I'm sorry, Preacherman, but we're going to have to disagree. And I absolutely disagree in the most stringent terms with your #3 suggestion to lie to the authorities about using your car in self-defense. I cannot disagree more strongly with that advice. "My foot slipped off the brake and the car rolled forward"? I am actually a little shocked that you would suggest it.
and there is another means of avoidance open to you
This is not clear from the video. In fact, the inability of the driver to escape, while obviously trying with all their being, would show how escape was not available to this victim. Even if there were an avenue, which the video does not show exists, this person was
incapable of escaping. The element of fear the incredibly sudden and violent attack created in the victim paralyzed her. This is the reality of it. This victim was unable to escape and survived only because this particular killer, on this particular occasion and in this particular moment
decided to stop short of murder, although he had the opportunity, the ability, the history and the potential for crossing that line in the blink of an eye.
However I do agree that given the dangers of stray rounds and the crowded environ, it may make more sense to use the cruiser instead of the firearm. Although the angle is such that I think you're safe from impacting innocents, although rounds would certainly leave the area.
Your #4 concerns are, to be blunt, a little silly. I am far,
far, less concerned with hypothetically pissing off scum-of-the-earth gang-bangers in some possible future than I am with getting my and my families heads bashed in in the here and now.
And I suppose we'll just have to disagree about the prosecution issue. My kingdom for a cop or attorney from Vegas to chime in on that point.
Whilst this threat is certainly immediate, it's directed against your vehicle, not against you:
An odd observation. You obviously have a far better understanding of this particular insane drug-addled criminals inner workings than I am capable of mustering. I am actually stunned, more than stunned, that people are evaluating a crack-sucking self-professed violent murderer smashing in your side window with a crowbar as not really a serious threat of harm to your person.
I would love to roll back time here and show people not the entire clip, but only up until the guy takes the first swing at the windshield. Without the benefit of the entire episode, I wonder if people would be so quick to 'know the mind' of this walking horrorshow.
And I take a mild offense at being described as in need of a 'testosterone-reduction program'. Disagree all you want, that's why we're here, but please leave the personal insults at the door, if it's not too much trouble.
- Gabe (do I get to invoke the flaming anger smiley now?
)