Category: police

May 16

Understanding the Legality of Firearms in Vehicles Across the U.S.

Legal Framework for Vehicle Firearm Possession

In the United States, the legality of keeping a firearm in your vehicle varies significantly by state. As a fundamental right, Americans are entitled to bear arms; however, the specifics of transporting and storing firearms in vehicles require a clear understanding of both state and federal regulations. Misunderstanding these laws can lead to severe legal consequences, including problematic encounters with law enforcement.

State-Specific Regulations on Firearms in Vehicles

Different states have different requirements and restrictions regarding firearm transportation in vehicles. For example, California permits the transportation of firearms in a vehicle provided they are unloaded and securely locked away, such as in the trunk or a locked container. Conversely, Texas allows individuals to carry loaded firearms in their vehicles without the need for them to be concealed. This variability underscores the importance of familiarizing oneself with the laws specific to one’s state of residence.

Risks and Recommendations for Keeping Guns in Vehicles

Owning a firearm designated as a “car gun” or “truck gun” for ease of access while traveling can increase the risk of theft, turning a personal protection tool into a potential criminal asset. Many thefts are opportunistic, spurred by visible gun brand stickers on vehicles, which suggest the presence of a firearm inside. To mitigate risks, it is advisable to avoid leaving firearms in vehicles for prolonged periods and to refrain from using decals that could advertise the presence of guns to potential thieves. This approach not only enhances security but also promotes responsible gun ownership and storage.

May 15

‘You’re Pulling Us All Over’ State Trooper Surprised by Entire Car Club Sticking Together

Enthusiasts shows support for a buddy flagged by authorities.

A few days ago, a clip of a local car club driving together on the freeway broke loose. In the vid, a state trooper is seen turning their lights on toward the front of the pack. The officer picks out a Chevrolet Camaro.

Clearly, the filmer is stunned and upset by the trooper’s actions. What happens next, though, likely stunned the officer.

The entire group, mainly Dodge enthusiasts, heads to the shoulder with their buddy. From the looks of it, more than a dozen members of the car club were present. Initially, the filmer is completely disappointed and worried for the friend. Then, after realizing the team is sticking together, he offers excited words of support for the “fallen” driver.

A black Dodge Charger sedan driving on a paved road next to a concrete wall facing left in profile view
Andrii Baidak via iStock

The group moves to pull off to the side of an exit ramp. The team is so large that they have trouble preventing a log jam.

Humorously, a black Honda Accord is filed into the pack. It’s a bit of an outlier, no?

As expected, social commentary is mixed. Many are emotional over the supportive act. Others criticize the move as a possible threat to the officer. Some point out how the decision stopped the flow of traffic.

Undeniably, though, this is proof that the car club wasn’t going to continue their drive without the whole roster. As one commenter posted, “You leave here together, you come back together.”

May 15

LA Car Chase Suspect Nearly Lost the Cops— By Hiding Beside a Car As a News Helicopter Watched

Everyone loves car chases. Especially those where an escape seems ridiculously possible. Somehow.

Car enthusiasts love car chases. Memphis Raines running from the police in LA in a Shelby GT500. Baddies fleeing from Steve McQueen in his Ford Mustang GT 390. It’s a natural affinity. However, in real life, chases seldom end with a picture-picture escape. Such was the case with an LA car chase suspect who thought he could hide from police by hiding behind a parked car.

After crashing a stolen car, an LA car chase suspect hid beside a parked car to elude police– and it worked right up until it didn’t

Just imagine the scores of onlookers glued to their mobile devices and television screens, hollering impotently as multiple Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers passed a car chase suspect as he hid. Most frustratingly, it wasn’t some inspired escape plan worthy of an “Oceans” franchise film. No, the suspect picked a blue Honda sedan and, well, laid down beside it. You can’t make this up.

When I say “suspect,” there’s no confusion that the car thief was fleeing pursuing police officers. In a stolen SUV, the suspect attempted to outrun the cops. However, he crashed into several unsuspecting motorists, damaging his ill-gotten ride beyond repair in the process. After the last of the substantial impacts, he disembarked the silver SUV and fled on foot.

That’s right; he took a page from the “Grand Theft Auto V” book, likely thinking that out-of-sight does mean out-of-mind. Not quite. However, and frustratingly so, the suspect took a left into an alley and crouched behind a parked Honda sedan. As police officers closed in, the man flattened out into a prone position, hoping to out-hide his pursuers. Still, it seemed to work for a moment. Not one, not two, but six LAPD officers ran right past the crouching fugitive, hidden runaway.

The Fox 11 SkyFOX Helicopter next to a rainbow.
The Fox 11 SkyFOX Helicopter | Stu Mundel via Instagram

Better yet, the would-be escapee and his white shirt were in plain view of a Fox News helicopter as the suspect attempted to shake the officers. FOX 11’s Stu Mundel yelled “Come on guys! He’s right there!” as he and the pilot covered the event. Fortunately for LA’s Finest, a backtrack revealed the suspect’s hiding spot.

In all seriousness, LAPD policy isn’t quite the same as the non-player characters (NPCs) in Grand Theft Auto V. Even without the news chopper orbiting above, additional police units would have almost certainly discovered the fugitive– despite his spectacular hide-and-seek skills.

May 14

Are Motorcycle Wheelies Illegal?

Performing a wheelie in front of a cop might land you in hot water, even if there isn’t specific verbiage outlawing them.

Not much looks cooler than a seasoned motorcyclist popping their front tire up off the ground as they sail down the boulevard. Well, maybe an effortless stoppie. Either way, motorcycle wheelies are part of our two-wheeled culture. Still, are motorcycle wheelies illegal? Or is it more of a gray area?

A motorcycle wheelie could land you a misdemeanor charge and an impound fee

Motorcycle wheelies aren’t rare. Riders pop their wheels up aboard their taut, lean Suzuki sportbikes and Harley-Davidson cruisers every day. Understandably so, it’s one of the quintessential two-wheeled show-off maneuvers. Riders simply roll onto the throttle deliberately, pulling the front tire off the ground and continuing to ride as power heads to the rear wheel.

Tragically for fans of the daring maneuver, performing a wheelie could land you in hot water with the police. While there aren’t too many laws specifically listing motorcycle wheelies as illegal, doing so in view of a police officer will more than likely result in a traffic stop. Depending on your local law enforcement and their policies, you could receive a reckless driving ticket. However, if an LEO sees you popping a wheelie in a racing context, you could be looking at a Class A misdemeanor charge.

A rider on a highway does a wheelie.
kruwt via iStock

Wheelies aren’t the only single-wheel stunt that will earn you some negative attention from Johnny Law. A stoppie is a move where a rider stops hard using the front brake, forcing the rear tire off the ground. When performed well, it’s quite a sight. However, law enforcement might find a safety issue with the practice. As such, a rider might earn themselves a ticket or a court date for doing a stoppie on public roads.

I have a compatriot, who, after a few weeks of riding thought popping his front wheel off the ground would be a simple undertaking. Fortunate to say, after rebuilding his Yamaha and getting some medical attention, he’s back on two wheels. Emphasis on two. Wheelies and stoppies, then, are best left to closed courses and stunt riders.

That said, there are stunt courses that will teach riders how to perform a textbook wheelie. Better yet, the instructors will teach you in a controlled, closed environment.