What to do after use of concealed handgun

[gemini]

atxgun, last year in Dallas. I believe the location was Barnes Bridge Rd @ Garland Rd. Convience store/gas station. They shot and killed the owner/clerk after he complied during a robbery. You might possibly find more info at Dallas Morning News .com I personally don't keep articles, but I do remember the incident.

Another recent "botched" robbery attempt. http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent ... 0c9e7.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[MojoTexas]

I've always heard that if you shoot a bad guy, you shouldn't touch him. Don't touch the weapon, don't roll him over. This is now a crime scene and you don't want to disturb it by getting your fingerprints all over the bad guy's weapon. If the bad guy has a knife, and you pick it up, it now has your finger prints on it as well as the bad guy's finger prints. Someone could claim that you murdered the bad guy and then "planted" the knife.

I've also always heard that you should shoot until the threat is stopped, and then keep the bad guy covered while you call 911, even if you think he's dead. If he threatens you again, shoot him again. Most importantly, stay on the line with the 911 operator, give her your description, and when the cops arrive either place your pistol on the ground or re-holster it. Be prepared to be cuffed and treated like a potential bad guy until the police figures out what is going on.

[Liberty]

I've always heard that if you shoot a bad guy, you shouldn't touch him. Don't touch the weapon, don't roll him over. This is now a crime scene and you don't want to disturb it by getting your fingerprints all over the bad guy's weapon. If the bad guy has a knife, and you pick it up, it now has your finger prints on it as well as the bad guy's finger prints. Someone could claim that you murdered the bad guy and then "planted" the knife.

I've also always heard that you should shoot until the threat is stopped, and then keep the bad guy covered while you call 911, even if you think he's dead. If he threatens you again, shoot him again. Most importantly, stay on the line with the 911 operator, give her your description, and when the cops arrive either place your pistol on the ground or re-holster it. Be prepared to be cuffed and treated like a potential bad guy until the police figures out what is going on.

I don't see anything wrong with giving aide if you can.
I do believe that once you have made the call to 911 and given them the information that you should get off the phone. The 911 people try to keep you on the phone untill the police arrive , but they are not looking out for your self interest. You don't need to to give out any more information than.
"I am at such and such address.
A man tried to kill me and made me shoot him. "

Anything you say may be used against you.

[TLE2]

GO TO ONE OF CHARLES COTTON'S CLASSES....

(I know I'm shouting, but it's the only answer. He goes over all of that, with example).

He (I'm remembering) said that you should give the police only a cursory overview of the events. Wait until later, when your adrenaline is normal and then make a clear and concise statement, with your lawyer's advice.

Also, if the perp is still moving, keep shooting until he/she isn't anymore. If you're with someone, make sure that they are in a protected situation. Use cover available.

(At least that's how I remember it. Maybe I should go to his lecture every 6 months or so. I can recommend it).

/TLE2

[blackdog8200]

To expand on a previous post:

Don't talk to the police without your lawyer! The cops don't even make statements for 36 hours or so and then not without a lawyer!

If you have someone with you....ie a spouse, child etc. Do not let them "help you out" either. It will be their natural instinct to defend you at the scene. Mommy or Daddy in handcuffs may scare a child.....council them it will be OK and to be quiet.

They will just as tuned up as you and all shot full of adrenaline.....and don't need to speak on your behalf at this time.

The basics: "I was in fear for my life," "the bad guy needs an ambulance (dead or alive)" and "I want my attorney!" (even if you don't have one....BE QUIET!)

The tactical situation will dictate where and when you make the call to 911. Get safe first, then make the call. Remember, in a grocery store parking lot you might not be the first to call 911 and may appear to be an armed assailent to those who just heard the shots and saw a man with a gun! Don't run inside with your gun drawn....you might get killed by security...but do not put it away until you are secure.

I hope none of us ever needs use our weapons. May you all be safe!

