLY think any body will be disciplined over this??? I mean REALLY....I think not...
125
@121 you think a cop would take a bullet for you? when was the last time that ever happened? cops are not your sworn defenders, their job is to catch criminals and enforce laws. no cop is gonna jump in front of a bad guy to save you, and certainly not one who "had a bad day at the office"
126
@119 well, you have a point. The M-16 as introduced in Viet Nam was a disaster.
Modern, civilian ARs are close cousins to battle proven rifles that function very well under hard use and crappy dirty conditions in Iraq and Afghanistan today. I know a number of vets from these more current wars who own AR style rifles - including rifles in .308, .270, and 7mm - because they trusted that style of rifle and are familiar with the layout and manual of arms. These are near cousins of current military rifles, just like your bolt actions are near cousins of military rifles from an earlier time. People other than retarded children own them, and they are no MORE evil or dangerous than other types of firearms. Which isn't to say they aren't dangerous, they are as dangerous as any other gun.
Modern, civilian ARs are close cousins to battle proven rifles that function very well under hard use and crappy dirty conditions in Iraq and Afghanistan today. I know a number of vets from these more current wars who own AR style rifles - including rifles in .308, .270, and 7mm - because they trusted that style of rifle and are familiar with the layout and manual of arms. These are near cousins of current military rifles, just like your bolt actions are near cousins of military rifles from an earlier time. People other than retarded children own them, and they are no MORE evil or dangerous than other types of firearms. Which isn't to say they aren't dangerous, they are as dangerous as any other gun.
127
@126-
I wouldn't suggest the guns are more dangerous, just more appealing to the sorts of people who themselves are more dangerous. from the drunken idiot at the range who decides he needs to shoot at things that'll blow up, to the young mouthbreaters who want them because they look 'badass'.
After a couple serious breaches of safety, if i see someone at the range w/ these weapons, it is time for me to leave.
I wouldn't suggest the guns are more dangerous, just more appealing to the sorts of people who themselves are more dangerous. from the drunken idiot at the range who decides he needs to shoot at things that'll blow up, to the young mouthbreaters who want them because they look 'badass'.
After a couple serious breaches of safety, if i see someone at the range w/ these weapons, it is time for me to leave.
128
This is another case that the firearm did not kill or injury anyone. That AR 15 could have sat there all day and if no one picked it up it would not have gone off. so there must be something to the saying that gun donn't kill people people kill people.
129
It is an oopsie, and I imagine that the officer is extremely embarrassed, but no more dangerous than driving while texting. A car can be be an extremely dangerous weapon and no one is concerned about not paying attention while driving.
130
@128- A jug of cyanide wouldn't have killed anyone either, but I'd think a pharmacist who left a jug of cyanide sitting on the trunk of a co-workers car should be in serious job-threatening trouble.
131
While it's not a crime, it is a pretty stupid mistake. I watched a DEA agent drive off from the range one time after leaving one of the firearms he was training with sitting on his rear bumper deck of his SUV. It fell to the ground and we all got a snicker. We called him back and he was very embarrassed. Should it happen? Absolutely not. Does it happen? Yes. Everyone is human. For those that think a law was broken, you may want to brush up a bit.
132
@131, never heard of reckless endangerment? Acting that way with a coffee is way different than acting that way with a weapon. Assault or not. Loaded or not. Someone acted in a way that endangered a large number of people. And this was apparently done by a person who is supposed to be the example for others around them.
I had a friend forget himself at the range and LOOK down the barrel of his pistol and then realized he miscounted and had forgotten the slide should have racked and locked (I joked he must have been high on the burnt gunpowder.) He's no LEO and I constantly razz him and use his behavior as an example to others I talk to about weapons. Everyone makes mistakes, but this incident is beyond what my friend did. At least only he was endangered, I was out of the line of fire.
@83 No, modern guns do not just go off. There are safety measures that the manufacturer has to build in to allow the gun to be dropped and no one gets hurt. Only illegal and old guns have that chance. In full operating shape (not bent, run over etc.) my Sig 220 will not go off without 11 lbs of pull pressure on the trigger or 5lbs when cocked. No if, ands, or buts.
