Good Reason Not To Carry Guns

http://cdllife.com/2017/top-trucking-news/featured/argument-between-two-truckers-at-missouri-truck-stop-ends-in-fatal-shooting/

Without knowing more details about the altercation prior to the shooting, we could very well also say "good reason to carry guns." Basic rules of firearm safety aside, the first rule of carrying is you NEVER draw your sidearm unless your life is in imminent danger. Did the driver who was shot pull a knife or collapsible baton and move in? Was the shooter just a hothead who fired out of anger? We don't know. That said, it should never have come to that point in the first place. Too many guys out here ready to kick someone else's ass because they're not going fast enough, or didn't give a thank-you flash after merging over, or their hair is the wrong color, or whatever. It's ridiculous. We're all *supposed* to be grown, not a bunch of temperamental toddlers.

Don't jump to conclusions.

SOURCE Update at 11:30 a.m.: Authorities said a man was acting in self-defense when he shot and killed another man at a Pacific truck stop Wednesday. Franklin County Prosecutor Bob Parks told The Missourian that a 51-year-old Kentucky man was attacked before firing a gun at a West Virginia man, at the Pilot Travel Center at 1475 Thornton St. “There was video from the truck stop and a witness who verified the shooter’s statement that (the gunshot victim) came up and pushed him, and he defended himself,” Parks said. Bryan Tackett, 50, Hamlin, W.Va., was transported by Meramec Ambulance to Mercy Hospital Washington following the shooting. He later died from the injuries. Police have not identified the shooter. According to Pacific police both men were truck drivers and the altercation may have begun on Interstate 44. The shooter was taken into custody but has been released.

While this man may have gotten off on self-defense and I have no reason to believe it was anything but due to the report, it is very likely the end of his career, or at least his tenure with the company he is currently running with. There are very very good reasons for carrying a gun, but not everyone is cut out for caring one. It's not just a matter if you can hit the target but also if you have a temper, gets scared easily, or just are not comfortable with taking someone else's life. Unfortunately in this business there aren't many people who can carry a gun in a truck and be in compliance with both the law and company policy. So you have to be prepared to deal with the consequences whatever they may be.

Any reason [with the law/ or trucking rules] to be in trouble as O/O?

Any reason [with the law/ or trucking rules] to be in trouble as O/O?

Sigh.... our quarterly 2A discussion commences.

The company name on the side of your truck (who you are leased to) calls the ... er ... makes the rules. And the majority of trucking companies say no firearms on board or you lose your job.

In general, freight companies as well as shipper/receivers have standing policies about no weapons, and large signs at the gate about it. (Though when you roll into a shipper , the chances of a full contraband search of your truck are close to zero.) Why such a rule? Well, for one thing, lawyers like to spread liability (read court awards) as far as they can.

Gotcha, thanks!

Any reason [with the law/ or trucking rules] to be in trouble as O/O?

Sigh.... our quarterly 2A discussion commences.

The company name on the side of your truck (who you are leased to) calls the ... er ... makes the rules. And the majority of trucking companies say no firearms on board or you lose your job.

In general, freight companies as well as shipper/receivers have standing policies about no weapons, and large signs at the gate about it. (Though when you roll into a shipper , the chances of a full contraband search of your truck are close to zero.) Why such a rule? Well, for one thing, lawyers like to spread liability (read court awards) as far as they can.

As Errol says - if this guy was leased onto a company with firearms prohibitions - he will be terminated for violating company policy, regardless of whether the shoot in this particular instance was justified. While we pretty much KNOW that 99% of the companies we deal with here at TT, have a policy that extends to company drivers and drivers that are leasing FROM the company - I cannot be 100% sure that same prohibition would also extend to an O/O that was "leased onto" the carrier (though I'm reasonably sure it would). There was NO INFO on any of the articles I read, that revealed who the shooter was, or who he was driving for.

If the shooter was truly an O/O, flying his own MC# - then "no harm/no foul".

MO laws concerning firearms in vehicles are pretty decent (on the side of the firearm owner),. If this KY resident held a KY CWP - then it was reciprocal and valid in MO also. MO also has a "Stand Your Ground" law - enacted in '06 (which was actually VETOED by the governor and OVERRIDDEN by the State Legislature). So as long as he could prove fear of serious bodily harm or death, he was justified in using deadly force - as long as HE DID NOT INITIATE THE PHYSICAL INCIDENT (meaning - you can't claim SYG, if you START THE FIGHT - then pull a gun when you start LOSING. If you are the initiating aggressor, stand your ground/self defense typically will not apply).

I believe there was surveillance video of the incident, that caused the cops the detain and release the shooter with no charges after questioning.

Rick

Correction - MO Stand Your Ground was enacted in '16 (and the governor's veto was overridden).

I just repeated it, cause I love the sound of it - Dem Gov overridden by a conservative legislature.

Hey Rich everytime you post I learn something new.