#32 After Dark - Nick McCarthy's Story: Officer Involved Shootings & Becoming A K9 Police Handler

Welcome back to Iron Sights After Dark! In this episode, I sat down with recently retired cop Nicholas McCarthy who stopped by the studio to share his story for the first time since he took medical leave back in 2021. McCarthy talks about growing up in a Law Enforcement family and befriending his uncle who spent most of his life behind bars. There were two options for Nick: Join Law Enforcement or run the other way. Nick shares that the desire to be a K9 handler motivated him to be a standout cop and after 5 years on the job he was in a position to do exactly that. Without any McCarthy family handouts, Nick put in the work and established himself patrolling the streets of the Bay Area. We've all heard it...If you're looking for trouble - chances are you're going to find it. Nick's relentlessness and passion for catching "The Bad Guy" got him in quite a few really bad situations that he talks about on this show. After leaving his agency over a year ago after an officer involved shooting, McCarthy wasn't able to openly share his career and/or side of the story until now. His retirement papers have been signed and he chose to share his side of the story with the world. Regardless of what the media and/or news has covered, Nick has been: sued, investigated & interviewed by Law Enforcement countless times and his actions and that of his fellow officers have been justified by the law. The goal of this podcast was to listen and share his story publicly for the first time - what can we as a community learn from his life and choices so that we can get better and improve as a whole?
Timestamps:
00:00 Behind The Scenes with Nick
03:00 Welcoming Nick To The Show
04:44 The Law Enforcement Family
07:53 School vs. The Work Force
08:36 The Goal of Being A K9 Handler
17:43 Policing Under The Shadow of Legends
23:37 Dope, Guns & Working The Streets
25:45 The Proactive Cop
29:43 Examples of Leadership in Law Enforcement
37:40 Fast Forward 5 Years
39:55 Going All In On K9 Training
47:26 Being A Successful K9 Handler
49:37 The Full Story of Getting A K9 Dog
57:04 How Tike (The K9) Got His Name
1:00:51 Working The Streets As A K9 Handler
1:11:27 Shit That Went Bad...Really Bad
1:20:37 Saving A Woman's Life
1:26:45 Leading Up To The Event That Changed Everything
1:29:30 The Shooting That Ended Nick's Career
1:59:43 The Aftermath of Being Shot & Being Involved
2:08:31 The Media Went Crazy
2:13:50 Being Put On Administrative Leave
2:24:37 The Investigation That Follows
2:33:21 Battling Retirement & CA Workers Comp
2:48:14 Surviving Depression & Darkness
2:52:50 What's Next For Nick
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[@fr33dumb0]

How does this not have more views? Saw the short and got hooked! Good job!

[@Bulletzz303]

Same

[@matthewpert9611]

For real. What a series of shorts. I had to listen to the full episode.

[@barrelgoon6970]

Because after the first two minutes of this dickhead interrupting this young man Everyone tuned out and started a different video where the guest knows to shut the fuck up

[@lyftedvegas8133]

It’s 3 hours

[@SkejtMac]

Same!

[@realMaverickBuckley]

Great show. Bit of constructive criticism, try and let the guest just flow until *they* are running out if steam for that story. You can lose the gold sometimes by interjecting, the guest forgets what they were saying or gets distracted with a new topic. As a listener, sometimes it can be frustrating as you're left thinking 'wait.. no go back to what he was saying! I need to know what happened!' Anyway, hopefully you take this the right way. 🤘

[@marcosjimenez9975]

Damn, i kept thinking this exactly. Like fam, let the guy talk, your little tid bits are unnecessary. You don't need to talk everytime there's a break 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@MasterNater808]

Came looking for this exact comment. I couldn't agree more.

[@justinbradstreet7138]

I completely agree, let the guest talk a little more before interupting and constantly throwing in little phrases. (Just my 2 cents. Take it or leave it) :) overall amazing podcast

[@randydurbin1407]

He’s literally trying to finish the other guys sentences. Little annoying but hopefully he will evolve.

[@Savsal12]

There’s a reason this channel isn’t huge

[@joshuahoward8510]

The media really needs to have some sort of consequences when they defame people like this, they come out with horrible articles framing the good guy as the bad guy. Glad he made it through, great podcast

[@pfistor]

Yeah there's a balance to be made between free media and holding them accountable... But when they just don't do any research and completely lie to rage bait? That's terrible.

[@j.johnson8360]

Won’t happen until they get out of the pockets of corrupt politicians.

[@peterjohnson8631]

Any links?

[@corbenotton]

@Peter Johnson ever hear of google?

