Colorado, Georgia and California apparently have experienced individuals pretending to be police officers, stopping people for alleged violation of stay at home orders.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/fake-cops-are-stopping-drivers-for-violating-coronavirus-stay-at-home-orders/ar-BB12lISE?ocid=msedgntp
Article indicates that flashers are on in these fakers' cars, and advises someone who is stopped and is suspicious to call 911 to verify the legitimacy of the alleged officer.
This is unsettling: fake officers "funneled" drivers into a corral. Drivers were then questioned by men in black, unmarked uniforms. Apparently they didn't go beyond lecturing, but the fact that drivers were corralled like animals is frightening.
It always amazes me how there are people out to get noticed during a crisis. Whether they're hoarding masks and price gouging on eBay, or stopping motorists pretending to be cops, or issuing citizens arrests in Wal-Mart, don't discount someone's desire for their 15 minutes of fame or power, I guess.
Pretending to be police is easy when you can buy gear that resembles the gear cops wear.
I think that they should be prosecuted for domestic terrorism.
One of the worst I've read about was some people who attacked a nurse. I believe this was not in the US; it was too upsetting to read or bookmark the report. I don't understand how anyone can know how much medical professionals are exhausting all their resources trying to save people, and yet some idiot is angry at them.
It's also interesting that we seniors are offered special times, but someone has to make an issue of it.
MysteryShopper, I wasn't aware that those being cited are "ne-er do wells" but it doesn't surprise me. The rest of us are making tremendous personal and legal rights sacrifices, so it does kind of make sense that someone who's not a good citizen in the first place would be noncompliant.
The "senior shopper" scuffle reflects to me how high emotions and fear are influencing people. I understand, but courtesy has to be a part of interaction, and unfortunately, there's probably some much fear that it's being lost as people overreact.
ReallyReal, that's REALLY frightening (no pun intended). Were you in your car, around a store, or where? Was this during the day? You wrote "big guns" - were these assault weapons?
I would agree that this goes beyond a larceny charge. And I think the "big guns" probably would add a higher level of charge if the police catch them. Sounds like a gang effort. Maybe they've expanded their territory?
Was this in a residential or commercial area? Have there been incidents like this before? Unfortunately, there are people who are going to ignore the stay at home mandates but also people who will capitalize on it, beyond getting drunk and harrassing others.
I guess besides hand sanitizer and wipes I'll start carrying a small vial of hair spray to use if anyone tries to rob me, but an assault weapon would probably cause me to just freeze in my tracks.
Sometimes elements of the human race can be so disgusting.
Stay safe, everyone.
They had 45 caliber hand guns and automatic assault rifles.
It is dirt bags that are in this country illegally and feel entitled to take what others work hard for.
I promise you that you would not spray hairspray at someone that has a 45 pointed at your face. When you have no chance of getting away you make decisions about surviving the ordeal. Nothing else registers.
It happens every in this country and the police and media hide it because they don't want people having facts about illegal immigrants and their activities that put lives in danger. People would have to admit that protecting our borders is a good idea for all our safety.
If you are going to carry a spray for protection can I recommend that you carry wasp spray. It it able to spray more directly and at a further distance. It will stop the attacker before they are close enough to take your weapon (hairspray - wasp spray).
Good idea about the wasp spray. I'll get some next time I go shopping.