Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Royersford, Pennsylvania
    (Montgomery County)
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    Default Coventry Mall Stop

    Hello All,

    Firstly I would like to say that I admire these two officers and respect their function in society. Always will I support our men and women in Blue.

    I was in the Coventry Mall today with my Girlfriend and 3 cousins (16/14/8).

    We spent about 2 hours I'd say. We went to Kay Jewlery so that the GF could get her ring cleaned and inspected. She somehow managed to look at Wedding rings as well.

    We ate dinner in the food court and proceeded to make our exit with a short stop at Game Stop for the little man. The ladies went to Pac Sun.

    Begin Stop: (some of this will of course be paraphrased and interpreted, I will try to be as accurate as I can)

    ::Officer greats me with a smile and shakes my hand::
    O1: The mall would like to ask you to leave at this time, firearms are not permitted in the mall. It is posted at the door.
    T: I didn't realize that sir, I came in through Dicks. I was just on my way out in fact, my apologies.
    O1: Can I see some ID?
    T: Is this a Terry stop?
    O1: Yes it is, you are suspicious. ID? *I'm shocked he admits it, but OK*
    T: I'm not required to provide that sir.
    O1: Oh, but you are.
    T: Really? I didn't know that, but I'm not showing you my identification.
    O1: You won't show me your ID?
    T: No.
    O1: OK, can I have your name and DOB?
    T: Sure! *provides information*
    O2 runs my name
    (notice no more asking about ID)
    O1: Do you have a license to carry?
    T: I'm not required to have a license to open carry in PA.
    O1: Yes you do.
    T: Then why am I not under arrest? I must be breaking the law!
    (notice no more asking about LTCF)
    O1: Thats not necessarily true. *(logic fail?)* Lemme ask you something *T:hangs head, audible sigh* do you think it's safe to carry in the mall?
    T: Officer I'm not going to be difficult, it's my right and I exercise it. I've been asked to leave and I'm more than happy to.
    O1: Oh, but you are being difficult. (I guess because I'm not letting him manhandle me)
    O2: Do you have a Drivers License or know the number?
    T: Yes, yes, and I'm not providing it to you.
    O1: You won't?
    T: No.
    O1: You are required to provide it?
    T: If I was you wouldn't keep asking and I'd be in cuffs. *DIRECT QUOTE*
    (notice no more asking for DL)
    O2: He's clean. Can we have the serial number for your weapon so we can check to make sure it is registered?
    T: Sir, I'm not required to provide that.
    O1: OK well we're gonna run your name to make sure it's registered and all other guns you have.
    T: Go for it.
    O1: We will.
    O1 *leans over to see my gun*
    T: Sir, you can't see it. Don't try and please step back. *he was about 6 inches from my strong side and was WAY to close to me...he stepped back*
    O1: Ok well you are required to provide that so we can make sure it's not stolen. We'll have to go into this back room over here and disarm you because we don't know, safety, something...(paraphrased, I don't remember exactly what he said, but basically wanted to take me into a dark room alone)
    T: Sir, I will not disarm myself. If you wish to disarm me you will have to do it yourself. *Pause* Ok? *Pause* Can we leave now? I have a few family members in the store next door who will need to come with me.
    *several dubious moments go by*
    O2: Checks out.
    (notice officer did NOT disarm me)
    *walk walk walk* I politely ask my cousin to enter the store for me to retrieve my family. This takes some time (sigh, women) Meantime...
    O2: Lemme ask you something *another painful sigh* do you think what you are doing is safe?
    T: Sir, again, it's my right to protect myself and my family. I'm not going to debate it. I'm leaving, clearly you will escort me. Please....?
    *silence*

    My girlfriend comes out, who doesn't generally approve of me but has strange swings in her ideas about it. She doesn't like it, but will stick up for me, that sort of thing.