I had a friend forget himself at the range and LOOK down the barrel of his pistol and then realized he miscounted and had forgotten the slide should have racked and locked (I joked he must have been high on the burnt gunpowder.) He's no LEO and I constantly razz him and use his behavior as an example to others I talk to about weapons. Everyone makes mistakes, but this incident is beyond what my friend did. At least only he was endangered, I was out of the line of fire.
@83 No, modern guns do not just go off. There are safety measures that the manufacturer has to build in to allow the gun to be dropped and no one gets hurt. Only illegal and old guns have that chance. In full operating shape (not bent, run over etc.) my Sig 220 will not go off without 11 lbs of pull pressure on the trigger or 5lbs when cocked. No if, ands, or buts.
133
@ 35---would you feel safer with the cops having thier pistols holstered on their hips, unloaded, with gun locks on them? the law of having firearms cased and unloaded is for civilians, with nothing on having trigger locks on them, owner's choice.
i just love reading all these comments on here about how this "type" of rifle is evil. so am i an evil person since i have 3 of these? i am an avid recreational shooter, and every single person i shoot with have these. they are very fun to shoot with, yes, you can actually shoot TARGETS with this type of rifle. i know, amazing right?
lets do some educating here: yes, a 16" barrel with a collapsable stock is common for an AR-15. However, they make anything from a 18", 20", 24", and on up barrel lengths with fixed stocks that are used for varmints (gophers, prarie dogs, coyotes, etc). now, these guns are NOT just made "for killing people". i love when i hear this because i have 3 and have not harmed anyone with one of them, never even pointed it at anyone. so how is it made for killing then? no different than "gpas 30/30", except the caliber is smaller and it can have a 30 round magazine.
OR, we could go this route, and say, in all reality, ALL guns, EVERY SINGLE FIREARM ON THE PLANET is made for killing, is it not? PLEASE correct me if i am wrong on this....but they all shoot the same thing, a bullet. rather it be a semi-automatic .223 caliber AR-15, or a single shot .22 LR, or even the barrett .50 BMG caliber rifle, all bullets...just different sizes.
i just love reading all these comments on here about how this "type" of rifle is evil. so am i an evil person since i have 3 of these? i am an avid recreational shooter, and every single person i shoot with have these. they are very fun to shoot with, yes, you can actually shoot TARGETS with this type of rifle. i know, amazing right?
lets do some educating here: yes, a 16" barrel with a collapsable stock is common for an AR-15. However, they make anything from a 18", 20", 24", and on up barrel lengths with fixed stocks that are used for varmints (gophers, prarie dogs, coyotes, etc). now, these guns are NOT just made "for killing people". i love when i hear this because i have 3 and have not harmed anyone with one of them, never even pointed it at anyone. so how is it made for killing then? no different than "gpas 30/30", except the caliber is smaller and it can have a 30 round magazine.
OR, we could go this route, and say, in all reality, ALL guns, EVERY SINGLE FIREARM ON THE PLANET is made for killing, is it not? PLEASE correct me if i am wrong on this....but they all shoot the same thing, a bullet. rather it be a semi-automatic .223 caliber AR-15, or a single shot .22 LR, or even the barrett .50 BMG caliber rifle, all bullets...just different sizes.
134
i just love going on and on and on and reading all these comments on how this sooooo bad........let me guess, all of you that are posting this are not shooters, hunters, etc. just people that live in the city and have no use for a firearm? well thats my guess, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but in my opinion, if you are afraid of a firearm, you are not familiar with them.
now i am not saying this aint bad, but its not as bad as all you gun-haters make it out to be. i am glad that some people that are honest enough to leave it on the trunk and notify the officers....
now i am not saying this aint bad, but its not as bad as all you gun-haters make it out to be. i am glad that some people that are honest enough to leave it on the trunk and notify the officers....
135
in the absence of laws leaving a semi on the hood of a squad care is something we would not expect from law enforcement professionals-i think this incident would be handled differently if it involved private citizens.by the way,on some level we know that lots of dangerous items -including nukes have been mishandled-temporarily lost -don't even think about the oopsies committed in hospitals-and last but not least ,who can forget that classic photo of the large unguarded military ordinance dump,circa 2004
136
Ya, like all PD's have unloaded guns in their possession. NOT LIKELY! They are locked and loaded. ALWAYS!!!!!
