Finally, Marcus made a suggestion that should have resolved everything. "Officer, why don't we walk to Copper Star Coffee together? The staff can confirm my identity and my routine. That should clear up any confusion."
It was a reasonable suggestion: the coffee shop was two blocks away; the walk would take five minutes; the staff could verify Marcus's story immediately.
Collins refused. "I'm not going anywhere with you."
"Then may I continue to the coffee shop? I've provided identification, answered all your questions, and submitted to a search. I haven't committed any crimes, and you found no evidence of wrongdoing."
Collins was trapped. He had no legal basis to detain Marcus further: the man had committed no crime, posed no threat, and had been completely cooperative. But admitting that would mean acknowledging that he had drawn his weapon on an innocent blind man walking to get coffee.
"I'm going to let you go with a warning," Collins said, as if he was doing Marcus a favor.
"A warning about what?" Marcus asked.
Collins paused. What could he warn a blind man about? Walking while Black? Using a mobility cane? Being polite to police officers?
"Just be more careful about how you carry that stick," Collins said weakly.
Marcus stood there for a moment, processing what had just happened. Then he said something that perfectly captured the absurdity of the situation:
"Officer, I'll be careful about how I carry the mobility aid that I need to navigate safely as a blind person. Is there a particular way you'd recommend I hold my white cane that would be less threatening to law enforcement?"
The sarcasm was gentle but unmistakable. Collins had no response.