How to React After Shooting a Home Intruder

BrandSand

Editor

posted on 18 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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If you're legitimately at risk of being harmed or killed, you have a right to defend yourself. If you're armed and hear an intruder in your home, or breaking in, don't give away your tactical advantage and position by yelling or firing a warning shot. Keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to fire. Only fire on a target if you can positively confirm they are not a family member, police officer, etc... and that they are a threat. Don't fire if there is a chance of anyone being struck behind the target. If an armed assailant attempts to flee, let them go and try to get as much information on them as possible. The use of deadly force is always a last resort.

Steps

Ensure that the area is clear from other intruders or threats. When it is safe to do so, then:

Contact emergency services, which is commonly 911, and ask for the police. Explain to them that you've shot at an intruder out of fear for your life. Tell them that you have a gun. If it is safe to do so, check the condition of the intruder and report this all to the operator. How badly is he wounded? Where was he hit? Is he dead or just wounded?React After Shooting a Home Intruder Step 3.jpg

Only when you're sure you are alone and safe unload the weapon and put the gun away in a secure place. Do not clean, wipe down or service the weapon. The officers that respond to your call may want to retrieve the weapon for evidence. The worst thing you can do is approach the police holding a gun. When the police arrive, follow their exact instructions. They will first try to determine if there is still a threat and they will attempt to neutralize it. They may ask you to surrender, lay on the ground or handcuff you as a precaution. Just follow their directions and do what they say. Tell them you you fired your gun out of fear for your life. Do NOT provide any additional details, just say "I shot out of fear for my life." Once you calm down and tell the story to your attorney, then and ONLY then do you want to give the police details.

If requested to do so by the police, avoid the areas of the house that may contain evidence to allow the police to get a clear picture of what happened and how the intruder got into your house. (disturbing them may destroy/contaminate the evidence)