Citizen arrest, detention, held at gunpoint?

[Fred Thompson]

Personally, if the guy is fleeing and you shoot him in the back, I can't see

where (1) you could justify it considering he's not a threat to you, and (2)

you would get much sympathy from a jury for doing it.

Better to call 911, give a lot af accurate details, even follow him if you can;

but don't consider yourself deputized...

 

[Renegade]

NC doesn't give citizens any arrest powers, I would be a good witness.

Later,

Dave

 

[cxm]

Arrest

Given the facts and circumstances you state, there is no proof a crime has happened, nor has the driver of the vehicle tried to flee.

Running back to the car could be nothing more than running to get to a cell phone to call for help. The fact he has hit someone does not make him a criminal per se.

Draw your gun and be wrong about the facts of the incident and you may well be the one in handcuffs... with a felony charge, which if you are lucky will be reduced to a lesser charge, and you probably will never own a gun again.

Though lots of people disagree, I teach "draw only to protect your family and yourself." All others should make arrangements for their own safety. Be observant and be a good witness after calling the cops is always good advice.

FWIW

Chuck

 

[Frank5]

At that point I would reach for my cell phone. Call 911 get a description of car & driver & plate number if I could. If he fled the scene I would tell cops which way he went. I would be the best witness I could & let the cops handle the rest. NO WAY would I go for my gun in that sceneario. NO WAY would I try to detain him or chase him.

 

[cxm]

Arrest

Good point... sounds smart to me...l

Another thought... suppose you draw your sidearm and the other guy draws his? What happens then? Now you have put yourself in REAL danger...

Just a late thought.

V/r

Chuck


At that point I would reach for my cell phone. Call 911 get a description of car & driver & plate number if I could. If he fled the scene I would tell cops which way he went. I would be the best witness I could & let the cops handle the rest. NO WAY would I go for my gun in that sceneario. NO WAY would I try to detain him or chase him.