Toledo, Ohio- This agency-provided bodycam footage shows Toledo officers responding to an incident, wherein an armed tow-truck driver allegedly saw someone hit another driver and attempt to flee. The tow driver deemed this to be a “felonious hit and run” because a pregnant woman and children were allegedly in the struck vehicle. This prompted him to give chase and pull the driver out of the vehicle at gunpoint, proning him out, as seen. While less than professional in verbiage, the responding officers correctly deduce that this isn’t a scenario that warrants deadly force, and therefore arrest the tow driver and search him incident to said arrest. From a legal perspective, neither chasing nor using a deadly weapon was appropriate or warranted. The tow truck driver was charged with reckless operation, obstructing the flow of traffic and felony abduction, with a $25,000 bond.

While light on action, as the initial incident was not recorded, this recording of the response importantly illustrates that while someone putting pregnant women and children in danger and attempting to flee may be infuriating, it’s still incumbent upon the gun owner to understand the correct tactical, legal, and logical response, as well as the consequences of their course of action.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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