Image A. Bouchard
Related article:
City of Sheridan hires a police chief from Detroit that breaks the law and misplaces his gun
The Sheridan police are either unable to make proper judgment calls, or they believe in extreme authority opposite of constitutionally protected rights, you decide…
It was Sunday after spending the weekend in Sheridan for the local Tea Party, we were leaving the hotel to head back home, while driving only 100 yards away, there were two police officers coming up the hill on foot carrying AR-15 rifles.
As we approached them they stopped my vehicle and the officers yelled “put up your hands” to myself, wife and my little girl, then I was ordered to step out of my vehicle. (while armed of course)
The officer demanded my I.D. to which I responded “you aren’t getting anything, I didn’t break any law”.
The part that really sticks in my head is this- in one of his hands (Sgt. Kody Lamb) was an AR-15 Rifle and his other free hand shuttered like he was on an extreme adrenaline rush, I thought to myself he better keep his finger off the trigger.
I told Lamb “he had a duty to protect my rights and not act on the whim of a tourist that doesn’t know it’s legal to have firearms here”. I also asked him if he "read our Constitution”, Lamb said he was aware of what it said” then I said to him “didn’t you take an oath to uphold it?”
Then there's this- when the officer Sgt. Kody Lamb realizes he doesn’t have a beef, he threatens me with “disturbing the peace”. To which I responded “I was on private property with the owner’s consent”, and then Sgt. Kody Lamb stated it was a place frequented by the public.
This has become the norm, for police to twist things around when they want to bully someone.
I told Lamb “I want to speak to your supervisor”, Lamb responded with “I am the supervisor”, It was at this point that I knew the Peter Principle was in play, a philosophy that in a Hierarchy “Every Employee Tends to Rise to His Level of Incompetence”.
Why would officers respond in this manner to a “man with gun call” when their own report states about me- “is not seeming to be a threat just standing there”.
Why didn’t they ask more questions BEFORE ARRIVING, like this simple one- Has he threatened anyone?
Hell no, let’s just storm in there because we have a badge, guns and adrenaline.
Maybe this is a response to my speech at the Sheridan Tea Party, by the way when we were setting up for the event, a police officer questioned me about the way I was carrying my firearm. (holstered, cocked and locked and in plain view) I told him I always carry this way. he responded to me with "That's not what I asked you" citing this “he had a duty to protect the public”. I later asked him how he felt about “concealed carry without a permit” like Arizona just passed into law, he said no one should be allowed to carry without a permit. Are you seeing the anti-gun police union agenda? You know the "only ones" mentality.
The next day after the incident the police refused to let me have the dispatch recordings unless, I "have a subpoena", also I was told that the police report wouldn’t be available for a week, but apparently they handed their reports over to the local newspaper within hours of telling me otherwise. Does any of this sound suspect?
I also contacted Evidence Technician Stephen Johnson inquiring about exactly what statute they are using to deny the dispatch recordings, he has refused to return my call.
Wyoming statute states that “the person in interest” is allowed to have access to the recordings, but the the City of Sheridan would rather flex their power. The City Attorney Mia Mikesell said "she didn’t have to cite statute" to me and "it was their policy" to ask for a Subpoena, she then hung up on me.
It is these lawless Bureaucrats, Police and Attorneys that are nipping away at the Republic on a daily basis.
The question is- are we going to be silent and just let it happen?
The City of Sheridan web-site says: they have been voted #1 Western Town of the Year for its truly special qualities…“Enjoy a frontier spirit that values friendship – and independence”, really? NOT SO MUCH!
Area Citizens should call and tell them you don’t appreciate this kind of treatment and expect more from the police officers that work for “we the people”.
Tourists- call them and tell them you will skip Sheridan, tourism dollars will be spent elsewhere.
Sheridan City Hall (307) 674-6483
Gun owners planning on visiting Wyoming-
Call the Governor’s office and tell him in this tight economy you don’t have to visit Wyoming.
