Need advice/suggestion from LEOs please

[LAtoSF]

Hi-

I'll try and be concise. My cousin has a former co-worker (who is no longer with the company) but while employed made some very serious threats towards him. In short- he has a drinking problem combined with some mental illness issues. The person tried to assault my cousin on the job and was fired because of it.

Ever since this incident, the man has been sending numerous threats via text message to my cousin along the lines of "I am going to see you and your family and guns will be involved" or "I'm down stairs and I'm coming up--dont be alarmed but I have a gun" type of stuff. The next day he will apologize (seems like he was drinking) but it's been going on for three weeks now.

I personally read the messages and was very concerned. My cousin is not violent at all however he lives in Richmond and the street code of getting police involved etc is not sitting well with him. I told he needs to file a restraining order and also look into getting home protection (pistol etc).

So my question is--what actually happens if he files a restraining order? Does filing one usually increase threatening behavior from people with mental issues and should my cousin look into getting a ccw (contra costa county)?

My cousin is a new dad and just got married and he does not want to escalate things.

[Atomic Donut]

If your cousin is in actual fear for his life and he contacts LE immediatley there may be a violation of PC422 involved. I'd have him document any calls or text messages, the thing is he has to be in fear for his safety during that time.

If he goes to the courthouse and applies for a restraining order, pending it gets granted by the judge, it usually does not allow any contact either in person, writing, or electronic device. A text or being within a certain distance would violate it and be enough PC to arrest.

I hate to break it to you but your cousin has a better chance of winning the lotto than getting a CCW permit approved in Contra Costa County. As a police officer I have had my family threatened many times and my own wife was not granted a CCW, even though I worked and lived in the county.

GL.

[esy]

Don't want discourage you or your friend from doing whatever you all feel best, however, the likelihood of getting an RO filed and signed by a judge will be very slim. I've seen worse cases/scenarios get denied and I could tell the petitioner was visibly terrified and shaking.

[LAtoSF]

Thank you for the input. Much appreciated.