This Weekend’s On Patrol: Live Highlights, Commentary, and Social Media Activity

A recap of the October 19, 2024, On Patrol: Live episode (#OPL 03-26), anchored in the NYC studio by attorney and host Dan Abrams along with analysts Tom Rizzo and Ryan Tillman, follows.

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Note: Click here for the #OPL 03-25, October 18, 2024, recap, which includes an update on the pending Live PD-OPL copyright infringement lawsuit.

Other Legal News

Williamson County, Tex., has settled a case for $2.5 million with a man who claimed a SWAT raid in 2019 was allegedly staged for Live PD, the predecessor show to OPL. You may recall that the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office was separately engulfed in controversy over the 2019 Javier Ambler case, which also was on Live PD. Earlier this year, two deputies were found not guilty of manslaughter in that incident.

Several related legal cases, including one against former Sheriff Robert Chody for alleged evidence tampering, are still pending. In December 2021, Ambler’s family received a $5 million settlement from the county as a result of his death during an arrest. In May 2021, Texas enacted a law known as the Javier Ambler Act banning any reality TV ride-alongs.

On Patrol: Live Summary for October 19, 2024 (#OPL Episode 03-26)

https://twitter.com/danabrams/status/1847767134631256415
Please review this important DISCLAIMER.
  • Monroe, La. — Cops, including HEAT squad officers Jonathon Daniel, Trey Goins, Nathanael Chapman, and Serenity Smith respond to a disturbance at an apartment complex and interact with various residents there. Two males are detained on warrants.
  • Daytona Beach, Fla. — Ofr. Eddie Lee and other units conduct a traffic stop for an alleged window-tint violation. According to Ofr. Lee, the car smells of weed. Some weed allegedly found during a pat-down. “He tried to hide it in his drawers, but obviously when I began to search him, I could feel it through his pants, and he willingly took it out and handed it to me.” Car search. Cash and phones seized. The car is towed.

Ofr. Lee recap: “So obviously, the…substance came back with a presumptive reaction for the presence of THC. So he’s gonna go to jail for possession with intent for marijuana. And we’re gonna test the coding when we get to the police department. It’s in a controlled area…so if that comes back, we’ll go for that charge as well. If not, it’ll be submitted for destruction. We’re gonna get his car towed and get him to the PD. We’re gonna knock out our paperwork and come right back on the road.” OPL studio host Dan Abrams: “So he’s got possession with intent to distribute. So obviously that’s a different level there.”

  • Fontana, Calif. — Ofrs. Brian Zozaya and Jon Gearhart search for a vandalism suspect.
  • Toledo, Ohio — Ofrs. Jordan Freimark and Cherokee Tabb respond to a report of suspicious car left behind a house and investigate on scene.

Ofr. Tabb recap: “It sounds like it might have been stolen that someone just dumped here. We’ve noticed more recently that people…have been stealing cars and then trying in an attempt to avoid our camera technology to avoid getting caught by bending up the plate, although it just makes it more obvious when someone’s driving around with a plate bent up with that or like that. Some of the classical signs, it’s obvious that it’s stolen. There’s a — the steering column is peeled there, and I don’t know, sometimes we’ll find some other damage. And it’s not their vehicle because they tend to not really care for it that much. It’s like they maybe messed up the bumper a little bit. But we’re trying to call the vehicle owner. We’ll verify that it’s stolen and see if they want to come pick it up or if we’re gonna have to tow it.” Abrams: “Folding the license plate certainly also draws attention to said license plate. That’s the downside of it.”

  • Toledo, Ohio — Ofr. Tyler Picking responds to a weapons call about one or more males outside with guns.
  • Richland County, S.C. — Sgt. Garo Brown initiates a traffic stop at an apartment complex on a slow roller. The vehicle allegedly had not lights and was “kind of creeping around.”
  • Monroe, La. — Ofr. Daniel provides backup when other cops detain a 19-year-old pedestrian who is known to police and then release him. “We’ve been dealing with [him] for a while now; he’s actually run from me several times. He’s not much of a runner now; he got shot in the leg about a year ago…we checked him; he’s good to go.” Abrams: “We talk about this a lot: These officers end up encountering people who they have dealt with many times before. You guys get to know some of the regulars, so to speak.” OPL studio analyst Captain Tom Rizzo: “And it’s such a weird bond, I hate to use that word, but it’s really what it becomes, and that rapport, I think, is critical, almost even more than skill set. A rapport often leads to intel, leads to good interaction, and leads to the type of resolve that we want, right?” OPL guest analyst Ryan Tillman: “Some of that stuff you can’t teach, and I’ve gotten some of the most valuable information by building that rapport with people that I used to chase.”
  • Arkansas County, Ark. — Dep. Jacob Jackson makes a traffic top on a vehicle with one headlight out. The motorist opens the hood and is able to get the light working, and she goes on her way. Abrams: “Kudos to her for just opening it up, boom, fixing it…didn’t need any help there…”
  • Fontana, Calif. — While on routine patrol, Ofr. Gearhart spots some Halloween-decorated cars in a pre-Halloween celebration. Abrams: “Trunk or treat.” Rizzo: “It’s become like, for parents, right?, one stop shop. You do one lap. People make these awesome spectacles and Halloween themes. and there it is.” Tillman: “And safer, too, so you don’t have to go to people’s houses — just go to the cars.” Abrams; “Sort of like being in Manhattan. You go into one big, giant building, then you go door to door to door to door to door.”

