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I would try to take a photo and get a good description of the perp and then call our sherriffs dept. I'm not going to put myself into a situation that could threaten my life over my car or objects found within it, plus the legality gets pretty fuzzy.
HOWEVER...
When I lived in WV I had a constant issue with trespassers on 'community property' across from mine, starting bonfires, playing loud music etc.. They moved it to my property one night- cause I had about 10 cords of firewood stacked and a nice picnic table. Of course I took a shotgun and a sidearm. And I was pretty p*ssed to see my picnic table burning in a bonfire. I asked them no so politely to leave, one of the neck tatood punk threatened me and took a motion at me- I racked the action shut. Ended that little party.
If my truck alarm is going off I'm packing when I'm heading out the door. I don't care who sues who. There is rampant blaming the victim now and it's pathetic. I call the cops and they will get there 3 hours later to file a report.
While it is legal here in Texas to use deadly force to prevent theft of your property, you best be sure it is absolutely necessary..... and be prepared to live with the mental consequences if you are a sensitive person.
Outside the house with the perp being frightened off & running away, I wouldn't shoot at him, but would give a warning shot to speed him on his way.
Outside the house if said perp is aggressive towards me or anyone else, then he's DRT. Inside the house, he's DRT ASAP, his demeanor being determined after he assumes room temperature.
But to repeat, if you are a sensitive type, then be prepared for the after action stress disorder.
If you are not particularly bothered by dispatching a scumbag to his just reward, then have a beer after the dust settles.
Be careful, within the city limits this carries a potential fine of at least a few hundred bucks. You will be cited for discharge of a firearm within city limits, and by your own admission cannot justify shooting as "the perp was running away". Sure, you have your logic, but you've done 2 things...1, told the perp you have a firearm that can now be stolen while you are away, and 2, gotten yourself a fine (potentially).
As much as I want to say that I would stay inside and observe, I know the type of person that I am. I'd confront them, no sense in "lying" which any other answer would be. Besides, the incident would probably result in 3-4 hours minimum of police interaction, which for me means overtime!
As much as I want to say that I would stay inside and observe, I know the type of person that I am. I'd confront them, no sense in "lying" which any other answer would be. Besides, the incident would probably result in 3-4 hours minimum of police interaction, which for me means overtime!
It would be really tough to just sit there and watch breaking into your vehicle doing damage when the police are far away. The few times we have called 911 on issues they got to us in about 10 minutes. My hope is I can get the police close enough to catch these guys. Most of the people I know who had a similar situation they catch them a few blocks away. The video evidence will be very helpful.
Be careful, within the city limits this carries a potential fine of at least a few hundred bucks. You will be cited for discharge of a firearm within city limits, and by your own admission cannot justify shooting as "the perp was running away". Sure, you have your logic, but you've done 2 things...1, told the perp you have a firearm that can now be stolen while you are away, and 2, gotten yourself a fine (potentially).
I don't live in the city limits. And most everybody in the area has guns.
A fine for shooting at a criminal in Williamson County? lol
Only if I missed him.
Location: When you take flak it means you are on target
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This scenario is a good time for non lethal tools, mace, etc. You can in AZ, stop a property crime like that with physical force.
Oh, oh, macing the guy made him REALLY mad. He takes a swing at you with a screwdriver/deadly weapon.
Now he's escalated to Aggravated Assault and presents an immediate threat of deadly physical force.
See how this works?
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