Tell him Wyoming is the last place you expect to be harassed about firearms!
His number is: (307) 777-7434
Anthony Bouchard is a staunch supporter of the Bill of Rights and limited government - he is also the Director of WyGO - Wyoming Gun Owners Association, Wyoming's Only No-Compromise Gun-Rights Organization.
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Comments
I love it, Anthony! You just don't give any quarter. Good for you!
The fire needs to be nice and hot while we roast their tootsies. :)
you might add a little firewood to that fire by telling the governor of your article and that you are offering it to all the newspapers in Wyoming as a guest editorial along with the recommendations to the rest of the country to avoid Sheridan and maybe the state in these times. Colorado will gladly take the business and not treat armed tourists like that.
and you just might try to get the State's Attorney to file charges of corruption for the law breaking city attorney, evidence technician, the officer on site, and his chief. If he does not, put him on the lamppost list also.
I know some would think it self-serving of you, but this would also be a good lawsuit to bring with the resources of your organization.
Also, you might post the contact information of all involved. I will use it, even if no one else does.
Seriously, cops who act like this really need a good a## kicking.
Hey Anthony,
Wow, didn't know that Sheridan had stooped to such Brown Shirt tactics! Hiring out of state for Chiefs is fine, so long as they come from the Rocky Mountain Region: no more Easties or West Coasters!!!!!
I hope you have already spoken with a lawyer for the upcoming lawsuit against the city of Sheridan, the police officers involved, and the city attorney.
Please email me with any updates (sooner would be appreciated) so that when I speak with the lackluster folks in Sheridan, I will have the latest up to date information.
Thanks again for doing the hard work it takes to get things done.......I'm sure that the emotional stress on your daughter, seeing her daddy confronted by AR 15 wielding 'boys in blue' was quite intense.
I'm sure a jury of your peers would agree.
Cheers.
(That's Gun Slinging Reporter, BTW).
Never worked in Wyoming and don't know their Open Records laws - but it certainly sounds like violations.
Here's a link to good info on FOIA in Wyoming:
sunshinereview.org/index.php/Wyoming_FOIA_procedures
If you file FOIA, also copy the state attorney general - get that office in the loop early, because the AG is who tells local yokels they are commiting violations of open records laws - and can be prosecuted for such.
Good luck.
Sent to Gov. Dave Freudenthal:
Now that my wife and I are retired, we had planned to do a lot of travelling, and the western states are high on her list since last year's whirl around the Four Corners area, but are we going to have to avoid Wyoming?
This article came to my attention this morning: ( link to this article ).
Not good press coverage for either Sheridan or Wyoming, especially for folks like us who go armed just about everywhere.
Please let me know that this is just an abberation that's going to receive 'critical attention' from your AG.
How about 18 USC Section 241 and 242: basically officials conspiring together to violate a citizen's constitutional rights.
Name them all as straightarrow suggested above.
Until LE across the country starts suffering consequences these type abuses and worse will continue and probably worsen.
Anthony- I am not a regular commentor of your posts. I just happened across this page, but felt I had to make a comment.
Firstly, I am a gun owner, have a Fl CCP, am a member of the NRA and RWVA. (Appleseed shoot sponsors: appleseedinfo.org)
That said, here's my problems:
1. It is obvious that you are leaving out a lot of information concerning this event.
2. It is WELL within the law for the law enforcement officer to want to see some form of ID (and possibly a weapons permit depending on the state) from an obvioulsy armed person who is the subject of a "Man with a gun" call, not matter what the observed threat level.
3. It is human nature for that officer to be a little nervous when confronting an armed individual, he has NO IDEA what you are going to do, hence his AR-15.
4. Screaming about your "Constitutional rights" first thing out of the gate identifies you as a belligerant a-hole, and you will be treated as such. Most criminals do the same thing when first apprehended.
In response to several of these comments I too support of the police abuse in Sheridan Wy.
