I was a victim and it was my own fault.

[Timco]

Originally Posted by Racer Boy

The OP is in Utah, which I'm sure has different laws. If I'm not mistaken, every state has different laws around this than Texas!

In most states, once the perp is outside of your home and you shoot them in the back, then you are in some serious legal trouble.

Timco, how is your knee today?

In recent history, there have been a few home invaders shot and killed by a homeowner here, but I am sure none were shot in the back fleeing. You could argue you're stopping future felonies or were temporarily blinded to the law when confronting someone in your home but that would be weak sauce.

What I mean by wish I had a gun is if I had seen him just going through stuff, I would have shot him rightfully out of fear for my safety. We don't have a retreat law so if he's a threat I can stop him without having to flee first. I have held an intruder at gunpoint. If you've ever seen a man beg for his life, it's heavy stuff. He was cringing over waiting to be shot. He begged me not to shoot him. That was 15 years ago.

I've always thought I would do anything to protect my wife, dog, home. This shows me in that moment, I'm willing to risk my life to get that threat out of my house. Honestly, all I could think of was beating or killing him, and with no weapon, I was intent on doing it bare handed. He got that message as fast as he ran. He was the lucky one.

The leg is a major hamstring and calf pull. Knee to top / side of foot. I never left the house today. It's terrible pain. Inside thigh too. My neck and shoulder still hurt from catching the doorway. Bruised. But it's a reminder to lock doors and that I feel like I gave everything I could to protect mine. Not on my watch.

[jpc763]

Originally Posted by Timco

In recent history, there have been a few home invaders shot and killed by a homeowner here, but I am sure none were shot in the back fleeing. You could argue you're stopping future felonies or were temporarily blinded to the law when confronting someone in your home but that would be weak sauce.

What I mean by wish I had a gun is if I had seen him just going through stuff, I would have shot him rightfully out of fear for my safety. We don't have a retreat law so if he's a threat I can stop him without having to flee first. I have held an intruder at gunpoint. If you've ever seen a man beg for his life, it's heavy stuff. He was cringing over waiting to be shot. He begged me not to shoot him. That was 15 years ago.

I've always thought I would do anything to protect my wife, dog, home. This shows me in that moment, I'm willing to risk my life to get that threat out of my house. Honestly, all I could think of was beating or killing him, and with no weapon, I was intent on doing it bare handed. He got that message as fast as he ran. He was the lucky one.

The leg is a major hamstring and calf pull. Knee to top / side of foot. I never left the house today. It's terrible pain. Inside thigh too. My neck and shoulder still hurt from catching the doorway. Bruised. But it's a reminder to lock doors and that I feel like I gave everything I could to protect mine. Not on my watch.

Glad it is not more serious (surgery)! Heal fast!

[AndyA6]

Timco!! WTH?

Hope you will get better soon! Could have been worse, just stuff.

Cathrin says hi!

[mordeeb]

This could have been so much worse, honestly as bad as it is be happy they only took some items and didn't cause any more major harm. If they were desperate enough to rob you they are clearly in a much worse place than any of us.

[Duquette5]

IG's dont make good watch dogs. Mine were always under blankets and asleep. Hope the knee feels better soon.

[Pdwight]

While there is no material thing in my home I would take a human life for I really think most are over simplifying this. It is not the property stolen, it is the unabashed intrusion into your home and safe space that would make me use deadly force...not the things they could steal. I would defiantly yell "Get the hell down on the ground" first and loudly ...if they ran I would not shoot, if they took one step in my direction or went for pockets.....they would never be a repeat offender

[stateofidleness]

Wow, that's pretty scary! Something I'm sure we all fear a bit. Home invasion is no joke.

That's one nice thing about Texas! Not that taking a life is something to glorify, but when it's life and death, you don't want to be thwarted by the "what if" of the legalities. Texas seems to take care of people defending their homes, and property. Makes me re-think my "storage" situation though. Mine's under the bed (since I'm most vulnerable when asleep), but thinking I need something more "available".

This thread actually made me stop and think what I would do in that situation... as one guy said, one step in my direction, or any loss of visuals with hands and he's gonna be put down. If he's outside the house or fleeing, it's a call to the fuzz. Albeit they're slow, if the guy's on foot, he'll get caught.