imported post
Having only jumped through the replies, I can only ad value to this thread by way of my own experience rather than being an arm chair lawyer.
I "always" call the cop's 1st before any knowable confrontation is about t take place, and I call them to "preserve the peace" which is a common call out term for police officers.
I call the cops 1st.
1) To let them know ahead of time that" I" am the "peaceful one" who wants to "preserve it".
2) I am the "innocent" party that wants law & order upheld.
3) I am not afraid of the police and consider them to be an ally on "my side"
4) By placing a call to the police dispatcher I have a recording of my explanation of the situation and a description of the emotional state of the possible law breaker to the dispatcher where by it is recorded for posterity and a court of law's sake to possibly be used against the law breaker and to be an alibi / witness for me.
As to "personal space" You probably already have read or know about this, but anyone who "gets in your face" with a very loud verbal assault or threats in even a low voice right nose to nose is already stepping across the threshold into felony territory and casing a real threat to / your own personal castle ( body).
Ask any jerk who put his face nose to nose with a cop and the cop will read the charges out loud after Mr jerk has been wrestled to the ground and cuffed, so you can find out the hard way that nose 2 nose is considered a threat in cop land.
This can be considered a real stark threat to you personal safety , even your life,"if" the "if" factor comes into play.
All things being equal, eminent threat of deadly force from him = deadly force back to him.
Non deadly from him = non deadly force back to him
You are within your rights to immediately shoot this guy to stop his assault (not necessary kill him) "IF" you deem this person to be immanent ready willing , actively & able to hurt and or kill you or your g/f.
That is a Grey area, He could yell all he wants and not be a threat to your life, OR He could yell all he wants and BE a threat to your life, only YOU can know this.
This is a real time thing, I could confuse the situation by even speaking about it, so please read my reply with a kind of stand back type of objectivity, ok,
"IF" this person in your estimation does not have the ability to immediately cause grievous bodily injury then your course of action is to back up to create a small space and warn in a very loud voice to STOP ...Given this You have to asses the situation and the assailants ability to really and truly harm you vs your leaving the area or diffusing the situation if possible.
I cannot arm chair these situations, but I have been in 3 shooting as a civilian, (I walked away from all 3, they did NOT ) and I know it happens really fast , once the ball gets rolling it gets from bad to FUBAR at light speed and you cannot hesitate, your only ally is your "God" given awareness, constant mental prep for all the possible eventualities, practice-practice-practice and avoidance of places , areas and times where you could get caught at a disadvantage, the rest is left up to God.
Suggestion read and listen to a LOT of Massad Ayoob.