I have been in Sheridan only a few years. I retired after 30 years from a fire department out of state. I was also assigned to the police department SWAT team in that state as a hostage trained by the FBI.
I have never been in trouble with the law until I came here. I ride a Harley and been stopped by city, state, and county police 14 times in the last year because my "handle bars were to high. I also have had a valid CCW for over ten years. Every time I was stopped by the city PD my weapon was retained for no valid reason. I went to the Sheriffs Department and had them verify the validity of my permit 4 times and they stated it was valid. It was held by the City PD stating it was invalid. The last time I was stopped it was confiscated and it took me 4 weeks to get it back. I had to threaten the evidence person that I was coming down to get my gun and if I didn't someone would be going to the county att. to justify why it was not released. I also obtain a copy of the police report and it stated that I had a blood alcohol level of .0845. I was tested on scene and it was clear. If it was that high then why didn't they arrest me. I talked with the Lieutenant and the Sargent and they stated that they stand by the officers report. The police in this city have an arrogent and narcissitic view of their position. I have also been confronted at the city shooting range and asked for identification. I told him that first I haven't done anything and second we are on private property and third you are off duty. No police identification was shown. They have an attitude that they can run rampant without repercussions. When will this be addressed. They even tried to arrest the police chief for drunk driving but that was unfounded and the officers were either demoted or fired after that. Even the chief is a victim of the department's egotism
Doc_Navy
You left out this part of your background: Arrogant current/former "only one" pr*ck who can't stand it when lowly civilians have the audacity to put their rights on display.
mr Bouchard , this would appear to be a test case for the new FFA just signed into law not to long back here in Wy, might consider looking into it. Doc -Navy , i dont know about Fla, but up here , open carry is legal no permit required , and the Wy Constitutions version of the second states,97-1-024. Right to bear arms.
The right of citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and of the state shall not be denied.
And if i read the statute correctly , unless he was in a church , governmental office or building, or an establishment that sells alchohol for consumption on premisise , then he is perfectly within both his rights and the law to carry, be it concealed OR openly , as long as he is following the law here in WYOMING. Anthony , i will of course be posting a link to this over on the Wy state forum of OathKeepers , to alert members that live in the area to be aware of .
Wy State forum Mod , Mark Mc
You got what you deserve - you are just some hot head pip-squeak with a gun - the cop should have taken you in and given you a cavity search.
There is no disguising which cavity you comment came from - talking out of your *ss.
Last comment directed to Walt
Walt, I can't tell if you are a communist or a pervert, maybe both?
Got to love the copsucker posts. Y'all up in WY should just get rid of pig departments. It's not like you really have any need for the useless scum up there. Time to feedd the hogs!
Doc-Navy, you obviously are not a freedom minded American. I don't care about your excuses for a cop being nervous. Too damn bad he wasn't nervous enough to mind his own business unless and until he had sufficient reason to suspect a crime. If we ever meet, would it be appropriate for me to pull my gun on you and demand ID because you might drive a car and could at some time do something criminal or stupid with it. I mean, I would tell everyone how "nervous" I was. That would be alright with you? Right? You do realize if you say "NO", that you would an a**h0le by your own definition.
Whoa, whoa, whoa...
Look at all you angry folks coming out of the woodwork. Relax. I'm not a "conformist" or a "only one" type. (Did you look up what appleseed IS?? Now who's the "prick"?) I'm also NOT some Y2K type freak or militia wacko. I'm not into hoarding supplies, becoming an "off the grid" shut-in or building nuclear fallout shelters in my backyard, either.
I have a healthy respect for law enforcement, and the US government, and if YOU don't then you deserve the treatment you get. You can call me all the names you like but my previous post WAS CORRECT. How much different would the situation have been if Anthony had responded with a touch of repect for the officer, and compliance with the request for ID? Bet things would have turned out mighty different.
