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03Lightningrocks wrote:While I feel it was a mistake to shoot the vandal after the fact. I don't understand how getting shot is a defense to prosecution for committing a felony. Unless there is no evidence the guy slashed the tires, therein lies the injustice of this story. IMHO, if he slashed the tires, there should be charges brought against him.

That is pretty much what got me ticked off with this story. I don't want gun owners chasing people down and shooting them, but he should be prosecuted or somehow made to pay back the damages and lost income.

If he had shot the guy right at the truck, there would be room to call it a good shoot, but that isn't what happened. I don't know who the trucker is, but it is a shame he will likely see jail time while the POS vandal gets off free. I can only hope getting shot has taught him something.

That was a bit dark even for me. If you want to blame it on something, blame it on reading too much history. The violence of Modern video games and TV can't compare to military history and the realities of life in previous centuries. We live in a pretty safe and prosperous time. I will enjoy it today as I visit the gun show and get some good food.

cb1000rider wrote:What difference does the value of the tires make? Although I recognize your point that tires are expensive and commercial tires (or RV tires) are REALLY expensive, is there a monetary level where shooting is/isn't justified?

Some people seem to have this misguided idea that someone's life is worth something simply because they are alive. IMO, it isn't. It is worth as much as that person makes it. IMO, the vandal, by slashing tires, decided his life is worth nothing. If the guy had stepped out and shot him dead, I would say Good for the driver. We are lucky that we still live in a prosperous nation where set backs like this don't usually destroy our livelihoods or lives. We can survive it and continue to prosper. What I don't like is people saying "well it was no big deal" and not wanting to prosecute the vandal to the fullest. IMO, a victim should be allowed a fairly wide lattitude in dealing with crimes against himself or his property (at the time of the crime).

I understand the legal system does not necessarily agree with my sentiment. Certainly, the idiot politicians in big city DA offices don't. I try to make sure my behavior accounts for that.

I can see the news people omitting it because good reporting is hard to find these days, but I am curious if the vandal was still armed with the knife when shot.

I bet 18 wheeler tires are a good bit more expensive than the tires on my truck. My last set cost me about $1000. I hate to think what an independent trucker would have to shell out. I would bet the damage would reach felony levels. I think it is unfortunate the DA seems to think prosecuting the driver is more important than prosecuting the vandal.