“According to the U.S. Supreme Court in Garner v. Tennessee, 471 U.S. 1 (1985), a private citizen has broader authority to use deadly force under the common law than law enforcement officers.”
Thanks - I new that was the case in Washington State, but didn’t realize it was a national thing. And if Washington State one doesn’t need to be in fear for their life or in physical danger to shoot someone.
Although we’ll see how the case in Spokane works out, where the guy is being charged with shooting the car thief. Legal, as he was stopping a felony, and the police did not press charges. But the DA brought him in - similar to this Zimmerman fiasco.
In the state of Washington, a private citizen can use up to deadly force in an attempt to apprehend a felon. Just make sure you first tell them to stop or you will shoot. You can even shoot if they are attempting to flee after a warning. Just make sure they committed a felony before you shoot.
Here is the State of Washington statute on the use of deadly force. Please note the “Legislative recognition” in the notes section.
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9A.16.040