My condolences to all of you that live in jurisdictions where you have to take almost extraordinary measures to ensure that you are acting in self defense.
However, even in light of these circumstances, I am seeing something common in all of these replies.
This is not meant as a flame, but I am not too sure that many of you have ever witnessed--first hand--or been subjected to--first hand--the savagery of an all out attack on the street.
This crackhead had in his possession a deadly weapon, that is capable of pulping your brains in a split second. That justifies deadly force.
If you do attempt to block the iron, your arm will in all likelihood be maimed to the extent that you will NEVER be able to use it normally again. That--in most jurisdictions--is also justification for deadly force.
Those who suggested the three-point turn--with all respect, get real. What this guy is doing is a direct assault on the vehicle in which you are riding. This is, in and of itself, not a justification for deadly force. But the guy's demeanor is telling you that in all likelihood, you are next in line for his undivided attention.
And get out of the car? Please. Folks like that are the closest live example to what it termed as "ninja-like quickness". You would not be able to get fully out of the car before this person could be on you, taking your life with that crowbar or tire iron.
And, don't even think about running. This guy will be on you before you take two steps.
This post is not meant as a flame toward anyone. But please understand that (again, with all respect) if you have never seen the speed in which you can lose your life at the hands of one of these animals, you will in all likelihood not understand why deadly force is almost a necessity in these circumstances.
Now, in these cases, there is also a saving grace, believe it or not. Street urchins like this guy have a remarkably well developed sense of self-preservation.
Thus, when the guy finds himself staring at the muzzle of your legally carried firearm, in all likelihood, he will take off like a rocket.
However, there is also the chance that, considering the great possibility of his being on drugs, that it will enrage him to come directly after you.
So, it's time for a gut check, folks.
I am aware that there are lots of folks who treat themselves to the latest ubertactical handguns, in Kydex, leather or the holster of the day. These folks practice, and practice incessantly until they are capable of amazing feats of marksmanship and speed--at the range.
Reluctance to shoot someone is a great credit to the integrity and humanity of most people. But please, for your sake, evaluate coldly and seriously if you are able to take human life. Please consider this in solitude, with lots of reflection and thought.
Please realize that when the rubber meets the road, you won't have ANY time for self reflection. You will have to act.
You will have to draw that ubertactical firearm, you will have to aim it, and you will have to fire upon another human being, with lethal intent.
And yes, you will probably have to go to trial. Yes, you will spend money on your defense. Yes, you will probably go into debt.
The alternative is to have your brains beaten out on the street; to fall victim to the robber's bullet, fists or feet, or perhaps to stumble forward, trying to hold your intestines into your body cavity because someone just took a swipe across your gut with a straight razor or knife. In your last moments of consciousness, possibly of life, you will hear your cry of pain and terror and wish desperately that you were somewhere, ANYWHERE, but where you are at that time.
There is, to me, no sound on earth that is as heartwrenching or as chilling as the wail of a soul breathing their last breath, if their life is being taken by force.
And, may merciful God help you if your family is with you! Especially your wives or your children--or both!! Some of you have NO concept of the horror that can befall them if the threat comes through you.
If you are that worried about the legality of the act, please, PLEASE contact your local prosecutor. Show them the clip from this thread, and ask them if you were in the car, would deadly force have been justified. I'll bet I know what the answer will be.
And, lest I impeach myself, DON'T just take the word of the cop you know, or don't know. The prosecutor is the one who will determine if you will go to trial, or appear before a grand jury.
Stay safe out there, folks.
