Bystander shoots at shoplifting suspect

[SuperSet]

Common sense. Some people don't have it.

SCMPD: Bystander fires shot as police chase shoplifting suspect

http://www.wtoc.com/story/23831771/police-respond-to-situation-at-walmart-on-ogeechee-road

CHATHAM CO., GA (WTOC) -
Savannah-Chatham Metro Police said a bystander witnessed a pursuit in the parking lot. A police officer was chasing a shoplifting suspect at the Walmart at 6000 Ogeechee Road.
Police said the bystander got out of his car and fired a shot. He is currently being detained. The suspect in the shoplifting is also currently being detained. K-9 units were used to catch the shoplifting suspect. Police said the man perceived a threat to the officers and used his gun.
K9s were used to help catch the suspect. No one was injured.

[SactoDoug]

Very bad idea. At least no one got hurt. That would have made it much worse.

I'm guessing gungho guy is going to get some slap on the wrist as a way to say not to do it again.

[finyllw]

He did it for the children!!

[mjsweims]

Very bad idea. At least no one got hurt. That would have made it much worse.

I'm guessing gungho guy is going to get some slap on the wrist as a way to say not to do it again.

If he were here in California, he would probably get a stiffer sentence than the shoplifter.

[Tank 57]

If he were here in California, he would probably get a stiffer sentence than the shoplifter.

In this case,that might be the right thing.Story lacks details,but assuming shoplifter was unarmed and fleeing,how do you justify taking a shot?

Especially when you are not LE?

[Yaki]

If he were here in California, he would probably get a stiffer sentence than the shoplifter.

He should.

[biglou]

Warning shot

[jdouglas]

In this case,that might be the right thing.Story lacks details,but assuming shoplifter was unarmed and fleeing,how do you justify taking a shot?

Especially when you are not LE?

I'm pretty sure the guy had just as much of a right to shoot the fleeing shoplifter as the LEOs on the scene--none at all.

Being in LE doesn't give you more freedom in shooting people. Or at least it shouldn't.

[M1NM]

Guy must have seen the videos of the Brazilian cops shooting the robbers and motorcycle jackers.

[realbadlarry]

Should be legal....I would have no problem with that at all. Life or property...even if it's someone else's stuff.

[spetsnaz]

Should be legal....I would have no problem with that at all. Life or property...even if it's someone else's stuff.

/thread

[DBoulant]

I'm pretty sure the guy had just as much of a right to shoot the fleeing shoplifter as the LEOs on the scene--none at all.

Tennessee v. Garner, USSC decision limited the use of deadly force by police to if they have probable cause to believe that the fleeing suspect poses a threat of serious injury or death to the officers or others.

[sl0re10]

Tennessee v. Garner, USSC decision limited the use of deadly force by police to if they have probable cause to believe that the fleeing suspect poses a threat of serious injury or death to the officers or others.

sure but if the guy was just a shoplifter that wouldn't fly... you have to know the guy your shooting at is a suspect in a violent felony to shoot them when they're running away.

[Artema]

I'm pretty sure the guy had just as much of a right to shoot the fleeing shoplifter as the LEOs on the scene--none at all.

Being in LE doesn't give you more freedom in shooting people. Or at least it shouldn't.

Very true. Even though this is a SYG state, he was in no danger and witnessed no danger to others.

[BigPimping]

You can't fix stupid.....