The man was threatened with summary execution for the high crime of exiting his vehicle and what amounts to “contempt of cop.” The Hero initially lost his taxpayer-subsidized employment, but until the video got loose, was not charged criminally with anything. It is only because a third party managed to video the incident and because of subsequent embarrassment that the Hero ended up facing charges.

Which is exactly why these incidents continue to occur.

We – that is, the non-badged – are reminded often that we must obey the law supinely because if not there will be consequences. This rule does not apply with equal vigor to those who enforce said laws.

To unholster a weapon for the purpose of intimidating another person is criminal brandishing, a felony.