Why You Should Not Shoot At Fleeing Felons | Active Self Protection

Published on November 30, 2018
Duration: 11:50

This video, featuring Terry Johnson of Firearms Legal Protection, provides a critical legal and practical analysis of why private citizens should not shoot at fleeing felons. It emphasizes the severe legal liabilities, including criminal charges and civil lawsuits, that can arise from such actions, even if well-intentioned. The discussion also covers the limited scope and inherent dangers of citizen's arrests, contrasting them with law enforcement's authority and training.

Quick Summary

From a legal and practical standpoint, private citizens should not shoot at fleeing felons. Doing so can result in severe criminal charges and civil liability, as you are responsible for every round fired, regardless of your intent or skill level.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Why Not Shoot Fleeing Felons
  2. 00:09Introduction: Terry Johnson & Firearms Legal Protection
  3. 00:47Officer-Involved Incident Analysis
  4. 01:17Legal Liability for Shooting Fleeing Suspects
  5. 01:48Predator-Prey Drive & Escalation
  6. 02:09Assuming No Further Threat
  7. 02:29Attorney's Advice Against Shooting
  8. 02:49On-Duty vs. Off-Duty Responsibilities
  9. 03:07Shooting into Dark & Imminent Threat
  10. 03:47Responsibility for Every Round Fired
  11. 04:24Hypothetical Bystander Scenario
  12. 05:09Consequences of Well-Intentioned Actions
  13. 05:16Shooting Accuracy at Distance
  14. 05:43Expert Marksmen & Pressure
  15. 05:59Property Damage Liability
  16. 06:10Chain of Consequences
  17. 06:37Responsibility to Round's End
  18. 06:50Legality of Apprehending Felons
  19. 07:18Private Citizen's Right to Arrest
  20. 07:47Conditions for Citizen's Arrest
  21. 08:06Safety Assessment Before Intervention
  22. 08:32Dangers of Civilian Intervention
  23. 09:06Police Training vs. Civilian Capabilities
  24. 09:11Knowing When to Stop & Be a Witness
  25. 09:31Legal & Safety Exposure for Citizens
  26. 10:08Potential Criminal Charges for Citizen's Arrest
  27. 10:30Police Protections vs. Civilian Liabilities
  28. 10:36Recap: Shooting Down Road & Apprehension
  29. 10:45Consequences of Mistakes
  30. 11:13Be a Good Witness & Call Police
  31. 11:20Assessing Criminal's Boldness

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary legal risks of shooting at a fleeing felon?

Shooting at a fleeing felon carries significant legal risks, including potential criminal charges such as aggravated assault or negligent discharge, and civil liability for any damages or injuries caused, even if the suspect was a felon.

When is it legally permissible for a private citizen to use deadly force?

Generally, private citizens can use deadly force only when there is an imminent threat of death or great bodily harm to themselves or others. Shooting at a fleeing suspect typically does not meet this threshold unless they pose an immediate danger.

What are the limitations of a citizen's arrest?

Citizen's arrests are jurisdiction-dependent and typically require firsthand knowledge of a felony. They are also extremely dangerous, and attempting one without proper training can lead to legal charges against the citizen, such as assault or false imprisonment.

How accurate are average concealed carriers at typical engagement distances?

Most average concealed carriers struggle with accurate shots beyond 15 yards, and making reliable hits at 25-50 yards, especially with subcompact firearms under pressure, is often practically impossible.

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