Officer Patrick Hickey's experience shows just how dangerous it can be out there.

Authorities said Officer Patrick Hickey was checking license plates as part of a recent drug investigation when 33-year-old Stewart Jenkins asked him "What's up?"

"What's up?" Hickey said he responded.

After another exchange, Jenkins allegedly retorted: "I'll show you what's up!" and went inside a nearby house and emerged with a .38 caliber handgun, police said.

Presumably Hickey was in plain clothes and in a not-so-nice neighborhood. The bad guy backed down after Officer Hickey displayed his badge and pulled his own sidearm.

Authorities said Jenkins was wanted in Michigan, where he was on parole for assault.

Police said he was carrying $700 and a small amount of what they suspected was crack cocaine. A search of his house turned up $8,000 and 15 grams of suspected crack, authorities said.

It just goes to show you how a simple gesture or comment can put your life in danger.