Open carry advocates arrested after entering police station with rifle (VIDEO)

An open carry advocate and was arrested in Michigan Sunday after he walked into the Dearborn Police Department with a rifle slung over his shoulder while wearing a face mask and bulletproof vest.

James Baker, 24, who live-streamed the encounter via Facebook and later uploaded the video to YouTube, said he and his friend went to the police station after they were “illegally pulled over” about an hour prior.

“We felt a little afraid for our lives when we were pulled over, so we figured we better protect ourselves,” Baker said on the video as he walked toward the police station.

Once inside, Baker was immediately met by an anxious officer who firmly instructed him to put his weapon on the ground. In fact, the officer was not the least bit subtle about the seriousness of the situation.

“Put it on the ground or you are dead … I will shoot you. I will put a round in you, sir,” the unidentified officer could be heard saying on the video.

Meanwhile, Baker’s friend argued that he was unarmed. The two eventually surrendered and authorities recovered three rifles, multiple magazines and ammunition, along with a handgun, a gun belt, body armor and tactical vests, a mask and camera equipment.

Criminal charges were not announced as of Monday afternoon and Baker was released after posting a $1,500 bond.

Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad as well as Michigan Open Carry President Tom Lambert called Baker’s actions attention-seeking, reckless and irresponsible.

[ MLive ]

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