Unarmed Florida CCW Gun Owner, Unwelcome in Maryland

[biodsl]

This is a really old story, and MD is a complete nightmare with respect to gun laws as are many Eastern states (NJ, NY, MA) Just curious why it is being brought up again and stirring everyone up?

Driver could have diffused the situation before being asked to exit his vehicle by asking why he was being pulled over to begin with and what was probable cause for the stop. This cop had no probable cause or justification for the stop, and realizing they have someone that knows their rights can often alter the course of the interaction. Instead he went on a fishing expedition and got a nibble. Once he has the driver out of the car and then gets a non matching answer from the wife everything changes. (not that I agree with that, just saying it does)

Best thing though is to talk to our family members ahead of time and tell them to keep mouth shut and not offer guesses at anything when speaking with the police or anyone for that matter. If they do not know something for a fact, keep mouth shut. "I don't know" from the wife and it would not have escalated like it did. Her making a comment it could be in the vehicle gave the out of line officer the probable cause he needed to go gustapo. My wife and kids know that we do not speak to anyone about the fact that I carry, even a LEO. Those questions are for me and me only to answer.

Perhaps not all of us had heard this story before. I don't disagree with anything in your post. It's good advice. Let's not forget the most important point of this story; an over aggressive officer abusing his authority. It's not okay to pull a motorist without probable cause. An out-of-state license plate is not probable cause. Being a CCW holder is not probable cause. This 'transportation' cop needs to be held accountable for violating the rights of the citizen.