Keep in mind, the left WANTS folks like you to be belligerant, disrespectful, angry and noncompliant... it makes you look like the violent, right-wing extremists they say you are. You trying to prove them right?
Doc
Doc_Navy
I am aware of what Appleseed is.
I am not a member of a militia, but I would like to know what constitutes a "militia wacko". Maybe you can give me some "wacko" quotes from our nation's founding fathers?
I don't know what the laws concerning a police officer's request for identification are in Wyoming, but in Wisconsin you are only required to provide your name/ID if the offer has reason to believe that you have committed crime, are currently committing a crime or are about to commit a crime.
As for being belligerent, disrespectful, angry and noncompliant; I am happy to be all of those things when it comes to anyone who is willing to trample my rights or anyone who is willing to support those that do.
Straightarrow,
If I were a cop (I'm not), and I was responding to a "man with a gun" call, I am going to show up with back-up, and (hopefully) a bigger weapon than you. Which is what happened. It's NOT harrassment to ask for ID either.
If I get that call and I show up and see you walking around open carry, even if it's legal, and I ask you for ID (which is standard procedure) and the first thing out of your mouth is, "you aren’t getting anything, I didn’t break any law" you just identified yourself to me as a non-compliant, belligerant A-hole, and that is going to color how I deal with you.
If the second thing out of your mouth is, "read our Constitution...didn’t you take an oath to uphold it?” You have now reinforced my previous view of you and added the label "Wannabe armchair, constititional sea-lawyer" to my impression. Finally, if you were to draw your weapon during the encounter, I'd shoot you dead on the spot, and sleep like a baby that night. Stupid is as stupid does.
SeanCYoung,
Please explain what rights were trampled in the scenario Anthony posted.
Apparently, there was a "man with a gun" 911 call reported. (possibly by "some tourist", Anthony doesn't really say) The officer responded WITH APPROPRIATE force and back-up for an unknown man with a gun. (IE: a partner both armed with AR-15s)
The officer approached the unknown (to him) armed person with APPROPRIATE CAUTION and gave the standard commands. (IE: "Get out of the vehicle, keep your habds where I can see them")
Since nobody can read anyone else's mind, a court will probably find in favor of the cop when it comes to whether or not the officer thinks there might be a danger, or that a crime may have been or may possibly be committed. So trying to argue the ID thing will get you nowhere. So far, no rights that I know of have been "trampled". The fact that Anthony was non-compliant and belligerant FROM THE START raises suspicion that something is amiss.
"Trampled" rights, Puhleeze
By the way... in the picture Anthony provided.. where is the AR-15 that the officer is supposed to have?
( I am assuming that his wife took the picture, and that it is standard practice for He and his wife to "Get it on camera" whenever they deal with Law Enforcement. Which is a good idea, but it cuts both ways.)
Doc
Sounds like the dispatcher didn't help matters. To me, "man with a gun" sounds like some guy with a gun in his hand, not on his hip. Dispatchers need to help the police size up the situation.
//www.lvrj.com/news/police-shoot-man-near-mcleod-and-karen-91808464.html
Kinda similar circumstances.. note the officer stopped a vehicle as it was leaving the area. Sound familliar?
The police officer did EXACTLY what he should have IMHO. (Although, if it had been me.. the guy would be dead.)
Doc
Doc wrote:By the way - in the picture Anthony provided.. where is the AR-15 that the officer is supposed to have?
What a load. The photo was obviously taken inside a vehicle. Most of the officer is obscured. Do ya think he'd carry the AR on top of his head? Where's his handgun, Doc? Since it's not visible in the picture, he probably didn't have one, right, Doc? Funny how people like Doc are looking for any reason to make you wrong on this.
Hey, Doc - maybe Anthony is also lying about even being there. Where's Anthony in the photo? Some people's diaphanous agendas are so ... transparent. You can report that statement to the Department of Redundancy Department.
