Burglary Suspects Pick Wrong Victim

Yahoo ^ | 9/24/02

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

A pair of would-be burglars picked the wrong home to visit over the weekend when they allegedly broke into the residence of one of Dallas's best-known police officers.

One suspect was shot in the leg trying to flee the scene and both men were arrested after they allegedly tried to rob the home of Senior Cpl. Chris Gilliam, a spokesman for the Dallas police, who was home at the time, police said on Monday.

Gilliam, who is often seen in the local media delivering news on crime in Dallas, made the news by giving chase to the suspects, shooting one in the thigh, police said.

The suspect who was shot was arrested by Gilliam and is recovering at a local hospital while police captured the other suspect later.

Gilliam, who is usually quick to respond to media inquiries, said he was not able to comment on the matter until the standard investigation into an officer firing his weapon had been completed.

[MrB]

One suspect was shot in the leg trying to flee the scene

Would a "citizen" be arrested for unnecessary deadly force for shooting a fleeing suspect?

[Larry Lucido]

Probably not in Texas. I've seen one Dallas County grand jury after another "no-bill" homeowners for just about any use of force on or near their own property.

[Always Right]

One suspect was shot in the leg trying to flee the scene and both men were arrested after they allegedly tried to rob the home of Senior Cpl. Chris Gilliam

As much as the low-life probably deserved it, shooting someone who is trying to flee isn't usually kohsher, but being a cop may make it different.

[Liberal Bob]

Question did he shoot an armed suspect or unarmed suspect fleeing the scene?

[Pearls Before Swine]

Would a "citizen" be arrested for unnecessary deadly force for shooting a fleeing suspect?

Good point! Of course he would. However, the state's argument would have to be that Officer Gilliam had a dual role--that of a citizen at first, and later as an officer pursuing a known felon fleeing the scene of a crime. He just didn't have to dial 911 in order to get the police to show up.

[goldstategop]

Whoops! Darwin Award Alert! These guys are really dumb and dumber! LMAO

[moyden]

In Texas, you can legally kill in defense of property, provided you give fair warning, and they are still on your property.

For example, if a man steals your TV, make sure you shoot him in the back before he gets out of your yard.

Killing in self defense is encouraged.

Cops who kill criminals are automatic heroes.

I love this state.

[FeliciaCat]

In Texas isnt it ok to shoot a burglar while they are on your property, no questions asked?

[Liberal Bob]

Most states do not allow the use of deadly force to apprehend a property crime suspect unless there is immediate danger like the guy you're chasing has a gun in his hand

[LaBradford22]

Probably not in Texas. I've seen one Dallas County grand jury after another "no-bill" homeowners for just about any use of force on or near their own property.

Which is one of the reasons why I'm proud to call Texas (and the DFW metroplex) my home. If you don't have legitimate reason to be on my property, stay the hell away or risk the consequences.

[MrB]

if a man steals your TV, make sure you shoot him in the back before he gets out of your yard

Good idea, if he was facing you, you might hit your TV.

[mhking]

"Hold muh beer 'n watch this!" PING....

If you want on or off this list, please let me know!
This has come about after much badgering by you, my friends and extended family...

[Double Tap]

Oh, they will ask plenty of questions. But the grand jury will likely "no bill" if it meets the criteria for use of deadly force.

[Redcloak]

Is this Terry Gilliam's brother, perchance? I remember reading about 10 years ago that Terry Gilliam's brother was an officer with the LAPD. That Officer Gilliam was also involved with the department's media/public relations operations. As I recall, he would bring a trained parrot (not a Norwegian Blue) to local schools to teach kids about traffic safety and such.

[R2]

Here in Texas, you can chase a thief down shooting even if he's unarmed. I believe there is a requirement that it be either daylight or night. I should know what rhe requirement is, but in my area, there is little crime due to this popular deterrence.

[moyden]

He was recently transferred to Bolton.

[AdA$tra]

Several years ago here in Topeka a liquor store clerk shot an armed robber in the back of the head as he ran away down the street. Surprisingly, no cahrges were filed. It so happens that six month before that my wife's cousin was killed in an armed robbery at the same store. I don't know if that had any bearing on the ruling. Either way, one shot, one kill......nice shot!

[Pearls Before Swine]

Re your post 10 and my post 8:

Your post and my post aren't in disagreement about the law. I'm just agreeing with the previous poster that as a policeman, the officer could defend his home, including pursuit of the perp, more effectively than a non-officer. Sometimes this is a good thing, sometimes not.

If routine pursuit were allowed, a lot of grudge shootings would be called robbery after the fact. However, hot blooded pursuit of someone who has threatened or used force in the course of a robbery, or attempted bodily harm on a family member (think child), should be viewed more generously than it currently is.

[Leisler]

If you are in a man's castle, doing wrong, you get the man's justice. Shack or castle, be polite and obey the "house" rules. Everyone knows the basics.