More ‘hug of death’
So, the cop was using a soft, probably nylon holster that did not cover the trigger. Holsters should secure the weapon and that includes covering the trigger. Also, a reader emails that MI has a law saying cops can’t carry if their BAC is above a certain level. This was after midnight at a party. What are the odds? And what are the odds his BAC was actually checked?
July 11th, 2012 at 9:45 am
In the past, I have carried a 1911 in condition 1 using a horizontal shoulder holster in the winter with a fleece vest for cover. It is a high quality leather one from a name-brand leather company. It, of course, covers the trigger and additionally, the retaining strap sits between the hammer and the firing pin block, so it would have to be unsnapped and the strap would have to be moved out of the way for the hammer to fall (not an easy thing since the forming of the leather put the strap’s natural rest point in the closed position).
I used to consider the setup safe, but I have been following this incident and the whole thing has made me rethink using a horizontal shoulder holster. With a horizontal holster, you’re breaking rule #2 by constantly covering everyone behind you. I feel much less safe about using it, now.
July 11th, 2012 at 10:25 am
yup, “Section 750.237 Liquor or controlled substance; possession or use of firearm by person under influence; violation; penalty; chemical analysis.” Even if nothing happens it’s still a crime to possess a weapon at BAC>.08 and if something does happen then this is an aggravator on top of whatever other penalties the perpetrator may be subject to.
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(d0jjcumjgjgppr45j3zq3x2u))/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=mcl-750-237&query=on&highlight=alcohol%20AND%20firearm
July 11th, 2012 at 10:26 am
What are the odds that the D-bag in question was using the gun as a status symbol to prove how much of a badass and manly cop he is, er, was?
Guns are for protection, not for making you the winner in the Y chromosome testicular comparison contest and if he was open carrying it that’s what he was doing.
July 11th, 2012 at 11:04 am
I’m still trying to figure out the mechanics of IWB and chest wound.
July 11th, 2012 at 12:00 pm
I’m with Cargosquid; how does a IWB shoot someone in the chest?
I maintain there’s more to the shooting then is being said.
July 11th, 2012 at 1:00 pm
It is getting weirder.
Police are now saying she was dirty dancing on her knees behind him when she wrapped her arms around his waist.
Meanwhile the family claims there’s a witness that she was standing at his side and gave or received a hug from him when the discharge occurred, which makes even less sense given the bullet path involved.
The incident report should make for very interesting reading.
July 11th, 2012 at 2:15 pm
But didn’t the shooting occur at the Cops own Home? If so, then under Michigan Law, anyone who decides to get Plastered in the Privacy of their Home could go to Jail, even if their Firearms are in a Gun Safe?
I’m Confused.
July 11th, 2012 at 4:08 pm
Police are now saying she was dirty dancing on her knees behind him when she wrapped her arms around his waist.
That’s why it is The Forbidden Dance.
July 11th, 2012 at 4:15 pm
Maybe we need a PSA, narrated in other languages for playing overseas, or local dialects for playing in New York, Massachusetts, California, etc, entitled “How to Hug An American”.
NARRATOR: This is Joe. Aside from being an engineer, veteran, volunteer fire fighter, youth soccer coach, assistant Scout master and a ruggedly handsome fellow, he’s also a true blue American.
This is Jane. For reasons of her own, she wants to give Joe a hug. And why not? Joe’s certainly a guy that merits a hug for any number of reasons. Watch her surprise Joe with her fully justified affection.
Uh Oh! What’s this? While Joe has a spectacular physique, Jane wasn’t expecting her hands to find something like this. One thing is for certain:
Joe like to exercise his rights under the Second Amendment.
What should Jane do?
July 11th, 2012 at 6:59 pm
And I still think he or she fiddled with the gun and it went off. Maybe dropped out of the holster.
I want ALL the evidence released!