Cop shootout question?

CGIV76

Absolutely not, and I'm sure someone would buy you dinner, and you'd probably get a citizens commendation.

Steven C

No you wouldn't. What DA would charge you for saving a life?

El Scott

The incident would be investigated but you would probably be cleared of any wrong doing. You probably wouldn't get any speeding tickets in that area for the rest of your life.

Read this article:
http://www.wmur.com/news/13309049/detail.html

My father-in-law lives in New Hampshire and I was up there visiting when this incident happened. It pretty much mirrors your question.

parfait

No - you would not be charged with a crime.

You would deserve a parade and a reward!

~parfait~

How_Would_I_Know

Depends on the state. Most states will allow you to kill somebody to protect another, but there are a few states which require you to personally be threatened before you can legally do it.

therealtruth777

Probably not, but you'd have a lot of questions to ask and be interrogated for quite a while

vote_usa_first

The answer should be a simple "NO". The legal system is bloated and would probably waste a million dollars while ignoring both the wounded officers, and your words.

In all honesty in that situation you should get a medal and new friend for life, and a lifetime concealed carry permit.

charlsyeh

more than likely not. they will lecture you about involving your self in the incidet but will thank you for coming to the defense of the officer.
----retired texas deputy sheriff----

Mr. PhD

it depends. there would be an investigation. if it was found that you acted in good faith to protect the life of a police officer or other citizen, then no. If it were found that you were negligent or broke the law, you might be charged. Remember, charging or being arrested and actually being convicted is not the same thing.

Alan P.

A police officer, who like you is a citizen of the community and the state, is shot by a criminal and unable to defend him/herself. You make your way to the downed officer, take control his/her service weapon and put the assailant down; thus protecting the officer from greater injury/death, the community from a dangerous person, and you may also be defending yourself.

I VERY, VERY SERIOUSLY doubt any DA or anyone else would find reason to charge you. Plus, most agencies use audio recording and more and more agencies use video recording, so you should be covered a few ways.

The original definition of a police officer by the English is "a person who is paid to do what is EVERY citizen's duty to do."

ricrossfireclub

Actually, you would have to say what you were doing there, in the first place. If you were present and witnessed this, picked up the gun that was used by the cop, shot the bad guy, highly unlikely unless the bad guy didn't know you were there, you are a good shot, highly proficient with the use of a firearm and ready to assume responsibility for that action. You would be hailed as a hero by most folks. Unfortunately, not by the family of the person who was shot. Many times, in a situation such as this, the shooter becomes the victim. Unless, of course, that his own life were in danger, at which time, it would become a moot point. He would be the hero that everyone thought he was.
There would then be the family of the original shooter, trying to sue you because you shot their boy who never did anything wrong!
Too bad we have all become so sensitive to the poor guy who was just trying to get enough money to get his drugs, we put the needle in his arm...we caused him to do what he did..and so it goes...on and on...nobody can take responsibility for their own actions.

ahsoasho2u2

no you would be aiding and abbetting a downed officer / 10-33--protecting a law enforcement person you would probably be decorated--also citizen helping is like first aid laws not held liable when assisting someone from dying "good samaritan law'" applies here

ron h

depends on if this really happened or not, you've got to somehow prove you wasn't the one who shot the cop

cajunrescuemedic

They will investigate you completely. If your actions are "pure", then most probably not. If they should happen to find out that you and the bad guy have had some type of problems before, then you can pretty much guarantee that you'll be charged with at least charged with a crime.

mendel i

At the minimum you would be detained and investigated...

If it was determined to be a 'righteous shoot', you would not
have any criminal charges filed against you.
This does NOT preclude any civil charges coming from your victim or victim's family.

*****

Not if it is a criminal you shot, but here is the thing you have to consider, since you don't know all the particulars about what transpired, it is best not to act hastily. What seems clear cut at the time , may in fact not be the case.

The Last Scion

I would think that if you shot someone, you would have to answer for it.

meatbag

Seek an attorney. First thing Monday Morning.

msscott1978scs

yes probably assault.. Even though you were trying to apprehend the suspect. You cant call it self defense or anything like that because you technically broke the law... But maybe if the police officer testifys what you did for him on his behalf you may get off

Carlos

i would prolly call him an ambulance, make sure i wasn't in any danger, get any description of the bad guy i could see, and tell police what happened. don't touch the gun or anything. who knows if the bad guy could somehow get revenge on u. if u picked up his gun, they might think u were the bad guy! and prolly find somethin to charge u with

lou g

WHY WOULD YOU SHOOT A HERO?

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: