“...when told it wasn’t against the law, he backed off.
What’s the problem?”
He backed off, but the police didn’t. They apparently had to come out and take a look just in case.
Did he have to be so self-indulgent as to call the police?
Couldn’t he have inquired with those around him, with other citizens who might have been acquainted with the law?
It just doesn’t make sense.
I agree with you. The police response was way over the top. That’s not the guy’s fault. You should be able to call the cops and have they respond appropriately.