What to do after an encounter?

[Keith B]

From your post, I read into it that you drew your gun to ward of the person at your window, and now you are concerned about overreaction and potential ramifications from the police. While no one who wasn't there can tell you if you did the right thing or overreacted, it sounds like you are questioning your choice. Sometimes things happen in the heat of the moment that when you look back on you think you might have been able to do differently, but Monday morning quarterbacking will not change what actually happened, just maybe change what happens in future events. That is a good thing, but doesn't help the past.

Bottom line, IMO if you have made the initial call to 911, fully informed them of the situation and how you handled it, and the police don't seem interested in pursuing, then apparently the guy either didn't or isn't going to file a complaint and the police are not concerned unless you do. Or, they felt it was justified and until there is something to investigate like him filing a complaint, then no biggie. I personally would not call and bug them about it or they may decide there is more to the story than you have told them and try to dig up dirt on the event, but more than likely since there was no use of deadly force, and apparently no report filed by you or the other person, then they probably look at is a no harm, no foul event and something they don't have to spend time on.

I haven't posted this, but last Friday I had an incident that I was involved in and had to call the police. I will post that at some time for a situational awareness topic, but don't have time at this moment.

In the end, I would say let sleeping dogs lie and if you have fed the police all the basic information, then the ball is in their court to follow-up. Remember, the first call to 911 is usually the good guy if done quickly, and the police will usually interpret it as that.

[jamisjockey]

You indicated he went infront of your car, so presumably there was space in front of you. I think I would have just pressed the pedal on the right and gone about my day.

And what just what in the name of (insert your chosen deity here) would his defense to prosecution for that action be?

[Ameer]

You indicated he went infront of your car, so presumably there was space in front of you. I think I would have just pressed the pedal on the right and gone about my day.

And what just what in the name of (insert your chosen deity here) would his defense to prosecution for that action be?

In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate.

If someone is threatening me (assault, possibly aggravated assault) and I called 911 but the cops haven't stopped him yet, I think driving away is a good solution. I would honk and give the criminal a chance to move out of the way (and I wouldn't "correct" steering to hit him if he moves) but if he continues his assault then I won't risk my life to protect his.

[jamisjockey]

You indicated he went infront of your car, so presumably there was space in front of you. I think I would have just pressed the pedal on the right and gone about my day.

And what just what in the name of (insert your chosen deity here) would his defense to prosecution for that action be?

In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate.

If someone is threatening me (assault, possibly aggravated assault) and I called 911 but the cops haven't stopped him yet, I think driving away is a good solution. I would honk and give the criminal a chance to move out of the way (and I wouldn't "correct" steering to hit him if he moves) but if he continues his assault then I won't risk my life to protect his.

I'm judging my reply based off the original post. Following TPC, the display of a weapon nor the threat of force doesn't constitute the use of force. But hitting him with the car would most certainly be considered force, perhaps deadly force. I think your margin for using the car as a weapon is pretty much along the lines of using a firearm to defend yourself.