[@peterjohnson8631]

@@corbenotton yo bish has

[@jaliscogrill8519]

Hearing Nick’s perspective of the shooting it is actually bewildering how differently the news articles portray this incident

[@buddahbud1]

I appreciate your story, service, working plans and emotional honesty. How you are using your new learning to heal and live forward are inspiring.

[@AshtonG2022]

I found this video because of TikTok and I’m wanting to watch the full video. Got yourself a new subscriber. Thank you for your service Nick.

[@brysonbrown6107]

Same

[@mckenzie14094]

Me too

[@PointlessPerspective]

Me too!

[@wade6523]

I wanted to hear more k9 stories. Don't think we heard about any bites.

[@ecapone4389]

same right here but i saw it on youtube reels!

[@kevinahaus5042]

Scrolling through youtube shorts when i saw a clip of this podcast. Subscribed and waiting for every episode now. Thank you for your service.

[@burninbarrelz1079]

I recently retired medically from the LE field and am now a dog trainer. Never thought in a million years that I wouldn't be retiring at 55 with a long ass career full of specialty assignments, however those weren't the cards I was dealt. Now I'm just trying to do my part to continue to help people and work with dogs of whom I absolutely love! This podcast deeply resonated with me, thanks for posting this and for coming on!

[@A-S-C]

I’m an indian and I maybe am not supposed to have a connection or nothing relatable with this channel but i went through the content these guys put out and goddamn it’s amazing!! This Channel, The Videos deserve to go Viral. Nothing but Love And Respect from India 🇮🇳

[@mikelac2]

You can like anything you want it doesn't matter what you look like or where you're from, aapakaa DiN subh ho!

[@CZE3]

Let’s Break The Barriers ⚔️

[@A-S-C]

@@mikelac2 Brother Brother You’re Freaking Winning in Life. Love and Respect 🫡

[@A-S-C]

@@CZE3 Hell Yeah Brother!!

[@RaviSingh-xl3os]

Kidda Mr Cheema👋 Yea I agree bro this channel & the content is amazing I cant believe its so underrated, definitely deserves more views for the quality of info.✌👍👍

[@lucasleiter858]

Let the man speak Mr. ROID

[@bballforlife1231]

Let the guest speak with out interrupting

[@coletondillabo9069]

Honestly Nick your story is incredible! I first saw little clips on KZbin shorts and then had to watch the full interview! Bro I am a veteran and now work for a large city police department, but I hope to God if I ever go through what you did I have the backing of the department that you did! PTSD is over looked a lot, and many suffer by it more then we will ever know! Thank you for your incredible service and sharing your story to educate many and to prevent what you went through. 🤙🏼🇺🇸

[@IndianaMint]

Let the people your interviewing talk, it was killing me, ESPECIALLY WHEN HES IN THE MIDDLE OF what seems to be a important story of his life

[@user-pp9yc7ke2z]

OK but a truly humble guest doesn't take this as disrespect. Both of them r listening to the other. Finally Nick needs to be the one driving the bus.😊

[@littleshopOFchaos]

February 22,2022 9pm I was shot in the face and left hand by a 9mm on a traffic stop. Also a k9 officer. Left on the side of the road to bleed out. Yet here I am

[@GunsRbadMkay]

Me too. Jan 4

[@graywind4326]

I’m so glad you are. God bless you.

[@graywind4326]

@@GunsRbadMkay Glad your still with us too. Your service is noble.

[@GunsRbadMkay]

@@graywind4326 Thank you. I hope you’re doing well.

[@Debster8]

So glad you guys survived. May you be blessed

[@Russtherider116]

Dude everyone should listen to this

[@ironsightspodcast]

Appreciate you for saying that!

[@matthewbonds9922]

Would love to see Nick on the Mike Drop podcast with former SEAL K9 handler Mike Ritland!!

[@JJHemingway421]

One of the best interviews I’ve ever seen.

[@mortalv3792]

You have interesting guest unfortunately you are a dull interviewer. You do not keep up with the pace of your guest. They are excited and you seem checked out !

[@davewylie654]

Nailed it when you guys talked about sleep depravity and the dangers of it. I truly think it's more dangerous than drunk drivers.

[@Debster8]

I don't live in the USA but the world hears these stories about all the bad cops so thank you for reliving this and telling the truth so that people can get informed instead of just opinionated

[@hughchandler5648]

Interviewer needs to let the man talk.

[@xCADILLAC1982x]

This is very inspiring & motivating. Nick’s story was very moving. I’m super glad I was able to hear it. Thank You For All You Do.✌🏻

[@gustavogonzalez3004]

Really wish you would have let the guest talk more, just when it was getting interesting you had to interject and break it down, I get it, but a bit excessive,

[@JerichoGreen1]

Great content man!