137
How did I miss this story this week? It was worth it to come by and read all the comments now. You Sloggers are so goddamned funny.
Also @88 while there's no need for name calling, I would also like a "hug gun" so I can shoot all the sad people. BAN(hu)G!
Also @88 while there's no need for name calling, I would also like a "hug gun" so I can shoot all the sad people. BAN(hu)G!
139
@133- "OR, we could go this route, and say, in all reality, ALL guns, EVERY SINGLE FIREARM ON THE PLANET is made for killing, is it not? PLEASE correct me if i am wrong on this....but they all shoot the same thing, a bullet. rather it be a semi-automatic .223 caliber AR-15, or a single shot .22 LR, or even the barrett .50 BMG caliber rifle, all bullets...just different sizes."
Yep, and I think the cop should be in the same amount of trouble if they left a single shot .22 pocket pistol on the trunk of a car. And it should be a lot of trouble. If it had been a tiny pistol it would have been a lot easier to overlook.
Yep, and I think the cop should be in the same amount of trouble if they left a single shot .22 pocket pistol on the trunk of a car. And it should be a lot of trouble. If it had been a tiny pistol it would have been a lot easier to overlook.
140
yeah but you dont have to carry an assault rifle to protect the public. As usual if you wait for the investigation to be complete before passing judgment that would be great. The thing you have to try to wrap your little narrow minds around is police officers are human, not robots and occationally they make mistakes to. So go back to your safe little cubical and type on your keyboard under the safety that the police provide you.
141
@134 It's very bad. I mean really, really bad.
I'm not an anti-firearms knee-jerk reactionary by any stretch having grown up hunting and shooting.
The problem is: This was done by COPS.
We loan the police the ultimate power over life and death. None of the rest of us posses the same legal leeway in terms of the use deadly force that we allow cops. This is a huge deal. In a democratic state we allow them this power in exchange for ABSOLUTE trust and accountability. There is no room for any sort of complacency in their responsibility in wielding this power. When they slip up in any way. No matter how small. Consequences HAVE to be severe.
Otherwise, if can be abused in any way it will always be abused, and that power is no longer on loan. That power becomes a brutal entitlement to a enforcement class that no longer serves us but inevitably oppresses us.
The stupid fuck that did this should be fired and made an example of. He absolutely has abdicated his position of power. We only want the most responsible people in this job with no exceptions.
I'm not an anti-firearms knee-jerk reactionary by any stretch having grown up hunting and shooting.
The problem is: This was done by COPS.
We loan the police the ultimate power over life and death. None of the rest of us posses the same legal leeway in terms of the use deadly force that we allow cops. This is a huge deal. In a democratic state we allow them this power in exchange for ABSOLUTE trust and accountability. There is no room for any sort of complacency in their responsibility in wielding this power. When they slip up in any way. No matter how small. Consequences HAVE to be severe.
Otherwise, if can be abused in any way it will always be abused, and that power is no longer on loan. That power becomes a brutal entitlement to a enforcement class that no longer serves us but inevitably oppresses us.
The stupid fuck that did this should be fired and made an example of. He absolutely has abdicated his position of power. We only want the most responsible people in this job with no exceptions.
142
Yet another act of irresponsibility on the part of the Seattle police force. And yet another coverup by the brass.
If we continue to let cops get away with everything they have been getting away with in this town, eventually it will look like this:
http://www.nestfeather.com/2011/03/valia…
If we continue to let cops get away with everything they have been getting away with in this town, eventually it will look like this:
http://www.nestfeather.com/2011/03/valia…
143
Yet another act of irresponsibility on the part of the Seattle police force. And yet another coverup by the brass.
