Police act swiftly after gun purchases ODOT worker who'd been put on leave is mentally evaluated after buying handguns, AK-47 Concerns about an Oregon Department of Transportation employee who purchased several guns after being placed on leave prompted law enforcement across Southern Oregon to step in. Negotiators and a SWAT team from Medford police safely took a man — whose name wasn't released — into protective custody Monday morning in the 500 block of Effie Street, Medford police said in a news release. More Here: Police act swiftly after gun purchases | MailTribune.com Full Article removed at the request of: online editor, Mail Tribune - Medford, OR "This is a copyright violation, and we ask that you remove it immediately. Thank you."
I do not know if the man in question made threats at work in person, through e-mail or voice mail. If so, that has yet to be known. ETA: if has yet to be determined if he made any threats
Pro-active my dying ass. That was clearly (if the article is accurate) an infringement. Since when is scooping up people on a maybe allowed? Was there a warrant?
If no threats were made then they now have a real very very disgruntled worker. Also if no threats were made then it has started. Anytime someone is reported as upset, LE checks your firearm purchases, then takes you out of your house at gunpoint and confiscates your guns. Just great!!!
POLICE: Disgruntled ODOT employee surrenders to SWAT team http://www.ktvl.com/articles/police-1194194-medford-swat.html March 08, 2010 10:30 AM MEDFORD, Ore. -- A Medford police SWAT team and hostage negotiators talked a potentially volatile Oregon Department of Transportation employee into surrendering for a mental evaluation Sunday night. The man, who was not identified, had been recently placed on administrative leave from ODOT and was described as "very disgruntled," according to Medford police. The man had legally purchased several firearms in recent days. Police were extremely concerned that the subject was planning retaliation against his employer. Police negotiators convinced the man to surrender to waiting SWAT officers and he was taken for evaluation to Rogue Valley Medical Center. The firearms have been seized for safekeeping.
As I hear more about this, I'll let you know. This is all the text I could find on it, I first heard of it on the radio. The radio host was very anxious to have him call because his reaction was much the same as sounded here. ghrit I don't know about the warrant part, haven't heard one-way or another.
Oh man. If this guy didn't make threats, I would be surprised. But, these days, just being "disgruntled" would be enough for a modern, caring police force to: arrest you, detain you, seize your firearms, ruin your credibility and any chance of being hired any time soon, and then keep your firearms until you have paid for an attorney... fought them in court, undergone psychiatric examination, and bent over and kissed your own arse. Oh, it's a sad day to live in Oregon.
If you think that's sad, I live in the same county (Jackson). I better start kissing everyone's ass, NOT! Have not heard anything else either, but not going to the SO and start demanding info, for obvious reasons.
The Nanny State on steroids and running amuck! If this guy made no threats, and passes whatever they use for 'psyciatric evaluation' - he may well have good grounds for a legal suit. In that situation, I'd be after the city and the employer for all I could get.......
Based on the article, Oregon state police have to clear all weapons purchases. Apparently, they don't have the same privacy constraints as a typical ATF instant check. So much for freedom there.
Mike over at Sipsey Street called this the "Department of Pre-Crime." If it turns out there was no threat, heads had better roll. A lot of them, starting at the top. I remember a conversation that took place years ago when I was still in the financial world. We were sitting around after dinner with drinks, talking about the JonBenet Ramsey case. The General Counsel of an insurance company I represented was at our table. My girlfriend was still incensed that the Ramseys had refused to talk to the cops, while I maintained that this was perfectly understandable coming from the CEO of a publicly traded company. The General Counsel agreed, turned to her and quietly said "you NEVER talk to the police - especially if you're innocent" It wasn't what he said, but how he said it. Chilling. The conversation stopped. This guy was a brilliant attorney, and you knew there was no disputing what he said. The police are corrupt and dangerous, and he said it without saying it. It was powerful, as if God had laid down a commandment. (I know I'm not doing it justice here in print.) We were looking down at the harbor from Windows on the World, and there was a total silence for about half a minute as we watched a jet pass by on final for LaGuardia. Silence, with chills. One of those moments you remember, every haunting aspect seared into your being. This story brings those chills back, with interest. Damn these fools - pushing us closer and closer to the brink...
Former ODOT worker wants guns returned; police say they'll comply MEDFORD — The Medford man whose firearms were seized by police Monday when he was taken into protective custody has asked for their return and police say they will comply with the request. David J. Pyles sent an e-mail to police Thursday, asking them to return the items taken from him when a SWAT team and negotiators descended on his Effie Street home early Monday. He forwarded copies to legislators and media outlets. More Here: Man, guns held by police spur controversy | MailTribune.com Article snipped at the request of the Mail Tribune
Man, guns held by police spur controversy Law enforcement officials say he could have been a 'danger to others' and his surrender was voluntary MEDFORD — A phone call from a police negotiator that jolted David J. Pyles awake in the predawn hours of Monday continues to jangle the nerves of observers monitoring the way authorities took the Medford man into protective custody and seized his firearms. Pyles came forward Thursday to reclaim his legally purchased weapons, publicly identifying himself in an e-mail sent to Medford police and forwarded to state legislators and selected media outlets. ODOT worker wants guns; police say they'll comply | MailTribune.com Article snipped at the request of the Mail Tribune
I can't help but wonder what returning the man's guns has to do with the seizure in the first place, it does not right what appears to be a wrong. That seizure was, it seems to me, a wanton disregard for individual property rights, not to mention we still have no indication of a warrant. I think he has a good case for suit, and hope he brings it.
Returned firearms or not.... it doesn't let them off the hook in my book. It sets and unacceptable precedent and if it were me I would be looking for the NRA or ACLU any other group with a bunch of lawyers to go after those involved for big bucks. I am emotionally distressed just hearing about this. 2nd Ammendment and all, home of the free and the brave. Hell just reading about this I am considering joining a class action law suit due to the post traumatic stress I am suffering.
Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.” — C.S. Lewis
Well, if this becomes a trend -it's going to get ugly. This guy really needs to keep these wolves from ever using pre-emptive tactics again by attempting to legally persecute all who were involved in this gross violation of civil rights.