Years ago I was working the drawer in the hardware store and a guy came in wearing Levis and a cowboy shirt. Right in front of the counter he started to turn toward me, raising his shirt tail. I saw the bottom end of a holster and I drew on him. His eyes got big as saucers and another employee hollered "don't shoot, he's a deputy". He had his badge on his belt by the holster but I sure as Hell couldn't see it right away. He actually apologized and admitted he did something stupid. He asked me how I got the old S&W out from under my shirt so fast and I told him "lots of practice.
We ended up on good terms. I know I'd have gone to jail in a lot of places. He is lucky I didn't panic and shoot, I know people who would have, some of them cops.
HUH?!?!?! A customer came into your store, you happened to catch a glimpse of his concealed, holstered gun, and you drew your gun on him???? Wow! I'd a lot rather run into the off-duty police officer described in this blog post, than run into you! I routinely carry concealed in Pennsylvania, and I'd press charges against anyone who drew a gun on me just because they caught a glimpse of my gun.
He is lucky I didn't panic and shoot
So are you. You'd be spending many years in prison if you had, as well you should be.
Sooo, you see a holster on a otherwise nonthreatening person and you draw...? Maybe go on alert and position yourself for cover, pull a roscoe on a citizen who is legally armed and non-threatening you may find yourself in jail, or worse. Cop should have squared you away back then, in my opinion.
Even “years ago” many states had CCW permits, undercover LEOs etc.
Be very careful, don’t be afraid.