We still don't know if there is a "backstory" here (prior contact, etc.), but this statement by Mr. McComas would seem to indicate that there is: "McComas briefly complains “you guys have done enough to my family” and calls the police “corrupt.”"
See: http://www.pressdemocrat.com/news/4299394-181/video-captures-rohnert-park-police?page=3
Correct, but whatever that was, it was no reason for the cop to do what he did.
E.g., if you’re a convicted felon of weapons or drug charges on parole, you will get occasional visits by the ATF and/or DEA who, as a condition of parole, are allowed to search your premises for illicit activity and firearms.
Upon such a visit, they will state, who they are and why they are there. During such a search, the parolee is cuffed.
However, what they do not do is simply show up and start issuing orders, which is what this cop did.
My belief is that the cop was pissed he was being filmed (those uppity free people). It could very well be, as you state, that there’s a backstory whereby the cop is pissed over a complaint or what not, and the cop is retaliating for that reason.
EITHER WAY, the cop is in the wrong and way over the line.
Also, note, even after having the opportunity to run the cameraman’s tag, the cop stated that he did not know him.
Also, also note, when the cop exits the vehicle, he says into the mike that he’s at “that address”.
This is likely because he ran the tag and address at the dispatch to see if there were any problems there, such as warrants on residents, or if they are felons, or if there have been incidents there.
So, again for example, if the address was associated with domestic violence calls, or what not, the cop would’ve/could’ve said that he made this location part of his normal patrol due to complaints in the area.
He did not, which is why I conclude - no reason, or at least, no good/legal reason to do what he did.
Maybe you’ve never encountered cops before. I have (nothing serious), nevertheless, they had ALWAYS started off the conversation by stating WHY they are approaching me. Never had there been anything remotely close to cop walking up and saying “take your hand out of your pocket” and drawing a weapon in less than a second after that (unlawful) command.
When there is an IMMINENT threat to life or property they WILL skip that part and proceed immediately to the order while drawing. So if you’re holding a knife to someone’s throat, a cop is not going to say “I notice that you seem to be holding someone against their will. Please release them.” as he unbuttons his holster.
NOT the situation here. The majority of time, in broad daylight, someone hooking up to a vehicle in a driveway is simply the owner hooking up a boat in their driveway.
That act, in and of itself, is not probable cause to be suspicious of theft. Had there been some other factor indicating it (tag of vehicle spotted at prior theft / suspect matches description) AGAIN, AGAIN, AGAIN, the cop would’ve said so.