[yarddog]

I have actually been there and done that. Well not exactly the same but making the perps aware that I was armed had a magic affect on them.

I didn’t fire the gun, actually didn’t even get it completely out before they realized what I was doing. Still them knowing I had a gun was the important thing. That is why firing an attention getting shot is sometimes the right thing to do.

Sometimes it is not. That is why we use judgement.

[Eagles6]

Not saying you're wrong just that you have to be ready for the consequeces from the state.

Also was in a similar situation about 25 yrs ago in Pgh, PA.

Intervened in an assault, turned out to be an attempted kidnapping, by a feral yout on a little blonde college girl. Jumped in, unarmed, without adequately surveying the situation.

Instead of 1 perp there were six and I ended up with the back of my head split open with a brick and the perps trying to stomp and pound my brains into the pavement.

Saved the girl though, started carrying the next day and haven't stopped.