[11BEE]

I am not a police officer, nor am I a lawyer. I will give my 2 cents. Austin is a party town and for Texas has a very liberal stance. Over the years they have had a series of budget problems and in the evening their police force is pulled quite thin, so give the police a break.

I would expect that you are not going to be charged with anything. If they were going to charge you for a felony, trust me you would have been booked. They were most likely trying to teach you a lesson for impersonating a police officer. This is a major no no. There are always people claiming to be police in order to commit crime. Think about what they know 1) a person is claiming alcohol related accident on the phone 2) a person is claiming gang activity in the area 3) a person is impersonating an officer 4) a person is agitated on the 911 call. They have no idea who the parties are, who is drunk or who has a gun. At this point however you are the one agitated and claiming to be the police, so you are GOING to be the prime focus. They have to make sure you are not one of the nuts who actually has a gun. I am very surprised you were not handcuffed.

In Texas you have the Motorist Protection Act which allows you to have a gun in the car for protection if you are over 18. Also at 21 you can apply for a concealed handgun license and be allowed to carry a gun as someone suggested earlier. However with both of these if you had been drinking and discharge a weapon, be prepared to go to jail. The law here is very clear on no drinking and shooting. I would suggest you look up MPA and CHL and make your decision on self protection, but also know the limitations on drinking and 51% establishments.

The police cannot be everywhere and cannot protect everyone. I have many friends who are police and have extreme respect for all those who wear a badge, but your first line of protection is yourself.

Finally, was a front fender really worth your life? I hope not. Make a wise judgement call, and remember that your insurance can handle this after the fact and make them pay so long as you have their plate number. You can get a report later and remain safe. You can also call 911 and report that you were hit by an erratic and most likely drunk driver and give them the plate and where the car is currently driving. That will get a fast response.