Here is a video that was originally broadcast on Court TV. This nut takes the police on a high speed pursuit and when he gets out of the vehicle he starts pointing his phone at the police like it is a weapon and he is shot. Not surprising, most in this situation would do the same when faced with the possibility that you may not go home to your family tonight.
An interesting analysis of the above video was completed by Certified Senior Crime Scene Analyst and Certified Forensic Photographer Alexander Jason.
The problem, while it may look like a phone, appearances can be deceiving. Of course, that is the point of some of the following products.
We all remember the cell phone gun. Does not look much like a cell phone but if the point is to cause you to hesitate before you shoot I expect that it looks real enough.
The video of this cellphone gun being shot can be seen on YouTube.
Here is the stun cell phone.
According to Safety Products Unlimited the advantages of this product are that:
The unique design of the Cell Phone Stun Gun gives you a tactical advantage and security when confronted with a threatening situation. It comes with a personal alarm and 180,000 volt stun gun with case.
A similar product from Personal Alarms advertises:
Now you can carry a stun device without it being noticed. Disguised as one of the most common personal accessories, the Cellular Phone Stun Gun provides excellent protection from would-be attackers.Because of it’s tactical advantage the MPD-125 Stun Gun Cell Phone can be used by undercover store detectives and security guards. This stun device does not have to be concealed. It truly looks like a real cell phone, but it is a cleverly disguised stun gun.
In my search on the net I also came across this imitation cellphone which was capable of spraying pepper spray.
The claim was that the advantage of this phone is that it is:
innocuous enough to escape attention yet keep you ready in case of any danger. The device is shaped like a brightly colored clamshell phone and will easily pass off for a phone except if observed minutely. One could carry it around in the open easily. Just pull off the antenna and press the button after holding the handset in the correct position and you will have sprayed the attacker with the spray.
Apparently this is better than traditional spray which has has to be hidden under clothes or in a bag. The add claims that traditional pepper spray is less advantageous because it takes time to produce from its hiding spot to use on an attacker.
I have never understood the logic behind these products. If deterring an attacker is the point, would a cell phone that looks like a shotgun not be a better idea than a stun gun that looks like a cell phone. After all, to call for help you still have to carry a cellphone. Maybe the purpose of these products is to permit a criminal to carry a weapon which will not be noticed by the police or unsuspecting citizens.
When you see products like these are you surprised that your cellphone could get you shot? Here are a couple of others.
The gun knife.
This is the stinger pen gun.
My suggestion, if the police stop you do not point or waive anything around. Even if the police are wrong and the item in your hand is not a weapon it may get you killed.
