In using this incident to illustrate the "having a gun doesn't make you safe" point, I in no way intend to pass judgement on Ranger Anderson's actions.

I will say this though, the training these folks receive teaches a pattern of thinking where every situation is treated as though the maximum threat is possible, even likely. As the situation dictates, actions and mitigation procedures can be downgraded, but initial responses always assume the worst.

A vehicle blowing a checkpoint of any sort is a HUGE red flag for law enforcement. This situation was immediately recognized as having the potential to be very serious, which is why the vehicle was pursued.

The mindset taught is that there are no routine traffic stops and everyone is trying to kill you.