Factual error: There's a scene where the mother shoots an oxygen tank, which explodes, to kill an alien. A bullet shot by a pistol doesn't have the power to penetrate an oxygen cylinder. This has been tested with guns of various types. Even a .44 Magnum was only able to dent the cylinder. It took a .338 Lapua Magnum rifle cartridge to penetrate the cylinder. Even then, the cylinder didn't explode; it just "shot flame" from the exit hole.
Factual error: 1. Turntables used by radio stations have no repeat play function; they are strictly manual operation. 2. Even if they did, continuous play of one 45rpm record would have eventually elicited a skip, and later the complete wearing through of the vinyl by friction of the needle. (01:25:40)
Answer: While what was happening was not yet considered an emergency, a situation was growing, and town residents were becoming somewhat panicked or were confused. Officer Ronnie used his siren and lights as a safety precaution to warn people milling in the street to move away. He also signaled Lee not to drive off because he wanted to talk to him. Ronnie didn't appear to just stand there. He was looking around and assessing the situation while Lee was walking up to him.
raywest ★