The Runner

We are always told to not make an arrest alone, make sure you go with a team for safety reasons.  At the time it wasn’t policy, but if you arrested a guy by yourself and things unraveled, you’d have some explaining to do. 

Steve was an excellent officer, but at times too enthusiastic. He was working on a slow Saturday afternoon, in an area of a probationer he’d been looking for, Ron. Ron had a warrant out for a while, but no one could find him. Steve thought he’d go by Ron’s last known address; he won’t be there, but Steve could put in his notes that he attempted to contact. Public safety is paramount. Because it was a Saturday afternoon, there were not a lot of other officers available to help, but Ron wouldn’t be there anyway, so no big deal. 

Steve knocked lightly on the trailer door, no answer. Another louder knock, he’s not there. Thank goodness, sounds like a great way to wrap up the afternoon. As Steve walked back to his car the trailer door opened, there was Ron…I mean he knows he has a warrant and he came to the door? He didn’t think to look out the window and see his probation officer waiting to take him to jail? Ron’s brain was like a mushy tea bag floating in a skull full of bong water.

Steve explained to Ron he had a warrant and he had to take him in. Ron was cooperative, so much so that Steve didn’t even put him in handcuffs… and let him sit in the front seat. Just two dudes cruising to jail on a Saturday afternoon enjoying the sunshine.   

The way to jail was through downtown, and it was a nice day so a lot of people were having lunch outside at their favorite restaurant. In the middle of one of the busiest areas, at a traffic light, Ron jumped. He ran down a nearby alley and disappeared. Without a thought, Steve shot out of the car and went after him. Subsequent reports from observers stated Steve had his gun in hand, swinging as he ran – not great. Steve was faster than you’d think, especially with all his gear on. After a few twists and turns the chase was over. Steve put Ron in handcuffs this time; no more Mr. Nice Guy. 

Steve let Ron know how disappointed he was as they walked back to the traffic light where the race started. The two were the center of attention, entertainment for everyone enjoying their lunch. Suddenly Steve had a sinking feeling.

The car was gone.  

In the excitement of the chase, Steve left the car running. He didn’t realize until he got back to the spot where at all began. The worst part was, everyone was watching, he felt like an idiot. Steve thought about asking someone at the restaurant what happened, but that’d make it worse. Just then, the car reappeared. Someone having lunch saw the whole thing, jumped in the idling, marked law enforcement vehicle and moved it out of the way. This kind citizen then drove around looking for the two playing hide and seek. Thankfully, he returned just in time. Steve loaded Ron up, thanked the mystery driver, offered to pay for his lunch, and continued the journey to jail.

Steve’s phone started ringing non stop. Because he was on his way to jail, he didn’t answer but noticed multiple missed calls from his boss, and his boss’ boss. That was odd for a Saturday, but Steve didn’t think much of it.

Ron was booked into jail without incident. On the way out Steve returned the call to his boss. It wasn’t a good call. Turns out one of the patrons at a nearby restaurant, enjoying a plate of loaded nachos with his wife, was the boss’ boss’ boss… The super boss. Here he was having a nice afternoon with his wife, proud to be a super boss for a wonderful department, crunching on some corn chips, witnessing Starsky (google it) chase a crook down some alley with his gun swinging everywhere, and leaving his car behind for a stranger to take. He had some choice words and suggestions for Steve filtered through two subordinate bosses. I’m not sure, but I think the team arrest policy was created on that call.

We don’t arrest anyone alone anymore. For safety reasons of course.