Over his thirty-year career in federal law enforcement, he had encountered every type of human behavior. He instantly recognized the puffed-out chest and the aggressive posture. It was the universal body language of an insecure cop looking for a confrontation. "I live here," Arthur said simply, his deep, resonant baritone naturally commanding attention. "I am just getting my paper."
"I said, step away from the box and keep your hands where I can see them," Rollins barked, stepping closer. "Do you have any identification on you?" "I don't carry my wallet when I step out to water my lawn," Arthur replied, his tone remaining perfectly level. "My ID is inside the house. If you give me a moment, I can go retrieve it." "You aren't going anywhere," Rollins snapped, closing the distance between them. "Whose house is this? What is the homeowner's name?" Arthur sighed quietly. "The homeowner's name is Arthur Pendleton, as I just told you. That is me." Rollins let out a harsh, disbelieving laugh. "Right. Sure it is. You own this place? A man dressed like you? I know people who live in this neighborhood, pal. You do not fit the profile."
"The profile?" Arthur repeated. The word hung in the humid morning air. Arthur's eyes turned cold, though his posture remained entirely relaxed. "Officer, I strongly suggest that you reconsider this line of inquiry. You are making an assumption based on a profound lack of information. Check the license plates on the SUV in the garage. Call your dispatcher." "Do not tell me how to do my job," Rollins growled, offended that a suspect was giving him orders.
He reached out and grabbed Arthur's right arm, twisting it forcefully behind Arthur's back. Arthur's muscles tensed instinctively, but his disciplined mind overrode his reflexes. He knew better than to physically resist a local patrolman, especially an erratic one. He let his arm be pulled behind him, dropping the Sunday paper onto the driveway. Officer Miller jogged up the driveway looking panicked.
"Derek, let us take a second here. He is not fighting you," Miller said. "He is refusing to identify himself and trespassing on private property," Rollins stated, pulling his handcuffs from his belt.