AMERICAN POLICE BEAT: AUGUST 2017 13 Generally speaking, resisting arrest cases are usually slam dunks for prosecutors. But a jury just tossed those charges in a case out of San Diego. So what gives? Back in May of 2015, Robert Branch was stopped by Det. Paul Ward of the San Diego Sheriff’s De- partment. According to FOX News, Branch was heading to his job as a security guard and was wearing a tactical vest at the time. The prosecutor told the jury that as soon as Branch saw the plain clothes detec- tive’s shield, he had “a duty to comply.” But Branch refused to show the plain clothes of- ficer his ID and claimed that Ward wasn’t on-duty. Things escalated quick- ly and soon Ward had Branch in a carotid hold, also known as a “choke hold.” Branch apparently didn’t think Ward was an actual sworn officer. “You cannot touch me!” Branch is heard telling Ward in the video record- ing, which was replayed for the jury. “Can you call the police? You’re harassing me! Do you know what’s going on in the world right now? This is abuse. Your lights are not on! I’m going to spray you if you don’t let go!” The neck-hold made Branch lose consciousness very briefly and when he woke up he broke away from Ward and tried to pepper spray him. Defense attorney Marc Kohnen told the jury that Branch had his driver’s license in his hand and dropped it on the ground when Ward subdued him. Kohnen alleged that Ward lied when he told investigators that he found Branch’s license and regis- tration in the defendant’s car. “Mr. Ward had to come up with something to jus- tify his actions,” Kohnen said. “This is not a lawful arrest. This is road rage by cop.” Prosecutors said that Ward’s unmarked Ford Fusion was almost hit from behind on the afternoon when the stop occurred by a gold Infiniti traveling at a high rate of speed. Ward said he saw the Infiniti weaving in and out of traffic and decided to follow the driver off the freeway and into the residential neighborhood, the prosecutor said. Guard beats the rap Jury was apparently swayed by videotaped footage of the incident The new mantra in some circles is as plain as it is simple. “Don’t bother call- ing police. If and when First, get a gun; second, learn to shoot; and third, shoot them a lot International Association of Chiefs of Police Come see us at Booth 2613! Monday, October 23rd You won’t want to miss this... Special Guest T.B.A. they do show up you’ll be dead.” This is a popular mes- sage lately that some law enforcement leaders have used to generate publicity on social media. In Florida, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judge has some advice for people worried about active shoot- ers, terrorists, criminals and other threats. “Become proficient, get a concealed firearms license and carry it. And if you need to shoot somebody, shoot them a lot,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. The solution is if you’re going to carry a gun, then go practice to save your life with it. “If you’re not someone who’s comfortable carry- ing a gun, or don’t believe you would be comfortable defending your life then look for an alternative solu- tion.” The sheriff made the comments in relation to all the mass shootings in the USA we’ve seen recently such as the Charlestown massacre, the Pulse Night- club shooting and the re- cent attack on national lawmakers at a baseball practice.