[@HangryPirate]

Took me a while to watch this. Host needs to let the dude talk and get his story out, quit interrupting.

[@themanironmask]

Let the man speak.... hate it when hosts just butt in and won't let the guest speak. Absolutely ruins the flow and interview. LET THEM SPEAK.

[@joeluns74]

Interviewer wants to be interviewed

[@brandonhomer5511]

Plan on going to the police academy, this is exactly the podcast to help understand the mindset that I’m going to need

[@Treyyyyyyy]

Good luck brother

[@AshtonG2022]

Good Luck Brother. If it goes well Please Stay Safe.

[@ironsightspodcast]

Good luck brother!

[@paulblyatmallcop4914]

Hey Brandon. Good luck in your future endeavors man. I highly recommend reading a book called The Most Dangerous Superstition by Larken Rose. I mean it when I say that this book could literally save your life or the lives of others. I would be willing to send you a copy for free if we can somehow exchange information; or at the very least, the audiobook is free on KZbin. Best of luck to you man ✌️

[@dages1995]

Good luck💪

[@mikeb6410]

How about letting the guy talk

[@xJAWAx]

I've seen the shorts for this episode. I had to watch the whole thing. What a story.

[@chandlerarmstrong171]

Great video. Super cool and interesting story from a great guy. Great interviewer too. Really appreciate nick and you for putting this together. Awesome points made and very down to earth. Love to see these type of things and it ultimately makes you back the police and realize they are human too.

[@jg1848]

Found yourself a new supporter brother, on the road to PO myself and I value this dialogue deeply, thank you.

[@CanadianPodcast]

Thank you for this story.

[@juggercrizab07]

This was a phenomenal episode! I can’t believe it’s not a up to a million+ views yet?! It’s gonna get there though.

[@thiccboi309]

As an officer who was involved in a shooting and killed the suspect this podcast is gold. It actually really helps me that I’m not alone in how I felt especially going back to work.

[@dougsmith4961]

Thank you for you service.

[@user-qv9bd4ye1f]

I wonder if there is anything different when it comes to killing a suspect as a cop vs a Army grunt killing a Taliban fighter I have to be completely honest I don't feel anything at all. In fact I got a rush like I just scored a touchdown...

[@thiccboi309]

@@user-qv9bd4ye1f I think it’s a little mor personal. My goal is not kill people like the military. I never wanted to do that in my career, but I was forced to

[@philippmoser2118]

Great podcast, you guys have a good thing going, keep up the great work!

[@ironsightspodcast]

Appreciate that! Thank you.

[@cavemanlovesmoke4394]

Loved this show yall !!

[@WesAKAthemilkman]

This podcast is gonna grow forsure, glad to have found it.

[@napa7072]

Love these LEO interviews! Please do more!

[@winsterium4083]

Growing up in the inner city, I never heard the perspective of police officers. This podcast was very insightful and eye opening.

[@ralfmoss]

cant wait to listen to this in full 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@kippypierce732]

These podcasts are powerful and provide a lot of value. Just found you guys. Followed and I’m looking forward to digesting more of these great sit downs with real people.

[@bobdixon4998]

I can't thank you enough for your work and being endangered to protect the public.

[@BrandonCockridge18]

Just discovered this podcast. About an hour in and this episode is awesome.. Cant wait to watch/listen to the others

[@quesocobra]

Awesome podcast, just found you! Thanks for the great content

[@brandonblack7729]

This is such a good podcast, thank you.

[@jacobmundt3681]

Great podcast. Thank you

[@keithheiden7489]

Proud of you, Nick! ❤️

[@edb2478]

Thank you for your service Nick. I come from a cop family myself and kind went down the same path as your uncle. By the grace of God I never got in serious trouble. I had a moment where I knew I needed to make a change. I hope many people see this podcast because you showed how cops are everyday people doing a very hard, misunderstood, and undervalued service. May God bless you

[@avamccarthy4279]

that's my brother🫶♥️

[@401brady]

Being somebody that is about to enter the academy this episode is very inspiring thanks 🇺🇸

[@anthonyfreeman908]

im the furthest thing from a cop my cousin is a sheriff in southern Oregon the stories that dude has told about the shit he's seen and has had to do man its intense for sure jus wanted to wish you the best of luck it takes a different breed of man to be an officer of the law i hope nothing but the best for your future bro

[@mattp4007]

Nothing worse than a host that will not shut up and let the storyteller ride. It’s an art to interview and knowing when the guest is getting into a rhythm. Let your guest flow please. You killed the momentum so many times where the storyteller couldn’t even remember their last thought. Your interrupting contribution are self-absorbed and nonsensical. Actually read Podcasts for Dummies.