Anthony, I suggest that you look up your local public records law. Typically, Freedom of Information laws provide penalties if the documents requested are then withheld. Withholding records is a crime in many jurisdictions, but one must request the records by citing the state's public records act.
Doc, you miss on all counts. "Man with a gun" doesn't mean a damn thing unless the man with the gun is doing something illegal. That seems to be concept you cannot grasp. We have had many like you. None of you have ever stood for the founding principles. You seem to have missed all the truncations of rights that have taken place for the last72 years due to public tolerance and cooperation which morphed into "customary practice", then "policy and protocols" and in a great many instances a death penalty applied to a totally innocent person for the crime of "contempt of cop".
Where the HELL have you been? Do you remember South Central? Plenty of damned evidence of crime. Violence and fear kept the cops on the perimeter and the let the citizens fend for themselves. But without evidence of crime they harrass people who have broken no law, and all of a sudden you are fine with it.
My original accusation stands. And quit Appleseed, you aren't worhty.
Hey Doc Navy, the difference between you and the cops in this situtation. They are better than you. You sound like a statist pig!
you can take this for what it's worth too you. Never ever try ti deal with government or police agencies without a good lawyer, period.
They won't listen to you until they are being sued and afraid of being publicly embarrassed. This is the ONLY time that you will have their full and undivided attention.
Sounds like the situation snow-balled in a bad direction, and Anthony didn't help.
1) "Man with a gun" is probable cause.
2) Since the police stopped you while driving a vehicle, they have the right to ask for your DL. That is the case in TX, I assume the same situation exists in pretty much every other state.
3) Especially if you were no longer carrying a weapon, the officer was only entitled to polite refusals. Be firm, but be nice.
4) Specifically, no per mission to search the vehicle should be granted, whether you have anything to hide or not.
5) In all probability, just giving your DL to him would have resulted in a warrant check, and then your being allowed to re-enter your vehicle and waved on.
6) As sref said earlier, the dispatcher did not seem to extract and/or forward enough information to the responding officer about the nature of the "man with a gun". That information should also be available with a FOI request.
Navy Doc would be more credible if he came out of his closet and used his name.
Well I am happy that we received your side of the story. Without knowing the "full" story, I would say it is pretty hard to judge either side. Have you thought that maybe the officer received a report of a man with a gun? Have you watched the news within the last year and seen how many officers have been targeted and killed? Is it possible the officers may have been on heightened awareness because this behavior is not normal? It is your right to carry a weapon in plain view, but the general public does not see people exercise this right regularly. The general public does, however, see innocent people shot everyday by people carrying guns and are legitimately afraid when they see a man carrying a gun. Officers are employed by the government, but are also U. S. citizens that believe in the same things as you. Most officers do believe in the Constitution and Bill of Rights. So I feel that when that day comes, if ever, officers will stand beside you and fight with the very governme
(late sentence was cut off)
government that employs them now.
Doc_Navy and Brinkhdlow
What is so difficult to understand about the fact that "man with a gun" reports are not automatically a crime? Being 2A proponents, you should recognize that because officers typically demand ID or ignore the law in other ways does not make it right. Apologist and go-along-get-along idiots make violations such as this standard operating procedure, as straightarrow pointed out. Please find a right besides the 2nd amendment to stand up for; fellow gun owners will be better off.
Doc_Navy - I hope that when my sons and I attend our first Appleseed our instructors know something about what it means to be a citizen of the USA.
Doc_Navy and Brinkhdlow
What is so difficult to understand about the fact that "man with a gun" reports are not automatically a crime? Being 2A proponents, you should recognize that because officers typically demand ID or ignore the law in other ways does not make it right. Apologist and go-along-get-along idiots make violations such as this standard operating procedure, as straightarrow pointed out. Please find a right besides the 2nd amendment to stand up for; fellow gun owners will be better off.
Doc_Navy - I hope that when my sons and I attend our first Appleseed our instructors know something about what it means to be a citizen of the USA.
