I understand & agree with your point; and though this thread is about someone breaking into a vehicle, I only commented on "someone trying to steal my stuff". Like you, my response would be dependent on different scenarios.Keith B wrote:Home is totally different than a vehicle both from a legal and emotional standpoint. The distinction is even defined in TPC 30.04 and the level of force allowed to be used if it is a 'habitation'.Jim Beaux wrote:Before I shot someone trying to steal my stuff, I would try to give fair warning and the option to stop and surrender. I think I can live with the consequences of their choice.
A guy told me that after his house was burgled he and his wife had strong issues with being violated. He said that their personal stuff had been gone through, including his wife's lingerie. She couldnt ever wear these items again & was forced to chunk em as they were defiled. He said it was akin to being raped; and their once secure, home sweet home, was no longer the safe haven.
Bottom line, you would have a total right to shoot someone breaking into your home, but it gets really gray when they are breaking into your vehicle.
One of the rules of behavior I keep conscious of is to always act as if I dont have a weapon. (in fact, now that I carry, I am more restrained) If I saw someone breaking into my vehicle and taking something, I would probably call 911 & stay cool; but again, depending on circumstances, if for some reason that wasnt a viable option, I wouldnt hesitate to confront with orders to hit the ground. If the guy ran off, so be it, if he became aggressive, one of us (not trying to sound flip) just may have made a bad decision.
Of course I expect to live out my life with something like this never happening.