“Trunk or Treat.”

  • Fontana, Calif. (pre-recorded segment) — Ofr. Manuel Munoz and a colleague investigates an accident in which a car hit a tree or a curb in a park and makes contact with a motorist. “Sit on your bumper, what’s left it.” After an investigation, the driver is arrested. Car towed.

Ofr. Munoz recap: The subject “was just involved in a domestic violence incident just down the street. His ex-girlfriend was at home with her new boyfriend. He went over there even though she has a restraining order against him. He went over there, hit or tore the new boyfriend’s shirt, hit him on the hat, and then hit the ex-girlfriend in the face. This car comes back expired out of 2017, so he hasn’t paid the tag since 2017. So it’s gonna be towed plus he’s unlicensed, so we’re gonna tow the car tonight, and then he’s going to jail for the domestic violence incident.”

Abrams: “So this guy in a whole lot of trouble for a whole lot of different things, but Ryan Tillman as they were approaching, you were talking about the configuration of where the officers where the officers were standing and why.” Tillman: “It’s a tactical technique that we call the L-shape. So that way, if something were to go haywire, and those officers had to utilize deadly force, it avoids a crossfire. So one guy is a contact, one guy is a cover. And cover’s responsibility is to not really say much and just observe that suspect, making sure that there’s no issues that happen if they have to use force.”

  • Richland County, S.C. — Cpl. Tim Riley responds to a report of a burglary in progress. Deputies make contact with several individuals on scene who seem to say that they were evicted from a nearby house and appear to be moving their belongings. The OPL camera notices a crack pipe on the ground.
  • Toledo, Ohio — In what may or may not be a continuation of the previous weapons call, Ofr. Picking makes contact with several individuals in or outside a car who are subsequently released.

Fontana, Calif. (pre-recorded segment) — Ofr. Samuel Saenz responds to a disturbance at a gas station/convenience and makes contact with a shirtless male inside. The young man is transported to the hospital for treatment as a priority since “his vitals are extremely high” and that being allegedly being under the influence in public is just a misdemeanor “that’s not something that we’re gonna sit on.”

Abrams: “So, Captain Rizzo, he’s just going to the hospital, right?” Rizzo: “Well, it doesn’t negate any criminality. So, if there’s a criminal offense there, the arrest will still prevail, but we have a duty and an obligation for the care and custody over people in our custody. So, in that case, clearly intoxicated from an unknown substance, we have to make sure that doesn’t turn into an overdose state. That’s why he’s talking about his vitals…” Abrams: “And as they reported, that’s also a very minor violation…so just send him to the hospital…” Rizzo: “And he could be cited at a later date. It’d have to be a custodial arrest. Medical will always prevail.” Tillman: “Happens all the time.”

  • Daytona Beach, Fla. — Sgt. Marcus Booth takes selfies with some Biketoberfest celebrants who are OPL fans. As mentioned during the Friday episode, Abrams reaffirms his interest in attending the event next year: “I was wishing I was there…I’m gonna be going…I’m gonna be–get my chaps…Daytona Beach baby, I’m coming.” The show later returns to the event (where Sgt. Mike Bryant is also patrolling) for another glimpse, during which Abrams again insists that “Biketoberfest, here I come.” OPL then shows an Abrams-in-chaps meme.
  • Toledo, Ohio — Ofr. Picking responds to another weapons call in a residential neighborhood and makes contact with a loquacious complainant. “Ma’am, you don’t have to yell…can you listen?” It turns out that the call allegedly involves a neighbor “dispute over dog poop” in her yard. “Ofr. Picking: “Right now, after a little bit more, she appears to have been drinking. She’s not really answering all the questions that we’re asking her. So it’s kind of making our investigation kind of difficult. But we’re gonna to move on to the next call. Sounds like a few other good calls coming in…”
  • Monroe, La. — The HEAT squad and other cops respond to an purported active shooting at a residence, which may have been just a warning shot fired by the homeowner against someone who he thought was an alleged prowler.

