I expected some backlash on that post about 'let's go insert ourselves and wave guns around'. However, NOWHERE did I say don't stop a dangerous incident.
I have always advocated responding to an event as though I DO NOT have a firearm. That keeps things from escalating and ORDINARY, but effective means are used.
Assault in the first degree is a felony in this state, escalation has already been made
How would you react to a fairly serious 'fight' in your back yard. I can think of a couple of very effective ways.
1. Yell out the window 'hey, cut it out I'm calling 911'.
2. If you must do something physical, get your garden hose and give them a vigorous spraying down.
Oh Gosh no, whatever you do don't get me wet while I'm beating the crap out of someone..... said no felon ever.
Ask yourself about the OP's title. 'I HAD TO DRAW TODAY'. Note that it's a completely over the top characterization. First (and I don't mean to dis the OP, just talking about inappropriate use of firearms), he did NOT have to draw. He was not assaulted, there was no danger to him or his loved ones. There were simply people wrasslin' in his yard.
There was imminent danger to someone on his property, by people who weren't supposed to be there. were the little punks scared after he drew on them? probably, maybe they'll remember that next time they want to commit trespass and assault.
What does M. Ayoob say - 'IN THE GRAVEST EXTREME'. We should all remind ourselves. We are NOT policemen. We do NOT know the details of an event that you just come upon well enough to go out and pick someone to shoot and KILL. We CAN be identified as the BG by a squad car passing by if we go out with a gun in the hand, which is JUST what the OP did.
and the police are going to do what? look at the trespassers on your land, the injury on their victim, the fact you're the owner, and take the offenders away. who cares if the cops see you? you're not breaking the law.
Who is more cowardly - someone who runs back in the house to get a gun, or someone who yells and calls 911. Getting a gun for a non-gravely extreme event is cowardly, imo. You're letting your fear rule your brains.
HTH
Who is more stupid? someone who grabs the appropriate level of force to command immediate compliance to his lawful demands that they vacate the property, or the person who looks at a felony in progress and thinks "hmmmm let's get my garden hose and have a water fight"?
A felony level assault is a gravely extreme event. in case you were too busy sleeping and drawing martians in anatomy class, force can damage tissues, and injuries to the head, heart, joints can be fatal or crippling.
Also the girl being beaten was either on the ground or unable to escape the attack. if she were on the ground now it's a deadly force assault for sure. if someone attempts to withdraw from the fight, even if they started it, they're no longer the aggressor.
