Hello all, here is today's article posted on TheArmoryLife.com. It is titled “Will You Shoot the Wrong Threat?” and can be found at https://www.thearmorylife.com/will-you-shoot-the-wrong-threat/.
Will You Shoot the Wrong Threat?
- Thread starter Mike H.
- Start date
PieterCoetzee
Professional
Interesting article. NOTE that the author pointed out that you need to be able to ARTICULATE what you saw and WHY you acted. I will add that you dont have to be correct only that from your perspective "you saw what you saw"
In the story the author described the suspect "with a bag over his hand". Now he may or may not have had a weapon in the bag BUT that is irrelevant, just like if he had been using a toy gun; the mere threat of a weapon makes this a lethal force incident. The later slapping the clerk only adds to the threat and use of force justification.
What I didnt see in the article was any scan of the other "customers" who may be innocent OR a second suspect. Failing to scan could be a serious mistake. Additionally failing to take note of other customers means that they might suddenly rush into your line of fire.
Finally, that the suspect is "displaying" a weapon aimed at the clerk; this would be the perfect place for a HEAD SHOT to put the bad guys lights out before he could shoot the clerk OR you. Then scan for other threats.
In the story the author described the suspect "with a bag over his hand". Now he may or may not have had a weapon in the bag BUT that is irrelevant, just like if he had been using a toy gun; the mere threat of a weapon makes this a lethal force incident. The later slapping the clerk only adds to the threat and use of force justification.
What I didnt see in the article was any scan of the other "customers" who may be innocent OR a second suspect. Failing to scan could be a serious mistake. Additionally failing to take note of other customers means that they might suddenly rush into your line of fire.
Finally, that the suspect is "displaying" a weapon aimed at the clerk; this would be the perfect place for a HEAD SHOT to put the bad guys lights out before he could shoot the clerk OR you. Then scan for other threats.
If you do enough digging around into professed self-defense cases you find certain recurrent trends- the claim of self defense will be decided in a jury trial, so you will face arrest, confinement, bond, etc. whilst lawyers hash it out. Do not expect to simply say it was self-defense and the police to say, "okay have a good day" and that is the end of that. Many people believe they at least have some cushion time while police sort the matter out, weigh the evidence, and may even consult with prosecutors but this may not be the case- you may be arrested within hours of the incident (which may work to your benefit but that is a different story). Do not expect the benefit of the doubt.
The key kinetic term in this article is "judgement". Frankly, I don't know if enough gun totting persons out there have good judgement or perhaps even the ability to make a good judgment, let alone in a stress scenario; look at how people fall to pieces in a 'soup or salad' controversy with someone. Then, we have the question of skill, running drills is good, training is good, but fundamentals, that is going to matter and in the era we live in, people put their hopes and prayers on some kind of gun upgrade kit hoping it will overcome their lack of basic shooting skill.
As excited as many are about the prospect of getting into the fight, I think most readers would do well to blend into the background or slip out the back door while you can and avoid harming others- indirectly or directly but your actions; let alone the selfish reasons which serve your own best interest- i.e. avoiding arrest.
The key kinetic term in this article is "judgement". Frankly, I don't know if enough gun totting persons out there have good judgement or perhaps even the ability to make a good judgment, let alone in a stress scenario; look at how people fall to pieces in a 'soup or salad' controversy with someone. Then, we have the question of skill, running drills is good, training is good, but fundamentals, that is going to matter and in the era we live in, people put their hopes and prayers on some kind of gun upgrade kit hoping it will overcome their lack of basic shooting skill.
As excited as many are about the prospect of getting into the fight, I think most readers would do well to blend into the background or slip out the back door while you can and avoid harming others- indirectly or directly but your actions; let alone the selfish reasons which serve your own best interest- i.e. avoiding arrest.