Possibly, how do you interpret Colorado's laws regarding self defense and use of deadly force? If you were attacked by a man wielding a steel pipe what would you do?
mike r
Your legal hypothesis that " his future was dictated by his past actions", doesn't work in this state. Colorado law is clear, if your opponent disengages from the conflict, you have to stop all aggressive action. If you continue, you are now the aggressor, and the one who will need a good attorney.
Not a legal hypothesis at all, normal human reaction to a known threat. The aggression did not stop until the shooting commenced and was finalized in a couple of seconds. The question remains, what would you do if attacked in a similar manner? And yes I have a very good lawyer, and avoid Colorado.
mike r
The most important weapon is the one atop your shoulders.
As a civilian, he's holding a large, unwieldy weapon and doesn't know how to use it. So I'll work to create space, stay out of it's reach, and if possible, put something, like a vehicle, between us. Let him swing it a few times and wear himself out, and either walk away, or after one of those big ungainly swings, close and disarm.
If things got out of hand, you do what you have to, but nothing more. Shoot until the threat is stopped, which does not include shooting an unarmed man in the back as he's walking away.
As a cop, most of the same principles would apply. The difference is I'd have less lethal options available, and the opportunity for backup, preferable someone who could give him a bean bag to the face.
