What do you do?

[J Rich]

There is a story to go with this question, but I will spare you my babbling.

You are in your local gas station. Some guy come in the door waving a weapon( gun, bat, or knife) to rob the place. The threat may not be directly at you. So, what do you do? My reaction is to try to disarm or get the guy to leave. Seeing as I would hate to see a clerk or bystander get hurt, and know I could have done something.

I know different states have many different laws. Some may say the threat has to be directly at you or your family. Some may say you have a duty to do something as a you have a ccw. Some may say just give the guy what he wants, even though he may still shoot you.

I hope some LEOs will chime in, as you may have came across this in your service.

 

[Smith357]

It all depends on the situation, layout of the store, the weapon being used by the perp, location of the perp, myself, and bystanders, et. et. To many variables for a definitive answer. Lets just say I would do what I could to protect the innocent.

 

[cshoff]

The problem with "what if" scenarios, is that they always lead to more "what if's". In order to give a valid opinion of your scenario, a lot of other variables would need to be known. For example, has the "perp" verbally made a threat, such as "I am going to kill/cut/shoot/stab/etc you!" to anyone, or is he just "waving" the weapon at this point? Is the clerk trying to cooperate and submit to his demands, or is the clerk resisting? Do you have family (wife, kids, 90 year old grandmother) with you, or are you alone? How many other people are around and what is their status? Do you have a clear shot with a clear backstop, or would a shot place others in harms way? How is it that you will attempt to "disarm" this person - through verbal commands or through physical force?

Depending on the answers to these questions, and possibly several others, and then depending on the "bad guys" actions thereon, this could go many different ways. The question you asked, in the context it was asked, is not a "yes or no", or "black or white" question.

 

[srgvaz]

STAY OUT OF IT, If he shoots someone and your next then do what you feel is right. If he involves you die-rectal-ly like pistol whipping you... You get my point right?

 

[jlrhiner]

I would not stand by and do nothing.

 

[ohiojerry]

Nothing unless I thought he was going to hurt someone.

 

[Strato]

I live next door to a convient store and know everyone that works there. If I stood there and watched one of them die knowing I could've prevented it would bother me a lot more than taking out a perp to save them. Here in Florida the use of deadly force is allowed in the prevention of a forced felony such as armed robbery as well as rape or car jacking. Also when the DA says "justifiable" civil lawsuits are strictly not allowed. I love this state.

 

[Ironhand]

"What if" as defined by the state of Tennessee.

If I feel my life, or the life of a bystander is threatened, then it's reason enough to pull my piece and escalate if I deem it's necessary.

 

[jproffitt]

It would be absolutely impossible for me to stand by and do nothing. Especially if there were people I know involved. No, actually it wouldn't matter if I knew them or not.

 

[dougb1946]

Best thing is use your cell phone. Chances are, the store policy is to not resist-give up the money. Be a good witness. If the BG starts shooting, bodies will drop before you can react. You will be standing there with a gun in your hand when the police respond looking for a shooter. Not pretty.
If you do start something with the BG, finish it. Suffering a noble death saving an insured stores money wont help your survivors. The store probably will not thank you or offer to pay your medical bills or legal fees. You know there will be legal fees, cause the BG was going to use the money to turn his life around.

 

[J Rich]

Ok some good info. I checked the state law, and a person can protect others that are being threatened. I just can't justify standing there and doing nothing, and the clerks know I carry.

These days you see it more a more. Where the clerk complies like they are told to do. Then the BG shoots them anyway on his way out the door.

I'm not trying to play a "what if" game. There is no good cover in a store, and wouldn't just start recklessly shooting at a BG. I haven't had to draw my weapon on anyone, and hope I never have to. There are a thousand different scenarios. I just wanted to see others opinions or experiences.

 

[JoeyD]

In a perfect world you would get cover and shoot, collect your medal from the cops and go home with a key to the city.
In reality if i had to shoot someone to protect them and myself i would probably end up in jail and be looking to spend big money defending myself

 

[oldman45]

Stay out of it. There are too many things that can happen and most are not good.

It can become a hostage situation.
It can turn a robbery into a shooting.
It can get innocent people hurt.

There is no need to try being a hero. Be the best witness possible. Know the description, color & type shirt, what type pants, shoes, hair and anything else.

Let the police handle it.

The problem of permitees trying to become police comes up every now and then. For the most part, a permitee is allowed to carry for their personal safety and not that as a body guard for the public.

Just saying.

 

[BurgerBoy]

In Kentucky you have the same rights to defend a third party as you have to defend yourself.

 

[oldman45]

In Kentucky you have the same rights to defend a third party as you have to defend yourself.

It might surprise you to learn how often that "third" party will be the one testifying against you.

 

[Goldstar225]

Robbery in progress? Armed with a deadly weapon? I'm dropping him at the first opportunity. I will not let a criminal remain in control of the lives of innocent people nor will I wait until he has killed one or more people to act. Before anyone posts that most robberies end without bloodshed, I already know this. I also know that an armed robber is an immediate lethal threat to others. No I will not try to disarm him, a disarm attempt is a desperate last chance effort to save oneself from death if you have no other options.

 

[sourdough44]

Lots of variables. One thing I would NOT do. I wouldn't pull my iron unless I was ready to USE it.

 

[smokey04]

It is wiser to know when NOT to shoot than it is to know WHEN to shoot.Histrionics never play well in court. As oldman45 said,"It might surprise you to learn how often that third party will be the one testifing against you." He might be the one sueing you for damages too! Nick

 

[oldman45]

Robbery in progress? Armed with a deadly weapon? I'm dropping him at the first opportunity. I will not let a criminal remain in control of the lives of innocent people nor will I wait until he has killed one or more people to act. Before anyone posts that most robberies end without bloodshed, I already know this. I also know that an armed robber is an immediate lethal threat to others. No I will not try to disarm him, a disarm attempt is a desperate last chance effort to save oneself from death if you have no other options.

Agreed, in your position. You are a trained LEO with lots of experience. Yet would you give that same advice to someone that may be just a bystander that only recently began carrying.

 

[blujax01]

Lots of variables. One thing I would NOT do. I wouldn't pull my iron unless I was ready to USE it.

That's exactly my thought - and it gives me pause. And sometimes indigestion and disturbing dreams.

Once I "clear leather" intent has been established and there is no going back.

I suppose I will know when "it's time" but hope I don't hesitate.

Quite the responsibility carrying a gun and one I do not take lightly.