homeowner shoots at burglar in Laurel

[8thFA]

https://dspnewsroom.com/2016/10/28/homeowner-shoots-at-suspect-burglarizing-his-house/

[oldgraygeek]

I hope this comes out OK for the homeowner: that does not sound like a "good" shooting.
The homeowner used deadly force (shooting at any part of an occupied car -- headlights, tires, trunk lid -- is deadly force in DE) against a fleeing criminal who posed no immediate threat to him.

[lynch]

I hope this comes out OK for the homeowner: that does not sound like a "good" shooting.
The homeowner used deadly force (shooting at any part of an occupied car -- headlights, tires, trunk lid -- is deadly force in DE) against a fleeing criminal who posed no immediate threat to him.

My thoughts exactly.
Perpetrator was shot at while fleeing the scene.

[BobW]

This happened right across the road from the entrance to my development. The news said that there would be no charges against the victim. He did chase the thief outside and shoot at the vehicle that was leaving. Not a good thing, in my opinion....

[SturmRugerSR9]

I  read that the homeowner will not be charged, as of now. It is not a good call to shoot at an attacker when they are fleeing, as they are of no threat to you then. And they weren't even in the house when the shooting took place, I believe. It sounds to me that at that point it was more revenge than self protection.

[RetCapt1994]

I certainly hope the homeowner makes out with this. We all agree this was not a "good" shooting. Shooting a fleeing perp is a no no but some times emotions get the best of you.

[groundgrid]

According to the article:

 "Once he entered the car, the victim fired one birdshot round at the car, shattering the passenger’s side window."

Was the suspect fleeing or was he about to retrieve his own weapon or even use the car as a weapon?
Until the car is moving away from you, how can you be sure that the perpetrator is actually fleeing?

IMO, had the victim been charged,  way too much reasonable doubt. Smart move by the police to leave him alone.

[NormH3]

According to the article:

 "Once he entered the car, the victim fired one birdshot round at the car, shattering the passenger’s side window."

Was the suspect fleeing or was he about to retrieve his own weapon or even use the car as a weapon?
Until the car is moving away from you, how can you be sure that the perpetrator is actually fleeing?

IMO, had the victim been charged,  way too much reasonable doubt. Smart move by the police to leave him alone.

Regardless, birdshot would most likely not be fatal at that distance. Especially through a vehicle window. I use #1 buckshot in my shotgun for HD.

[Adrenolin]

Yeah the bad guy hadn't left.. The chance of him grabbing a weapon to come back is arguably there. IMO a bad guy remains a threat until they have left entirely. Even then I'd be highly alert until police capture them hoping they don't return later with a weapon or a few gallons of gas, etc. Also, the state does say we're permitted to protect our property as well which unfortunately has become complete BS in the courts. We have lost our right to protect property in this state.

I'd say he will not be charged mainly due to his age. He shot at someone fleeing the scene while advancing on them at the same time and seeking out additional danger in doing so. He actually became the instigator in this situation. Not that I'd have done what he did but if I had.. I'm sure I'd be in handcuffs.

[RetCapt1994]

Getting old just may have perks. At my age I hope this is so. Regards to the homeowner and hope this goes away.  Regards to all at DECCW.