Driving with a broken headlight, I saw the police lights behind me. When stopped, I disclosed that I’m a concealed carry holder with my Glock on my hip.
The officer professionally disarmed me for safety, noticed my military ID, and ran my license. Despite two possible citations, when he returned my weapon in an evidence bag, he said: “Because you were cool with us, this is just a verbal warning.”
As a Black man in a hoodie carrying a firearm, this respectful interaction reminded me that mutual respect often leads to positive outcomes.
I was driving with a broken headlight when I saw the flashing lights behind me.
I pulled over, knowing I had a Glock on my hip. I’m a legal concealed carry holder.
I told the officer immediately. He disarmed me calmly, professionally. Then he saw my military ID and ran my license.
I expected citations. Maybe worse.
But when he came back, he handed me my weapon in an evidence bag and said: “Because you were cool with us, this is just a verbal warning.”
I’m a Black man. I was wearing a hoodie. I was carrying a firearm.
And yet, this moment reminded me—respect goes both ways.
It doesn’t erase fear. It doesn’t fix everything.
But sometimes, it opens a door.
And that night, it opened one for me.