You stupid copsuckers are disgusting. Nothing but simpering sheeple. It is long past time for pigs who act like JBTs to get their heads blown off--each and everytime they act like a JBT. Who gives a crap what the left thinks about anything? Nutless wonders! Long past time to feed the hogs!
Gads... Re-posted Anthony with this lead in,otherwise untouched.
I have permission to re-post anything that Anthony writes, and so I am doing just that. Due to vehicle problems I was not able to attend the meeting or I myself would probably been subjected to the same sort of treatment.
Straightarrow, SeanC:
It's guys like you who foam at the mouth about your "Rights", and "the Law", and stuff at the SLIGHTEST little thing, that make the rest of us law abiding, country loving, patriots look bad.
I'm right and YOU KNOW IT. The whole situation was completely blown out of proportion by Anthony. An "mental stress" to his family was mostlikely cause by watching their father explode all over a police officer just doing his job.
Nobody was harassed, no "rights" were trampled, and no one broke any laws (including Anthony, unless common courtesy and respect for law enforcement count).
Asking for an ID *isn't* harassment, nor illegal. They approached with caution because Anthony WAS ARMED, duh.
What do you know about "what it means to be a US citizen"? Eh?
Ever served. Something says not. Go back to your couch and practice reinterpreting the Constitution. Don't forget to hug your velvet Elvis picture.
Doc
I live in Sheridan and this isn't the first time I've heard stories of Sheridan cops harrassing citizens... it happens every day here and the good people of Sheridan are getting pretty sick of it. They hire these officers who are from big cities who couldn't hack it and now they are up in.. king of their little hill and no body here has the guts to fight back because the city attorney, judge sampson, and judge healy along with 90% of the police department are all in on this.. the judicial system and law enforcement is corrupt in Sheridan beyond belief. DONT COME HERE IF YOU HAVE OUT OF STATE PLATES or prepare to be harrassed.
Doc_Navy and Brinkhdlow
What is so difficult to understand about the fact that "man with a gun" reports are not automatically a crime? Being 2A proponents, you should recognize that because officers typically demand ID or ignore the law in other ways does not make it right. Apologist and go-along-get-along idiots make violations such as this standard operating procedure, as straightarrow pointed out. Please find a right besides the 2nd amendment to stand up for; fellow gun owners will be better off.
Doc_Navy - I hope that when my sons and I attend our first Appleseed our instructors know something about what it means to be a citizen of the USA.
Reposted somehow, sorry.
So Doc? Hit a nerve, did I? You are wrong and I KNOW IT. So do most people.
Nobody was foaming at the mouth, but I find it telling that you have such a disrespect for "rights" and those who would exercise them. I think you've said enough, not that I am saying you shouldn't continue, but I should think you would be embarrassed by now.
Submit an FOIA Request - We have the right to request these records here in Washington - I'm sure Wyoming has a parallel law.
Well Doc_Navy,
You're typical of the present Sheep American that actually does not know the US Constitution. If you were as smart as you pretend to be you would know the 2nd amendment is RIGHT. Rights are to never be INDRINDGED...........Never! Aslo if you do not foam at the mouth by VIOLATIONS or near VIOLATIONS of your RIGHTS then you're just like every other apathedic sheep American fool out there. You're the type that likely makes excuses for every excess govt employees partake of. You are and many like you are why freedom in American is dwindling.
Lets also get 1 thing straight about your serving(since you must has served in the military) YOU, did not have one thing to do with bringing freedom to Americans. That was taken care of by farmers and store keepers back in the American Revolution!
Many cops are no more than gang banging thugs.
Here's Sgt Lambs email address at the Sheridan Police Department if you want to tell him how you really feel :)
klamb@sheridanpolice.com
There is also a reason most police departments have an upper limit on the IQ of applicants that they will accept. Too high of an IQ and one might actually think for one's self.
don't wimp out. sue for $millions.
Anthony Bouchard - true american patriot. Thank you for defending all of our rights!
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