Seems obvious to me that she could have turned the wheel to the right and drove away - that means shooting would not be a last resort. That means you're going to jail.
Not necessarily.
Remember that the law hinges primarily on the "reasonable man" doctrine, as in, "What a reasonable person would believe given the circumstances".
So, what would a reasonable person believe in this instance?
1. There is a goblin present.
2. This goblin has approached--and encroached--into your personal space.
3. Said goblin has in his hand an object which is being used as a weapon, and which at the distance the video represents, can cause death or serious bodily harm.
4. The goblin has also manifested malicious intent toward you by repeatedly striking the vehicle with great force, and by his language and actions.
Thus, would a reasonable person believe the following:
1. Is there a threat? Yes.
2. Is the threat immediate? Yes.
3. Is the threat directed at you or your person, or another person close by? Yes.
4. Is the threat capable of killing you, or causing you serious damage? Yes.
And, the most important points:
Has the person who is posing the threat, threatened YOU? Yes.
Has the person who is posing the threat manifested
mens rea, the "evil mind"? Absolutely.
Given the totality of the circumstances, does the
mens rea, together with the physical acts of the goblin pose a clear and imminent danger to you? ABSOLUTELY!!!
Solution: Deadly force authorized.
The nature of the threat is such that no warning is necessary--or, judging from the video, even possible.
Draw your weapon, and engage with rounds aimed center of mass. Also, from the looks and demeanor of the goblin, he's "cracked up", or perhaps on a bit of bathtub crank. Be prepared for a failure to stop.
And, given the circumstances, the victim would probably not even be arrested, with consideration given to the immediacy of the threat, the presence of witnesses, the visible damage, and the videotape! Officer's discretion would definitely apply.
I always get the feeling that alot of the guys that say "I'd shoot" don't even have a CCW and haven't been to a CCW class, and don't know the laws. Yes, this guy needs shooting. No, this is not a clear cut situation that warrants shooting.
I wouldn't be too sure of a blanket statement concerning the expertise of the people on this board, either.
As for me, what do I know? Heck, I'm just a street cop.