“Police were searching the area of Sixth Street after a reported burglary when they spotted the suspect, Charles Cole,” officer.com reports. “Officials said that Cole became verbally aggressive and then assaulted an officer during a fight. [Benjamin] Lawson and [Levi] Miniard saw the altercation and came to the officer’s aid, helping him take Cole into custody . . . Franklin [Ohio] Police Chief Russ Whitman said that while he was happy the two men helped out, it’s not something he advises civilians to do. ‘These two felt they were able to do it safely and they did do it safely but . . .
we’d never ask a citizen to get involved if it’s going to risk them or someone else.'”
Safely. Right. Helping cops subdue a suspect can be done safely. More to the point, WTF? If this wasn’t a teachable moment for police/community relations, I don’t know what is. “We commend Mr. Lawson and Mr. Miniard for assisting an officer in apprehending a dangerous criminal. The police department doesn’t recommend that our fellow citizens put themselves in harm’s way. But we appreciate any and all assistance they can provide to keep our city safe for all citizens.”
Saying that, any armed American who draws his or her gun in aid of a police officer is asking for trouble. Responding officers will likely see a cop in distress and a non-cop with a gun and draw the wrong conclusion. You have been warned. But not thanked by the Boys in Blue for carrying a gun and being the first first responder. More’s the pity . . .