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I just realized that I didn’t respond entirely correct to your comment. I said “Agreed”, and then proceeded to support what this man did (which I do, as he managed to end the attempt w/o any shots fired.)

Of course, it goes without saying you should be prepared to fire in case it does escalate, but let me ask this: Why do officers pull weapons without firing? (that was rhetorical, as we all know it’s too intimidate). And I’m NOT arguing legal tactics here, just the thought process.

I understand that a firearm can cause a crook to run away.

I also understand that some use weapons to intimidate.

The laws (in my jurisdiction) as I have learned them, make brandishing a crime.

The sad truth is that depending on the police who investigate and the DA who determines if charges are filed, justice and what is fair have little to do with whether a person who tries to defend themself will spend time in jail awaiting trial.

My comments were that based on my training in my jurisdiction what the person did, risked his life and freedom.

Getting a CCL is a very personal decision and one with huge responsibility. One needs to know the consequences and potential outcomes of a life and death confrontation, which is what happens when you pull a firearm from concealment.

I think that the policy of “shoot to live” and only when no other safe option is available, is the best approach.

"Why do officers pull weapons without firing? (that was rhetorical, as we all know it’s to intimidate)."

I can't speak for all departments and all officers. That being said, when I pulled my weapon without firing, it was not to intimidate someone. It was for officer safety.

In high risk vehicle stops, I would pull my weapon. So what is a high risk vehicle stop? It is one where the officer has reason to believe the person he is stopping is wanted for a violent felony, or for fleeing the scene of a crime in which a felony just occurred. Some of these would be crimes like murder, armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, residential burglary, and forcible rape. Or, if a firearm was displayed during a disturbance, but not fired, I would still have pulled my weapon even if the crime was not a felony. In a situation not involving a vehicle stop, like searching a residence or commercial building when a burglary suspect was believed to still be present, I would pull my weapon.

I made a lot of felony arrests without drawing my weapon. Some of these arrests were for probable cause or warrants for crimes like grand theft, felony domestic violence, residential burglary, forgery, narcotics violations, auto theft, and people wanted for parole violations.

I know there are people who are going to read this and pounce, with what if, what if, what if etc. Situations vary. A felony suspect can be arrested sometimes without the use of a firearm, and at other times a firearm is pulled for officer safety.