"Since I was detained and searched and cuffed and embarrassed in front of everybody, I decided to file a suit," Fiorino said yesterday. "I'd like to see that other citizens who are abiding by the law and want to defend themselves by carrying a firearm and exercising their rights don't get continually mistreated."
It's legal to carry a gun in the city with a valid permit. After an Internal Affairs investigation sparked by two 2010 confrontations between Fiorino and police over his weapon, the department revised its directive related to the law, but failed to advise its officers, the suit says.
Although Fiorino can be heard in the recording explaining that and offering to show his permit to police, he was verbally harassed and threatened.
Fiorino was cleared in October of reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct, charges that were filed more than a month after the February incident.
A lawyer for the Police Department told the Daily News last May that officers were being trained and better informed about gun laws to avoid similar encounters.
Fiorino, who grew up in Feltonville but now lives in Lansdale, said he still carries his Glock when he can.
"Growing up in Philadelphia, I knew what it was like outside," he said. "Whenever it's suitable and appropriate, open carrying is more comfortable for me."