If we continue to let cops get away with everything they have been getting away with in this town, eventually it will look like this:
http://www.nestfeather.com/2011/03/valia…
If we continue to let cops get away with everything they have been getting away with in this town, eventually it will look like this:
http://www.nestfeather.com/2011/03/valia…
144
@141-i love how cops are always held at a higher bar than everyone else. when they go home, are they not just normal citizens? or once you become a cop, are you branded "the po-po" for life? i understand that an example has to be made, but i mean cmon people. i believe that the same punishment should be given to the officer just as if an ordinary citizen has done this.
and we do not have the power to choose over life and death. they teach us if, and only if, our life (or the lives of others) are in danger of being lost, then we have the means of using lethal force. that is the only time it is acceptable. i dont think that one person here knows the stress this type of job deals with. mistakes are made. and we must learn that not everyone, even the police, are perfect. because at the end of the day, we all are just human beings.
and we do not have the power to choose over life and death. they teach us if, and only if, our life (or the lives of others) are in danger of being lost, then we have the means of using lethal force. that is the only time it is acceptable. i dont think that one person here knows the stress this type of job deals with. mistakes are made. and we must learn that not everyone, even the police, are perfect. because at the end of the day, we all are just human beings.
145
@144
Really? What percentage of cops have gone to jail for killing someone compared to an average citizen?
Yes. Cops are humans. Which is why we have a process of dealing with them when there are mistakes. And why they get lucrative benefits and pensions. And why they don't go through the same trial process for KILLING another human being.
A cops mistakes have MUCH deeper implications than an average citizens. But by your logic there would be no standards above and beyond mediocre technical requirements. Hey. The pilot flying your plane get's caught drinking on the job? Well. Shucks he's just a human being, right? Let him back on the job!
Either except that cops must be held to higher standards OR the get criminal trials for shooting someone. OR QUIT and go be security guards. You can't have it both ways.
Really? What percentage of cops have gone to jail for killing someone compared to an average citizen?
Yes. Cops are humans. Which is why we have a process of dealing with them when there are mistakes. And why they get lucrative benefits and pensions. And why they don't go through the same trial process for KILLING another human being.
A cops mistakes have MUCH deeper implications than an average citizens. But by your logic there would be no standards above and beyond mediocre technical requirements. Hey. The pilot flying your plane get's caught drinking on the job? Well. Shucks he's just a human being, right? Let him back on the job!
Either except that cops must be held to higher standards OR the get criminal trials for shooting someone. OR QUIT and go be security guards. You can't have it both ways.
147
That's it. Who wants to help me make a movie? It's gonna be called "Dude, where's my assault rifle?"...
148
Who says this is an assult rifle? Can someone tell from the photo whether it has full auto or burst fire capability? It may very well be, but semi-auto rifles are much more common than select fire rifles (the proper term for "assault rifle"). Sure it may look scary to some people who are not familiar with guns, but assuming it is semi-auto (most PDs don't issue full auto/burst to regular patrol officers), it cannot fire any faster than any other common semi-auto rifle or handgun, and the bullets themselves are much smaller than those of most hunting rifles (it is a 5.56x45mm, just slightly larger diamater than a .22LR round).
Sooner or later someone will make a comment about the "high capacity clips" loaded with "cop killer bullets" that can easily be "sprayed from the hip" into a playground filled with children.
Sooner or later someone will make a comment about the "high capacity clips" loaded with "cop killer bullets" that can easily be "sprayed from the hip" into a playground filled with children.
149
A good lawyer could make an argument about why this is illegal or tortious... 'reckless endangerment of minors' or 'failing to exercise a reasonable amount of control over a deadly weapon' or even 'terrorism' (since with the Patriot Act et all almost anything is terrorism, including terrifying people, which this certainly did) However since no one was harmed, and they are, after all police officers (who generally get a free pass from the legal system) they won't be charged. Getting fired though... different story.
150
WTF!!! Are you kidding me! Try and do that in Memphis Tn. The gun would have been gone in minus 2 seconds! That needs to find it's owner and have him suspended!! That is just Crazy!!
http://www.FreeBusinessLeadsForever.info
http://www.FreeBusinessLeadsForever.info
152
@151, this is the best comment on this whole page. My thought when I first saw the photo was "Nice gun! Wish I had one like that."
153
Here in Michigan the Allegan county police lost an assault rifle. Was found laying in the street!
http://www.fox17online.com/news/fox17-al…
http://www.fox17online.com/news/fox17-al…
154
Here in Michigan the Allegan county police lost an assault rifle. Was found laying in the street!
http://www.fox17online.com/news/fox17-al…
http://www.fox17online.com/news/fox17-al…
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166
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