Deadly force may only be used on a fleeing suspect when the officer has a reasonable belief the person fleeing creates an imminent threat to the officer or someone else.Originally posted by mneilmont:
Not familiar with the discussion, but if you are speaking of a fleeing felon, deadly force may be used. The law several years ago, I would not think it has been changed.
That was simply an example. An officer can use deadly force against someone who is fleeing if he reasonably believes his life or the life of another is in imminent danger.Originally posted by mneilmont:
I don't recall the response having to be directed at the officer. Can an officer fire at a robber fleeing the bank? Or does he have to holster and yell that you will get him the next time? How could an officer's life be in jeopardy if the felon is fleeing?
A suspect having pulled a gun is often enough to justify a shoot, which is why in SC the officer was planting the stun gun.Originally posted by mneilmont:
That should have read an armed bank robber. Strong armed robbery would not rise to felon. If he is armed, his ass is grass.
What happens if a beat cop walks into an armed robbery in progress? No shots have been fired and no one injured. Can that officer fire at those fleeing felons as they are running to their get-away vehicle? I say the officer should wave at them and not draw, but if he is feeling hero and opens fire and hits a couple in the back, is it a good shoot?