Ofr. Daniel summary: “The man “came over and was knocking on this gentleman’s door. Gentleman told him to leave. Wouldn’t leave. The gentleman actually produced a gun; the gentleman inside produced a handgun, told the [other] gentleman to leave. Still wouldn’t leave; trying to get into the house. The gentleman from inside the house actually shot; fired a warning shot down to the ground towards him. He fell down; acting to be shot. So it doesn’t look like he actually shot him, but we’re gonna continue this.”

Abrams [to Rizzo]: “…there was a report of somebody shot. You immediately said as you saw him, ‘he doesn’t look shot to me.'” Rizzo: “No, and played possum. It deserves an award for that. Probably saved his life.” Tillman: “Great acting job.” Rizzo: “But that’s a critical call where we go from crazy to try to bring it down to calm. So if you notice, they cleared the residence right away. Whether it’s justified or not, what the homeowner did, that will remain, and they’ll investigate that. But we have to first ensure that there’s not going to be another act or any type of uncovered spot. So that’s why they acted that way. And then we get into medical aid and then investigation in that order.” Abrams: “It turned to be something quite different than what they thought at the outset as often happens, but the investigation will continue.”

In a follow-up panel discussion, Abrams that “they seem to be accepting his story at face value.” Rizzo: No doubt about it.” Abrams: “It seems they certainly don’t want to see him get in any trouble based on the facts that sure seemed to have happened here.” Tillman: “It’s pretty straightforward. The guy is clearly, or at least appears to be, intoxicated. The guy’s older; you got to do what you got to do.” Abrams: “And he’s in his house…your castle. You get a lot more rights when someone comes to your house and tries to come into your house or knocks on your door. You’re afforded a lot of latitude.” Rizzo: “Act a fool and find out.” Abrams; “Actin’ a fool.”

  • Triple Play #3 — Pleasant Prairie, Wisc., pursuit.

Listen to the panel discuss the K9 involvement in this incident:

  • Butts County, Ga.— Sheriff Gary Long and Sgt. Hunter Hemphill conduct a traffic stop for alleged reckless driving. They temporarily disarm the driver who informs the cops he has a pistol. “Stop reaching…I want you to be safe, and I want to be safe, okay?” The driver steps out. A thorough car search occurs after a K9 alert. Per an Abrams update, the driver is arrested for alleged DUI and weed possession.

“I want you to be safe, and I want to be safe, okay?”

  • Richland County, S.C. — Sgt. Brown conducts a traffic stop. “Why are you so stressed out? Do you have something in the car?” An uninvolved bystander seems to promote his DJ business for the OPL audience.
  • Monroe, La. — Ofr. Daniel and colleagues make a friendly traffic stop for speeding in a residential area. Car search. The occupants are subsequently released with a warning after a check for any warrants.
  • Daytona Beach, Fla. — Ofr. Lee and other units initiate a traffic stop for no tag ight. “Do me a favor and get off the phone so we can conduct business.” The driver, age 27, is allegedly unlicensed. “You ain’t never had a license? That’s not good.” Ofr. Lee allows the car’s owner to pick up the vehicle rather than towing it. Criminal citation issued. The OPL camera spots a male bystander air-drumming in the background.

“You ain’t never had a license? That’s not good.”

  • Monroe, La. — Cops respond to a report of loud music and someone allegedly selling drugs at an apartment complex who had a firearm in his waistband. Ofr. Daniel tackles a runner who is arrested. Many very impressed social media users take to X/Twitter to ask OPL for a replay of the takedown but to no avail.

Ofr. Daniel reaction: “…there was a man with a gun. Guy started walking away as soon as we got out to the building that they were at and, tried to get him to stop. As soon as I asked him to stop, he took off running. He does have a gun, had a gun in his pocket. Got some weed on him too, so he’ll be going to jail.”

“There’s no room for error there. It’s got to be hard. It’s got to be fast.”

Abrams: “Captain Tom Rizzo, tell us about the move that we just saw there.” Rizzo: “Well, even before the move, the stealth approach. If you notice, they’re not using their flashlights. They’re parking strategically to catch the person by surprise…and so what he’s now gonna do, he sees the body behavior, which was indicative of somebody with a gun…goes toward the waistband. There’s no room for error there. It’s got to be hard. It’s got to be fast…talking about, again, BJJ, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu…and then as soon as he’s done, if you notice, okay, the handcuffs are on, ‘hey, you all right? What do we need to do here?’ So you’re totally covered.” Tillman: “BJJ is becoming a staple now of police departments all across the country because it’s teaching them how to do these mounts in order to prevent them from getting access to that waistband.”

