I was in Penn station today waiting for my train. Just an ordinary day. Until I hear commotion behind me. Some dude (homeless or just mental) is arguing with a cop or national guardsman at the police booth. The place where the cops hang out giving out help. There were EMT’s there so I assume someone called them about this guy. He didn’t seem to want to do what the cops wanted. The next thing I know there are several cops and military guys around this dude. He still didn’t want to do whatever the cops were asking of him. The next thing you know the guy was yelling at the cops, and what looked like he was acting erratic and crazy. The next thing you know the guy was being “detained”. That means he was put up against a wall (forcefully since he didn’t want to go) then the EMT’s were looking at him.
It was a bit of excitement for my morning. All I have to say is I don’t know how crazy, drugged or otherwise out of it to not listen to like a half a dozen guys with semi-automatic machine guns standing around me. That situation (to me) clearly states get on your knees, and put your hands behind your head while you say in as many languages you know I will do whatever you guys want.
I give the cops and troops credit. They got a bit rough with the guy, but I think it was well warranted.
The next thing I know the train I was going on got called, the line moved and I was away from the craziness. The rest of the day was much less exciting than the first hour or so.
Oh, if someone thinks they know what incident I am referring to, and in some future date they think that this guy will sue I have one thing to say. I am no use to you. I TOTALLY think the cops were in the right here, and didn’t use any unnecessary force. That and I have not so great vision and was a few feet away! I mention this story as a nice anecdote about what not to do when the police ask you to do something.