Man pulls gun on cops on busy Mount Vernon street

[x635 4,066]

Man pulls gun on cops on busy street

By Brian J. Howard • bjhoward@lohud.com • September 13, 2009

MOUNT VERNON - A Mount Vernon man faces a felony weapons charge after pulling a 9mm handgun on police officers on a busy street Saturday.

The officers were responding to a 911 call shortly after 6 p.m. reporting of a dispute involving a gun at 59 Mount Vernon Avenue. On arrival, Officer Alexander Bates spotted an individual fitting the caller's description - red hat, burgundy hoodie and black pants - walking away from the scene.

The individual ignored Bates's orders to stop, instead reaching into his waistband and brandishing a Makarov 9mm handgun. As Bates in turn drew his weapon, other officers arrived on the scene, Police Commissioner David Chong said.

Bates has been with the department less than three years.

"The officers tactically surrounded the person and continued to order him to throw the weapon down," Chong said. "And after a few moments the suspect finally threw the weapon to the ground and he was taken into custody."

http://www.lohud.com/article/20090913/UPDA...20busy%20street

[x129K 1,393]

Wow....perp is damn lucky he didnt get plugged.....good job MVPD

[x635 4,066]

Good job by MVPD, however, it's sad that if the cop did fire his weapon, he would have become the bad guy. Next time a cop shoots a perp in Mount Vernon, I hope the media remembers this article.

[DR104 141]

Good job by MVPD, however, it's sad that if the cop did fire his weapon, he would have become the bad guy. Next time a cop shoots a perp in Mount Vernon, I hope the media remembers this article.

I 2nd that!!!! Less paper work!!!!LOL Great job by MVPD!!

[Remember585 815]

Well done!

[BFD1054 1,552]

Well stated Seth! Its a pretty crappy day and age when an officer has to keep in the back of his mind all the BS that will ensue if he/she fires their weapon.

As x129 stated, this skell is lucky he doesnt look like swiss cheese! That officer had every right to open up on him.

Job well done by MVPD, especially officer Bates to have the restraint to not pull his trigger.

[Guest paramedico987]

Good work boys & girls! Y'all never get the recognition or respect you deserve from the media. It's nice to see the department cast in a positive light.

Mad props fro MVPD; you guys do a fantastic job with so few resources and so much crime.