    She chastises me as we walk out...calmly. When we leave the mall the cops wish me a good day and I do the same. Irconically:
    O1: Sir, if you stop by your local Sheriff's department you can get an LTCF. Then you can conceal it at any time.
    *read into irony, it's ok to break the rules as long as nobody knows*
    *getting out of earshot*
    GF: Don't you have one, a License?
    T: Yup?
    GF: Then what's the problem?
    GOD I LOVE IT.
    T: Funny, I was thinking the same thing.

    Honestly, even though he was trying to break every right I had during the encounter they were generally nice and at no time did I feel disrespected. When I stood up for my rights they dropped the issue one after another. Interesting that I'm required to do things but there's not penalty for not doing what they ask. I explained to my girlfriend what happened and why. She seemed to accept it but I still think doesn't understand.

    Clearly the mall rules were that I wasn't allowed in. Knowing is half the battle. All in all, I could have known better but I don't really think about it anymore. It's like my cellphone, keys, or wallet. They are all on me at all times.

    Lastly, again, I respect all Officers and the extremely important role they play. They are doing their job and if I ever need them I hope the come running!

    Good evening to all,
    Tris

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Northampton County, Pennsylvania
    (Northampton County)
    Posts
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    Default Re: Coventry Mall Stop

    What a bunch of assholes. I guess they are in the fishing industry and at least they didn't arrest you. Well-handled!

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    Leb-A-non, Pennsylvania
    (Lebanon County)
    Age
    53
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    Default Re: Coventry Mall Stop

    T: Is this a Terry stop?
    O1: Yes it is, you are suspicious. ID? *I'm shocked he admits it, but OK*
    He either lied, or failed to conduct an investigatory detention despite RAS. Either one is worth a call to his superiors.
    If you don't know who your state legislators are go here:
    http://www.legis.state.pa.us/index.cfm
    put your zip plus 4 in the box in the upper right hand corner.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
    (Montgomery County)
    Posts
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    1817

    Default Re: Coventry Mall Stop

    Wow! Just wow.

    Tris- you have some serious stones. Owe you when I am rep capable.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Northampton County, Pennsylvania
    (Northampton County)
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    Default Re: Coventry Mall Stop

    Quote Originally Posted by PA Traveler View Post
    Wow! Just wow.

    Tris- you have some serious stones. Owe you when I am rep capable.
    I hit him and he does have serious stones. I owe you gratitude like I do those who came before me. People like this are the reason I never have problems. And the fact that I've been inside a mall 2x in the last 15 years

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Windsor Twsp., Pennsylvania
    (York County)
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    67
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    Default Re: Coventry Mall Stop

    Quote Originally Posted by PA Traveler View Post
    Wow! Just wow.

    Tris- you have some serious stones. Owe you when I am rep capable.

    +1. Got him for you!

    While many claim to support the right, precious few support the practice.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    ., Pennsylvania
    (Chester County)
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    Default Re: Coventry Mall Stop

    Very well played!! +rep sent

  8. #8
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    Great Falls, Virginia
    Posts
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    Default Re: Coventry Mall Stop

    Quote Originally Posted by pctristan View Post
    Firstly I would like to say that I admire these two officers and respect their function in society. Always will I support our men and women in Blue.
    One wonders why you would admire and support those who commit crimes against you? You're part of the problem to salute these criminals. Epic FAIL on your part.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Fleetwood, Pennsylvania
    (Berks County)
    Posts
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    0

    Thumbs up Re: Coventry Mall Stop

    I've been telling him at work that it was bound to happen to him. Just glad the best possible scenario(no disarm, no detention, no arrest, no jail) happened - and he stood up for just about every right that I can think of.

    +1 to Tris.


    Cheers,
    Jared

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Royersford, Pennsylvania
    (Montgomery County)
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    Default Re: Coventry Mall Stop

    Quote Originally Posted by granuale View Post
    One wonders why you would admire and support those who commit crimes against you? You're part of the problem to salute these criminals. Epic FAIL on your part.
    Oh come now. They are REQUIRED to respond to something like that. I was in the wrong being in the mall, as they informed me. Not all cops are bad guys and as I said, they were respectful. As long as I know MY rights, they can't harm me in any real way.

    I however, respect your opinion.

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