Open Carry Stunt in Michigan Goes Too Far

Open Carry Stunt in Michigan Goes Too Far

Police in Dearborn, Michigan, charged two men with breach of peace after they walked into a police station live streaming their interaction with police while wearing tactical vests, one of them carrying an AP-14 firearm and a handgun. The men told police they were making a point about civil liberties.

Police confronted the men, later identified as James Craig Baker and Brandon Brent Vreeland, as they initially refused to comply with the officers’ commands to put down their weapons, authorities said.

In the live video, police can be heard giving commands to put down the guns and step back. One of the suspects told the police, “We aren’t breaking any laws.”

WARNING: The below video includes offensive language.

Michigan is an open state, which means licensed gun owners are allowed to carry a firearm in public so long as it is not concealed.

Dearborn police say they first encountered the pair early Sunday afternoon when they were called to investigate a report of two suspicious men in a vehicle wearing tactical masks. A Dearborn sergeant spotted the pair and conducted a traffic stop. The sergeant let the pair go after a preliminary investigation.

It was after this run-in with the police that Baker and Vreeland decided to go to the police department. Video shows the two talking to one another as they moved across the parking lot into the station.

"So, we're here outside Dearborn police station," one of the men, who is masked, says to the camera. "We're going to go in and file a complaint because we were illegally pulled over about an hour ago."

Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad released a press release on the incident explaining how dangerous the stunt was.

"I find this behavior totally unacceptable and irresponsible. This is not a Second Amendment issue for me," Haddad said in a press release. "We had members of the public in our lobby that fled in fear for their safety as these men entered our building."

Baker, 24, was holding both of the firearms at the time of the incident and was charged with breach of peace, masks/disguises while parading, and failure to cooperate during booking proceedings.

Vreeland was carrying the camera and tripod. He was charged with breach of peace, failure to obey police officer’s direction or order, and resisting an officer’s demands. All of the charges are misdemeanors.

After the incident was over, police seized guns, ammunition, body armor and ballistic vests, according to authorities. In all, they recovered four guns, including the loaded AP-14 and a loaded Glock 19 handgun. It was not clear where police found the other two firearms.

Featured

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.