[@alanh2551]

Amen

[@southaussielad2496]

I'd love to see this guy's story told on another podcast, this was hard to watch.

[@mattp4007]

@@southaussielad2496 agreed!

[@stebastiancalderon]

i thought i was the only one who was thinking that

[@marcosjimenez9975]

This seems to be the consensus across the viewers. This guy couldn't shut up to save his life.

[@A91367]

What a good dude. Reminds me so much of a fireman I know. Hope he finds happiness and satisfaction on his future path. Cops like this are awesome.

[@Treverswain1]

What an amazing episode to watch. This dude is a legend.

[@ALEXELY925]

This needs wayyy more views

[@nofearcbr]

I saw this short had to watch full video 🤙🏻

[@Walter_E_Kurtz]

Glad that I found the show, I enjoy when I come across something that I like watching and listening to. I found the channel from one of the shorts, and I subscribed also.

[@heidil.4651]

Excellent interview. Students in school should have to watch these interviews. Firefighters, police officers, military….. They need to see and hear the men and women who protect us everyday and realize the sacrifices they make and that they are our heroes. Trades need to be offered and taught again in schools. It’s devastating to me how disrespected the people are.

[@jeremywilson3405]

I went on a call once where a 13 year old boy shot his grandfather with a bb gun. It struck him in the eye and did make it's way to the brain. The grandfather died several days later in the hospital due to swelling of the brain. The grandson shot him because he wasn't allowed to use the phone.

[@creasybear4426]

Should of let him use the phone …..

[@TheDroneZoneIRL]

@@creasybear4426 Are you for real?

[@bansheeactual2927]

As a new Handler, I really enjoyed this podcast.

[@ironsightspodcast]

Thank you! Sending the best to you and your K9!

[@chrismacphersom3258]

Slow is smooth smooth is fast. Great video. Gives perspective man.

[@tre_tha_beast6848]

Just sat here with my airpod in for 2 hours and im completely hooked….

[@bryanporter3920]

This honestly speaks to me, I been through a lot of the same stuff

[@marcusbritt8340]

Dope podcast… saw it on TikTok everybody needs to watch this!!!

[@morenotrece881]

Great interview ! My respects brother 🫡

[@westonthroop5579]

Best podcast I have ever listened to this has helped me so much thank y’all for this

[@seancunn4089]

Good interview I can relate especially at 25:45 .

[@julesblacha5750]

Thanks for the insight on the backpack...

[@glory_warrior6213]

Wow, so I struggle setting a boundary with myself and limiting myself with things. At min 34 he said ok a line has been drawn and this is a test. I have never ever thought of things in that aspect. I hate, HATE failing a test. New approach will be taken in life. Thank you

[@AArielrosales]

I found this from tiktok! Great podcast and bringing awareness 👏

[@avamccarthy4279]

that's my big brother!!♥️ love you nick

[@choatjr9495]

😂😂😂avaaaa

[@avamccarthy4279]

@@choatjr9495 😭😂

[@jayteefishing1543]

Randomly found this podcast but I’m glad I did. I need more shit to listen to. Awesome content brother.

[@awsumpossum2362]

Awesome podcast

[@justynconston7249]

Here cause of Tik Tok. This needs publicity like the Shawn Ryan show

[@chado1992]

New subscriber from this video. I can relate to him a lot

[@adruff321]

Great Podcast! Just discovered it and will definitely be listening again in the future. Does anyone know what Scott Howell’s background is? He definitely seems to have a good grasp on the world of cops

[@VitalyKozengov]

Whoa! NEVER knew this. Good to know

[@DaddyVet3D]

@24:45 The problem with that is you can’t turn things that are legal into illegal activity because they might pose a risk of becoming a future crime. tricking people into giving up their rights is immoral no matter which way you look at it.

[@cylesands1561]

This! I’m glad I’m not the only one that found it odd he was obsessed with finding the “bad guy”… seem to me that this guy found all civilians he interacted with as “bad guys“ which is absolutely ridiculous… also obsessed with Finding a crime at any cost…

[@alexfrancis548]

this the best damn thing i’ve watched

[@Dylan-yg4hg]

What's crazy to me and its not really crazy at this point given how the media is, Allen (bad guy) aimed what was believed to be a firearm at your head, pulled the trigger, and hit you in the head, and they wanted to make him a victim? He could have killed a police officer, and in all the news reports I've found, don't report that he shot him with what they believed to be a firearm, they dragged these officers through the dirt and they did nothing wrong and Allen most certainly is no victim. Thank You Nick for you service to the community, and I'm sorry you and your colleagues had to go through this for just doing your jobs, protecting and serving your community. The media needs to be held accountable for the damage they cause with their lies.