[sparky]

I thank god every day that I have never had to even draw my weapon.
My take on this situation is IF I need to draw then it is reached to point that some one is going to die.
I don't take my responsibilities lightly and I will not talk to any one for at least 24 hr to calm down, it may mean a night in jail but it is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

[Excaliber]

If you are in a safe position with no other threats I think as tactical reload would be appropriate.

Even if you're not in a truly safe position but have made it behind cover and a lull in the action occurs, a tactical reload would be a really good idea. Running dry during a resumption of a momentarily paused firefight is a depressing experience that few get to recount firsthand.

[Liberty]

GO TO ONE OF CHARLES COTTON'S CLASSES....

(I know I'm shouting, but it's the only answer. He goes over all of that, with example).

He (I'm remembering) said that you should give the police only a cursory overview of the events. Wait until later, when your adrenaline is normal and then make a clear and concise statement, with your lawyer's advice.

Also, if the perp is still moving, keep shooting until he/she isn't anymore. If you're with someone, make sure that they are in a protected situation. Use cover available.

(At least that's how I remember it. Maybe I should go to his lecture every 6 months or so. I can recommend it).

/TLE2

Just to clarify ... I can't imagine Mr. Cotton saying what I highlited. I am quite sure he never said that when I attended his seminar

[Excaliber]

GO TO ONE OF CHARLES COTTON'S CLASSES....

(I know I'm shouting, but it's the only answer. He goes over all of that, with example).

He (I'm remembering) said that you should give the police only a cursory overview of the events. Wait until later, when your adrenaline is normal and then make a clear and concise statement, with your lawyer's advice.

Also, if the perp is still moving, keep shooting until he/she isn't anymore. If you're with someone, make sure that they are in a protected situation. Use cover available.

(At least that's how I remember it. Maybe I should go to his lecture every 6 months or so. I can recommend it).

/TLE2

Just to clarify ... I can't imagine Mr. Cotton saying what I highlited. I am quite sure he never said that when I attended his seminar

I attended one of Mr. Cotton's recent seminars, and I didn't hear that - or anything close to it - either.

[PBR]

I attended one of Mr. Cotton's recent seminars, and I didn't hear that - or anything close to it - either.

Probably more like "keep shooting until he/she isn't a threat anymore"

[Excaliber]

I attended one of Mr. Cotton's recent seminars, and I didn't hear that - or anything close to it - either.

Probably more like "keep shooting until he/she isn't a threat anymore"

Exactly. And then call 911 to request medical assistance for the subject as soon as it's safe to do so.

[AggieBonz02]

The FWPD officer that taught the course I attended instructed us to do the following:

1. Shoot twice (center of mass - DA's don't like headshots) and evaluate. Repeat as necessary until the situation is diffused (NOTuntil the BG is dead/not moving).
2. Retreat to a safe place (do NOT approach the BG), reholster your firearm and call 911. Tell them there was a shooting at X location and request that an ambulance is dispatched to the scene. Ask the operator to advise the officers en route of your description and exact location at the scene.
3. Wait for the officers to arrive before saying anything else. Let the shock and the adrennaline wear off.
4. When officers arrive, introduce yourself (including your status as a CHL holder) and request that a lawyer be present before any questioning.

[Eddie2612]

This is a very real post.. This could happen to any of us at any time.. (most likely where we are comfortable) .. Im constantly running scenarios thru my head, thinking of all pros, cons etc...

[smasraum]

And if you ever have an opportunity to attend one of Charles Cotton's Texas Self-Defense & Deadly Force Law Seminars, do it. You will receive some extremely valuable information concerning the use of deadly force, Texas laws and things you should/shouldn't do in this type of scenario.

So, how do I find out the whens and wheres of Mr Cotton's good stuff? I'm in Friendswood, so he should be close by.

[CLTX11]

Yeah, I am interested in Mr Cottons Classes as well.


Also, one quick little question and if I need to start a new thread on it let me know. Everyone says I want my lawyer present etc....

I never planned on needing one but now that I have a CHL and will need one if I ever need to use my side warm, how do we go about obtaining one? Why do some folks already have a lawyer? Do they know these lawyers, lawyers know them? Is it a "Just in case" scenario or personal?