What states can someone use firearms to stop someone from stealing?

[moa]

I would think of all those offense, arson or attempted arson, would be the most serious and potentially deadly offense. Then, in that situation, especially against an occupied residence, shooting would be a valid self defense action.

In my situation at home, I have an 86 year old mother who cannot get around very fast or very well. Mom comes first and an arsonist comes "dead" last.

 

[moa]

Forgot to mention that here in the Washington DC area we have had a serial arsonist at work. He has already killed one elderly lady and set a ton of fires on residences. He strikes at night.

 

[priv8ter]

Hmmm...

Ya think the 100' blood trail and drag marks from the end of the driveway, across the porch and into the bedroom might look suspicious?

What you need to worry about more are the spent shell casing you might have left on the front lawn.

The file is too long to post here, but here is the link to Washington's Code:

http://www.leg.wa.gov/rcw/index.cfm?fuseaction=chapter&chapter=9A.16&RequestTimeout=500

Here is the most important paragraph:

RCW 9A.16.050
Homicide -- By other person -- When justifiable.

Homicide is also justifiable when committed either:

(1) In the lawful defense of the slayer, or his or her husband, wife, parent, child, brother, or sister, or of any other person in his presence or company, when there is reasonable ground to apprehend a design on the part of the person slain to commit a felony or to do some great personal injury to the slayer or to any such person, and there is imminent danger of such design being accomplished; or

(2) In the actual resistance of an attempt to commit a felony upon the slayer, in his presence, or upon or in a dwelling, or other place of abode, in which he is.


So...I guess it comes down to you knowing what seperates a Felony Theft from a Misdemeanor.

greg

 

[Powderman]

Also, with regard to Washington State at least, you have to show a clear and articulable threat to your person, or the person of another.

There are plenty of different laws and statutes concerning the use of deadly force. The best and safest way I have found to go is this:

For property alone, I would NEVER use deadly force. Let them take what they want. So, the neighborhood thug is running off with your prized possessions? So what? Let them have them.

I believe that someone who posted earlier asked if someone would feel comfortable taking someone's life over a piece of property. I sure would not. The only property I would actually consider using deadly force to stop from walking out of the door, would be firearms.

Now, if when the perp enters, they have a visible means of inflicting great bodily harm or death, that's a different story. For instance, you happen to see Mr. Burglar enter through a sliding door. OK. Scare him off, turn on the lights, or perhaps challenge them--at gunpoint--instructing them to lay on the floor. So far, so good.

If they turn to run, LET THEM GO!!!!

If they start toward you, all bets are off.

If they enter the house, and a deadly weapon is visible, all bets are off.

If you see said burglar who, after rummaging through the common areas, starts to enter the bedroom of one of your children, all bets are REALLY off.

But, not for property. Never just for property, except operational firearms.

 

[revlar]

Good grief! They can HAVE my TV - I need a new one anyway.