What should you do or not do after you've shot someone in self defense?

[Scoundrel]

Disclaimer: I know that this topic is highly subjective, and that there are no ironclad right and wrong answers, and that there are thousands of variables including everything from what type of ammo is used to what the jury had for breakfast that morning.

I also suspect that this topic is probably discussed far and wide on internet forums, and has most probably been discussed here on kahrtalk.com. However, I performed a couple of searches and did not quickly find it.

I've wondered about the things I should or should not do if I ever have to use my weapon. I just saw an advertisement in a magazine regarding a book on the subject. I went and looked up some reviews on that book.

I have no delusions about whether this thread will stay focused to my specific question, or very quickly gain its own momentum and direction. But I want to start it off asking if anyone has read this book, and has thoughts about the facts presented in the book, and/or the subjective advice offered in the book.

Here is a link to the book and some reviews on it: http://www.amazon.com/After-You-Shoo.../dp/1889632260

[Thunder71]

The only thing I will say is that I was in fear for my life and I will cooperate 100% once I speak to my attorney.

Other than that, keep your mouth shut.

[Scoundrel]

The only thing I will say is that I was in fear for my life and I will cooperate 100% once I speak to my attorney.

Other than that, keep your mouth shut.

911 Operator: 911, what are you reporting?

Thunder71: I was in fear for my life and I will cooperate 100% once I speak to my attorney.

911 Operator: ???

[JFootin]

Ditto to what Thunder said.

[yqtszhj]

They said they were going to kill me, and now i would like to speak to my attorney.

[entoptics]

1st = 911
2nd = step away from the scene
3rd = call lawyer (don't wait for the cops to show up and read rights)
4th = get professional counseling. Who knows what sort of scars this sort of thing will leave on the survivor.

I don't mean flee obviously. Go into another room, outside, etc. You do not want to accidentally tamper with ANYTHING at the scene. You also do not want your memory of the experience contaminated with the aftermath.

Witness testimony is the least reliable form of evidence generally, and that includes the person who does the shooting. Our brains are amazingly seamless at filling in details (often false) when asked to recall past events.

Do not tell the cops anything other than the most basic details, and try not to say anything emotional or speculative beyond "I was scared for my life because he came at me with a gun" (e.g. "I think he was trying to rob me" "He looks like a gang banger" "I think he was high on drugs" etc. etc.)

You're testimony will be much more thorough and useful after you've calmed down and spoken to an attorney. The cops understand this and should not pressure you.

[OldLincoln]

You say the following:
1. That man attacked me and I was in fear for my life.
2. Point out witnesses and say these people witnessed the incident.
3. Point out any physical evidence, e.g., knife, gun, club, etc.
4. I intend to cooperate but am too upset right now. I need time to calm down and speak with my attorney.
If necessary repeat #4 if they badger you.

If you say nothing you have put the LEO's in an untenable position and they have to take you downtown. They may anyway, but at least they have your initial cooperation.

Don't say what the bad guy said, what you said and so forth as it will NOT come out the way you intend and they WILL use it against you. They may be the good guys but they have a completely different mission than yours. Just hope that the bad guy was wanted for murder or assult and suspected in other cases like yours. It will not be fun and it will not be cheap. That's why I carry only to defend my and my family's life, not property, not somebody else getting beaten. Be a good witness for the other stuff.

Also, know that you will be sued for all property damage you cause like a shot going through a window. The property owner will turn it into his insurance and his insurance will come after you. So be careful out there.

[Longitude Zero]

Ayoob has some EXCELLENT instructions on how to handle this situation. He is an expert. Internet gunboards are infested with posers who think thye know what to do and they have NO CLUE at all. Look up what Ayoob has written and you will not go wrong.

If you CCW it is IGNORANT to not have already spoken with an attorney and carry his/her card 24/7 with the home,/office/cell number of the attorney. Her is a good start.

1. Call 9-1-1. Ask for an ambulance and police. Asking for an ambulance first then police shows the human side of you.

2. Tell the operator "I shot a man that was trying to hurt me". The key words are shot (not killed, off'ed, smoked, etc), man (not a teenager, child, mo-fo, etc).

3. Give your location and describe yourself. Most likely your description will be relayed to the first responding police officer. It would be to your advantage if the officer has an idea of who is the "good guy".

4. Do not answer the operator's questions for details. You are being recorded so you have to be brief. Say that you are really busy right now but you are willing to stay on the line until police arrive.

5. Speak clearly. This projects the image of being in control and not panic.

6. Do not have your pistol in your hand when the officer arrives. Holster it when you see the car approach. Keep your hands visible from this point forward.

7. Give the officer a brief non-emotional description of the events. Give enough to make the initial police report. He/she needs basic information to decide if you are free to leave, getting a free ride to the police station for more questions, or getting the handcuffs.

8. Avoid giving out too much information. Your emotions will come out and may work against you. Say that you are trying your hardest not to throw up right now and would rather answer questions later. Police officers who have been involved in a shooting will sympathize with this. If you did #7 well, this should not be a problem.

9. Others. Don't argue with witnesses. Don't act aggressively even if you're angry. Move slowly.

Depending upon you live you may have immunity from civil liability.

[ltxi]

"Say that you are trying your hardest not to throw up right now and would rather answer questions later. Police officers who have been involved in a shooting will sympathize with this."

That, in particular, is excellent advice.

[wm36]

Tell the 911 operator and officers that respond "if he survives I want to press charges"

[Barth]

Wishing Everyone a Happy and Safe Holiday Season

After it happens:
Be very careful what you say. The best phrase is -
"I was in fear for my life and couldn't escape".
After you call 911 then call friends or family.
Let them know what's happening and possibly post bail.
If arrested you will lose access to your cell.

I really, truly, hope none of us have to go through this.
But all the hope in the world won't necessarily keep us out of harms way.
Must of us carry for this very situation.
To that end some additional thoughts on preparedness -

Before it happens:
Have a lawyer picked out to represent you.
Do everything you can to stay away from potentially bad places, situations, people...
Walk away from all altercations - that you can.
Be on the lookout for potential danger at all times.
Someone prepared, aware and determined is less likely to be a target.
And ready to act quickly when targeted.

Whether or not you stand and fight is a gut decision.
But never let anyone transport you anywhere.
At that point fight to the death.
Remember most people shot - live.
And time is on your side.

[jaydee]

If a guy breaks into my home and I fear for my life, can I keep shooting until he is dead, or do I have to just stop him. eg: Will I get in trouble shooting him in the head after he is down?
JD

[Longitude Zero]

As long as he/she is an active threat you may continue shooting. Once he/she is no longer a threat you may not continue shooting. Righteous shootings have gone bad when the victim crossed the line and fired one shot too many.

[knkali]

you guys have some great advice here. I have been in a situation of SD and the adrenaline dump cannot be described in words other than, if you can keep your narrative staight that the above posts say, you are a better person than me.

[Thunder71]

If a guy breaks into my home and I fear for my life, can I keep shooting until he is dead, or do I have to just stop him. eg: Will I get in trouble shooting him in the head after he is down?
JD

Seriously?

Yes, that would be murder... Once the threat is stopped, that's it. Even if they turn and run, the threat ended and so does your shooting.