Situation at the Quickie Mart

[allingeneral]

Alright, I'm going to start one of those "Hypothetical situation" threads and see what kind of response it gets...

You walk into the local big-name chain gas station to get a cup of coffee on your way to work. As you're pouring your coffee, a man in a ski mask walks in and demands money from the cashier. You don't see a gun, but the BG is pressing his hand into his jacket pocket and pointing it at the clerk as if he has a gun in his pocket. You can't hear exactly what is being said at the counter, but it's clear that he's robbing the place and at the very least, pretending to have a gun in his pocket.

Your vantage point on the situation is a clear head shot on the BG from about 8 yards with very little chance of any casualties besides the perpetrator.

Do you draw your sidearm and take the shot, or do you wait quietly beside the coffee pot and hope that he gets what he wants and runs out the door without hurting someone?

[VBshooter]

I would wait! There is no visible gun,, and no immediate threat to the clerk or to yourself, ,only perceived threat due to a possible gun.. Taking the shot would be murder IMHO or at the least manslaughter, I think the lawyers would eat you up.

[OakRidgeStars]

I agree with VBshooter. No gun, no threat, no justification for deadly force. Even a LEO wouldn't take that kind of chance.

[flowmaster]

throw the pot of hot coffee on the bad guy.

[wylde007]

throw the pot of hot coffee on the bad guy.

Way to go Hamilton!

I would assume a ready posture and certainly free my weapon (SERPA, thumb-break, etc).

The moment the assailant acknowledges or confronts me, he will be dealt with as necessary. As long as the entry wound isn't in the middle of his back, imminent danger to self can be established.

If he doesn't harm anyone and only takes money from the till, it is your civic duty to take as many mental notes as possible and be a source of intel for the responding authority. If you're not sure about something, don't make something up. That doesn't help.

[Vahunter]

Let him walk. Get a good description for the police. Only other option would be a Chuck Norris roundhouse kick to the head as he walked by.

[SELFDEFENSE]

If his pockets are empty you will be lucky if you only get manslaughter (which reminds me:
Chuck Norris put the laughter in manslaughter )

[flowmaster]

off topic, but chuck norris is so awesome, he eats chic fil a on sundays.

[skt239]

There must be a visable threat.

[OakRidgeStars]

[POORBOY]

throw the pot of hot coffee on the bad guy.

After flying folgers then hand on XD and get ready but if its a take money and run not much to do except try to take a mental pic

[wylde007]

Am I the only other person in this thread that's seen Fast Times at Ridgemont High?

[allingeneral]

Am I the only other person in this thread that's seen Fast Times at Ridgemont High?

ah, man - it's been a long time. I don't remember it.

[Moccasin]

Am I the only other person in this thread that's seen Fast Times at Ridgemont High?

I've seen it but I'm sure mind altering chemicals were involved at the time.

[OakRidgeStars]

That's how Brad Hamilton gets to be Manager of the Quickie Mart

[Dragonfly]

Old man with cane, very dangerous. Put new spin on situation, can be tripping experience

[re8609]

throw the pot of hot coffee on the bad guy.

You can't waste coffee that's a crime by itself, wait this is Quickie Mart coffee. Never mind!

[vsp39o2]

The question as to whether or not toemploy deadly force is most often answered by asking onesself if there is threat of death or grave bodily injury. My training dictates that, given these circumstances, I would verbally challenge the aggressor. Announce "Police Officer!" or "Drop your weapon!" or some combination of the two, you get my idea.
Having said that, if the aggressor makes any, well--aggressive, movements, my training is to engage and make the threat stop.


But, I DO like the roundhouse spinning kick to the side of the jaw idea...

[VBshooter]

It's good to hear a professionals opinion on this situation.To know when deadly force is warranted is something every CHP holder should be aware of at all times,

[Cliff]

off topic, but chuck norris is so awesome, he eats chic fil a on sundays.