what would you do...?

[wolf]

a question for those in the LE community and those that carry..

years ago I went into a bank to make a deposit. This was a routine task. I entered the bank and walked to the merchant window at the far end of the teller windows. There was a man at a window next to where I was going, he was standing at an angle with a briefcase with the case top open. I walked passed him and noticed...a big shiny semi-auto in his hand hid from view by the brief case top.

He looked directly at me and our eyes met. I continued walking, not missing a beat. Then I did a " dame, I forgot something in the car" I looked down at the papers/deposit I was carrying, and did a 180. I looked straight ahead and walked out of the bank. Of course when I got outside the adrenalin hit me hard.

Just curious how you all would handle something like this if you were carrying at the time.

BYW...this was a bank in Beverly Hills on Wilshire Blvd at approx 3PM...

and of course the guy was cought several mins later...BH police do NOT fool around.

wolf

 

[Valkman]

I think you did well - I'd of done the same and dialed 911. With a CCW it's not my job to thwart bank robberies, and if you can be safe by leaving then that's what you do. Police have different obligations though, and I'm sure they'd of done differently.

 

[Matt G]

There you go.
Avoid the on-going crime,
Turn on your heel,
And drop a dime.

Attempt to thwart? Why, when you can walk out and call the police, instead?

 

[Devonai]

The crook was obviously trying to avoid as much confrontation as possible, so he probably wouldn't have started shooting people randomly. Getting involved would probably escalate the situation and endanger everyone present.

If he decides to shoot it out with the cops, maybe you could blindside him with your own weapon. Otherwise, why risk your life for insured money?

 

[4v50 Gary]

LEO must also consider (1) backup - does the local agency know an off duty is in the area and needs assistance (cuz an off-duty can get shot by the on-duty); (2) presence of family - do you want to play cop & get someone in your family hurt or killed; (3) bystanders - also bad if hurt or killed; (4) potential for hostage situation, and; (5) presence of other undetected accomplices.

Then and only then should the off duty LEO act - in my opinion.

What you did was right.

 

[swingset]

I'd have rolled a stun grenade under his feet. As the explosion sent him flying in air behind a flaming cloud of smoke, I'd have whipped out both my Glocks, dove sideways, and let him have it with both aimed sideways.

Then, I'd have made out with the bank tellers, who would naturally be seeking the love of the man who just saved their lives.

Should I quit watching John Woo movies?

 

[nico]

I don't carry and I'm not a cop, but I would think what you did is the best given the situation. Like others said, someone else's insured money isn't worth risking your life over and if you drew a weapon, there'd probably be a lot of unnecessary confusion once the cops got there.

 

[cool45auto]

The exact same thing you did.

 

[TonyB]

I would've done the same...unless he pointed the gun at me...otherwise"feet do your thing"

 

[Kharn]

Banks are insured for more money than you could count in a lifetime. My butt isnt. I'd have done exactly what you did.

Kharn

 

[TarpleyG]

I don't carry and I'm not a cop, but I would think what you did is the best given the situation. Like others said, someone else's insured money isn't worth risking your life over and if you drew a weapon, there'd probably be a lot of unnecessary confusion once the cops got there.

I am not advocating that anything be done differently than was done BUT, people must begin to realize that just because something is insured does not mean that we aren't all fotting the bill for it. Where do you think that money comes from to pay off the bank's FDIC claim when someone robs them???

GT

 

[larry_minn]

Yep walk right out. Pick up cell phone and call in the info. Keep moving away from Bank and attempt to spot get away car/driver/partners. Give lic/description but make sure you tell them (This MIGHT be involved) Watch him leave and update Police till he gets out of sight.
OK so I prob would follow at distance. NOT for everyone. I will NOT go over speed limt (anymore then I normally do anyway) I figure the closer the Police get to where suspect last seen/direction moving the better chance they will catch them.

 

[Ktulu]

Not a LEO but I carry, legally, every day. I just hope that if that happened to me it would go as well as it did for you.