Veteran Soldier Arrested for ‘Rudely Displaying’ Weapon

“On March 16, 2013, my son and I were hiking along country roads among pastures and fields with my 15-year old son to help him earn his hiking merit badge. I always enjoy these father/son hikes because it gives me time alone with my son. As I always do when we go on these hikes and walks, I took my trusty rifle with me as there are coyotes, wild hogs, and cougars in our area. In Texas, it is legal to openly carry a rifle or shotgun as long as you do so in a manner that isn’t calculated to cause alarm. In other words, you can’t walk around waving your rifle atpeople. I always carry my rifle slung across my chest dangling, not holding it in my hands. At about the 5 mile mark of our hike, avoice behind us asked us to stop and the officer motioned for us to approach him. He got out of his car and met us a few feet later. He asked us what we were doing and I explained that we were hiking for my son’s merit badge. He then asked me what I’m doing with the rifle, to which I responded in a calm manner, “Does it matter, officer? Am I breaking the law?” At that point, the officer grabbed my rifle without warning or indication. He didn’t ask for my rifle and he didn’tsuggest he would take it from me. He simply grabbed it. This startledme and I instantly pulled back – the rifle was attached to me – and I asked what he thought he was doing because he’s not taking my rifle. Hethen pulled his service pistol on me and told me to take my hands off the weapon and move to his car, which I complied with. He then slammed me into the hood of his car and I remembered I had a camera on me (one of the requirements of the hiking merit badge is to document your hikes). This video is the rest of that encounter. Up to this point, I am not told why I am being stopped, why he tried to disarm me, or even that I’m under arrest.We did not set out that Saturday morning to “make a point” or cause problems. Our goal was to complete a 10-milehike and return home without incident. My son chose a route that away from populated areas but near our home. The arresting officer is Officer Steve Ermis and the supervisor is Sergeant Minnicks of the Temple Police Department.

Grisham was first charged with resisting arrest, however, the charge was downgraded to interfering with a peace officer while performing a duty.

Article by Charles C. W. Cooke of the National Review

Submitted Anonymously

Gary O. Smith Chief of Police - (254) 298-5561

Mayor William A. Jones, III –  : (254) 298-5700

Mayor Pro-Tem Danny Dunn - [email protected]

City Manager David Blackburn - (254) 298-5600 – email: [email protected]

Veteran Soldier Arrested for ‘Rudely Displaying’ Weapon is a post from Cop Block – Badges Don’t Grant Extra Rights