The few LEOs there at the time didn't have enough long guns to go around and were tickled that I had a couple of scoped rifles and an AR 15 to lone them while they watched for muzzle flashes to target to keep the guy from shooting or at least off target,while others were trying to come up on the shooter from behind.
The LEOs recruited me to tell folks what was happening and get people to stay low in their vehicles.I took a 1911 .45 that would have been worthless for the range unless the nut moved in closer but it still gave me a sense of security in case the shooter had a friend up close.
I don't believe I could transport personal firearms OTR according to law at the time but not one of the LEOs said a thing to me except many thanks after their buds caught the guy.
Those three extra rifles and plenty of ammo at least helped keep the shooter off balance and worried even if the LEOs couldn.t get any good shots.
I don't know what the laws are in different areas but firmly believe if folks have to transport firearms in the trunk to be legal they should at least do that.You never know when something might come in handy