imported post
When I enter a restaurant I automatically figure out what a BG is most likely to do and decide what I would do in response, specifically where best to move to for cover and the best possible line of fire. I then re-evalute the situation constantly as people come and go, because avoiding innocents is a major part of choosing my cover and line of fire.
As for whether and when to fire... I live in Washington. In this state homicide is justified if in the presence of anyone in the commission of a felony. Armed robbery is a Class A felony. There would be no hesitation if he had a weapon out or gave the impression he had a weapon. I would wait until he was not looking my way then draw, move to my position, and fire without warning.
RCW 9A.16.050 Homicide — By other person — When justifiable.
Homicide is also justifiable when committed either:
(1) In the lawful defense of the slayer, or his or her husband, wife, parent, child, brother, or sister, or of any other person in his presence or company, when there is reasonable ground to apprehend a design on the part of the person slain to commit a felony or to do some great personal injury to the slayer or to any such person, and there is imminent danger of such design being accomplished; or
(2) In the actual resistance of an attempt to commit a felony upon the slayer, in his presence, or upon or in a dwelling, or other place of abode, in which he is.
Washington State is a REALLY bad place to commit felonies in the presence of an OC or CC citizen.
Of course I would not shoot someone committing a felony that wasn't a threat to me or someone else, but if they have a weapon out already then there is too much risk to me and those around me to take the time to give a warning. Though if I don't think I can safely end the situation, or that it would escalate too much by drawing I also would stand down. So it is all situational, but I use situational awareness as much as I can to ensure that the situation is in my favor whenever possible.
