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Newsletter #5- Use of Deadly Force
Good evening Folks. Just a quick memo reference the proper application of the use of force. According to the St Petersburg Times on 5/24/00, a convicted felon by the name of Willie attempted to steal a VCR from the Spring Hill, Florida Wal-Mart. Two store employees became involved in trying to stop him from leaving with the merchandise. During the struggle, Willie pulled a small knife, lunged at the two employees and cut them. A 53 year old grandmother by the name of Sandra heard the employees yelling "drop the knife" several times and saw the scuffle. Sandra has a Concealed Weapon Permit and rushed to the scene of the scuffle. She withdrew her .40 caliber autoloader, pointed same at Willie and advised him several times to either drop the knife or be shot. Willie apparently wasn't as dumb as he looks (his picture was in the article) and was then apprehended by store security. Naturally the St Pete Times had to put it's usual anti-gun spin on the story. I faxed the Times a memo to the editor as follows:
"Shopper cuts holdup short"
Florida state statutes clearly and distinctly state that deadly force may be used to protect your life or the life of another. Mrs. Suter's use of her legally licensed and carried firearm was in full compliance with the laws of this state. Her firearm was successfully and appropriately used to stop a "felony in progress" and protect two store employees, who had already been cut by a convicted felon's knife, from either "death or great bodily injury". When the felon used that knife, he moved from a "property crime" to a "crime of violence". Her actions stopped a violent act rather than precipitated a violent act. I am a Florida Police Officer as well as an NRA Instructor who conducts Concealed Weapon classes. I will use her lawful use of deadly force as a case study in future classes. Oh, by the way, would the Handgun Control Inc. spokesperson prefer that that the store employees be killed or maimed rather than a firearm be used to stop the attack? Probably!
Of course this is another letter that won't be printed but presents an excellent review of class material. Remember the key words:
ABILITY: the attacker had the ability to either cause death or serious bodily injury!
OPPORTUNITY: the attack was in progress (imminent) and two employees had already been cut and the attack was continuing!
JEOPARDY: the knife constituted a deadly weapon, even if a "little" knife, and the employees were in definitive peril of either being killed or suffering great bodily injury!
Tip of the Day: Remember Ability, Opportunity and Jeopardy!!!!!
A little very good news though! The redheaded Renegade is in custody and positively identified in four armed robberies so far! Believe it or not the scumbag was arrested for shoplifting and they made a match on a fingerprint. Bye bye Scumbag-see you in about 200 years!!!!
Stay Safe! Norm
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