[@davemcdonald1453]

Awesome story

[@walthampton6700]

First time listener, now I am a subscriber. Come from a family of LE but I am the black sheep, even though my rowdy ways are long behind me. What sticks out to me is CA is like a different country. Seems like LE is up against not only the worst of the worst criminals but you are scrutinized at every level. Reading your local newspapers coverage of the incident made me sick to my stomach. And it sucks because I am mesmerized by the natural beauty and History of your state but there is no fucking way I would ever visit. Same way I am home in bed every night by 9 to decrease my odds of any shenanigans. I will stay on the east coast and probably won't ever visit CA. Seems like good guys like you two are the overwhelming minority in CA. Thanks for the podcasts and the good work you have both done.

[@roeboy8212]

Wow. Is there bodycam footage of this anywhere?

[@crunchysaatva]

This guy has a "Tony Hawk of Cops" vibe .

[@Triforce_Games]

Great Channel. Definitely gained a new subscriber. Only input I have is maybe let the guest speak more without interjecting so often. Keep up the great work (Both of you)

[@ironsightspodcast]

Noted!

[@patricknoel2122]

Way to many ads, gotta slow it down bud, its like every 7 minutes

[@daeson617]

Whenever state trooper jacob byrd retires he needs a podcast episode

[@shieldk9]

Why anyone would choose to be a cop nowadays is beyond me. Risky job, terrible hours, average pay and to top it all off you run the risk of being vilified or jailed for killing some scumbag that's trying to kill you or ODs while being restrained..

[@sberry80]

I'm really diggin thus interview , and don't get it wrong, I'm gonna watch the whole interview. But man, soooooo many adds brother. Maybe tone the adds a but in the future 🤔

[@reycodroid1177]

Came across this podcast from tik tok u got a new subscriber bro

[@ironsightspodcast]

Legend!

[@peppilameu3144]

You can hunt bad guys, getting CIs to trust you or people in the community but the hardest part I think is that darn paperwork. Properly documenting everything , how you word your report, and structure it all. That’s the hard part. And once you fall behind it’s hard to catch up.

[@judgie0723]

That prong collar is not being used properly. That is how you wear it for chocking. You just need to flip the flat and the pronged collar and he will be so much more comfortable and responsive. Love the video thoguh!

[@CELLPHONETECH078]

He got shot by a Pellet gun and retired from that? Can someone please clarify dont understand it? Not talking crap just dont understand it? Thanks for your service as well?

[@chrisbright5095]

No it wasnt the pellet gun it was the fake media saying a fake story how him and the cops on scene “shot someone who was changing a tire” whoch wasnt the case. That added up with a whole bunch of other things over the years started to make him feel like he couldnt do the job anymore because he was hiding his feelings and horrible things he saw inside of himself

[@CELLPHONETECH078]

@@chrisbright5095 Got it thanks for clarifying I knew was something else. No pellet gun can hold back the good cops out there. 💪🏼🙏

[@alwaysready4017]

Guys, great content ….

[@TheBettelprinz]

Awsome but you Talk to much and Stop the flow wayyyyyyyy to much

[@Hustleandaddited]

We have to blow up this channel !!! He is at the top of the game and literally has just started in the KZbin world but he deserves credit where credit is due !! Keep on giving your best 🎉🎉

[@alexsawicki8717]

Came here from tiktok great podcast and I feel so bad for him and i have co2 bb gun and they are exactly like the real thing they are made to practice everything right down to breaking it down to clean I've always said to people who talk shit about cops that they have a split second to make a decision put yourself in their shoes

[@mikemilchev5793]

watching from santa rosa

[@honeymustard9705]

I looked at that gun in detail for probably a solid minute until he said wrapped in electrical tape and didn’t see it until he mentioned it. Entire interview was wild, but that stood out to me.

[@drixcodrixco909]

Maybe because its all 🧢

[@crystaldabbs1294]

​@@drixcodrixco909Search up Nick McCarthy Police shooting and it will show up on Google, 1st article mentioned him by name

[@tylermcdaniel223]

Welcome to Nampa, Nick 👊🏻

[@bloodyricho1]

The rock analogy is the smartest shit I have heard in a long time. I spent years juggling rocks 🪨 after the arse fell out of my backpack.