  • Fontana, Calif. –– Ofr. Gearhart has a long, friendly conversation with a young man who was allegedly a passenger in a possible joy-riding stolen vehicle, who is subsequently released after an investigation. The incident might perhaps be the result of a misunderstanding between the driver and his girlfriend, who owns the car. Abrams: “It seems the car wasn’t stolen.” Abrams praises the passenger’s positive attitude while interacting with the officer. “Kudos to that guy.”
  • Daytona Beach, Fla. (pre-recorded segment) — Ofr. Keith Foreman responds to a disturbance. A subject which lacerations on his face is detained. Paramedics arrive. The subject, apparently a parolee, faces multiple charges.

Ofr. Foreman recap: “On the way to check in with his a parole officer, he started a fight with a random person. That person beat him up. I guess he was mad that he lost the first fight, so he started another fight, and that person beat him up, too. And there was a 59-year-old male walking with a dog, and he also had a small child. So after he punched the older gentleman, he tried to take the dog, and then he also tried to grab the small child by the hand and walk off with the child as well. He’s looking at multiple felony charges, possible kidnapping charges for attempting to take the child. He plays stupid games and gets stupid prizes. Abrams: “That’s more than stupid. That’s some dangerous stuff there. And as he pointed out, some serious potential crimes there.”

  • Richland County, S.C. — Cpl. Riley and other units respond to a disturbance at a residence which allegedly is a “baby shower [that] turned into a yelling match.” Riley: “Alcohol is the reason.” Abrams: “Baby shower gone sour.”

Cpl. Riley recap: “The fight was already over by the time we got here. I guess there was a baby shower, and no injuries involved with the family at all. But there was a baby shower, and when alcohol is flowing, even family members like to fight each other, so there was a little bit of a mass brawl. Like I said, no injuries. So, everybody’s just going home for the night to their respective homes…”

“Baby shower gone sour.”

  • Missing segment — Adelanto, Calif.
  • Richland County, S.C. — Cp. Riley and Sgt. Brown on scene for an abandoned car. The vehicle appears to have an ignition interlock device. They also notice a pair of four-inch heels and a bedazzled steering wheel inside.

Cpl. Riley recap: “…looks like inside there’s one of those breathalyzers that doesn’t let the vehicle start unless you’re completely zeroed out, so probably some DUI past there, but I’m not sure where she is. I’m gonna…make sure the plate and everything is clear…it’s on private property, so as long as everything is clear with it, it’s gonna sit here, I guess, until the owner comes back.” Abrams: “So an interlock device that maybe didn’t allow the person to drive the car.”

  • Richland County, S.C. — The duo leave the above all to assist other deputes in responding to fight involving multiple persons that might be domestic in nature.
  • Cpl. Riley summary: “Well, this is not exactly one of the better outcomes here. Essentially, there was obviously a domestic, a rolling domestic, coming down the street. The parties had a verbal fight, it sounds like. Our witness didn’t see anything physical happening between the two of them, but they got back in the car and left. Without a vehicle description or anything like that, all we can do is wait for either her to call, or who knows, it might be another domestic down the street, and we get another call. But as of right now, we don’t have anything further to go on.”
  • Fontana, Calif. — Ofr. Zozaya and other cops respond to to a shots-fired call in a residential neighborhood. One of the calls apparently came in from an 11 year old boy. Two men are detained outside a home. Ofr. Zozaya also gathers information from a female on scene about what may have happened.

Listen to Ofr. Gearhart’s synopsis about the ongoing investigation:

  • Daytona Beach, Fla. — Ofr. Lee respond to a motorcycle accident with the bike crashing into the woods on a dead-end street. The motorcyclist is sitting in a nearby truck. Ofr. Lee: “I don’t now the extent of injuries, but it looks like he’s just decided not to stop at a stop sign or turn. We’ll figure it out…holy moly — I bet that was a wild ride…that’s a dead end; just didn’t turn left. Just kept going straight.” Ofr. Lee to the driver: “Were you trying to pull the ET — Just go up and fly over?” Lee also reveals that “I crashed my motorcycle last week, and that was wild.” Paramedics summoned to the scene. Sgt. Booth is also on scene.

“I bet that was a wild ride…”

  • Monroe, La. — As the episode concludes, Ofr. Goins provides backup on a detained bicyclist. A crack baggie allegedly spotted on the ground. The subject is arrested for alleged drugs and resisting.