Originally Posted by
Steve_NEPhila
Skip the Federal law and check state laws. It is the responsibility of the states to have laws concerning intrastate criminal activity.
I must add that I personally would not shoot a "fleeing felon." That person fleeing may be fleeing the crime, you might have the wrong person. Considering that the fleeing person is not actually posing a threat of life or limb at that moment makes it likely to be prosecuted. Furthermore, I believe that the one rule that will apply in all states of the Union for self defense is using deadly force when one is in immediate fear for his/her life.
Permit me to put a more simplistic explanation on this matter... a fleeing suspect is the problem of the police, not me. I am a private citizen and I am interested in my safety first and the safety of my people second. Crime, criminals and law breaking is the problem of the state. With that being said, I do not have any kind of immunity like the state receives. Qualified immunity and absolute immunity exists for agents of the state, as a private citizen I am open to all types of liability. Because of this I will only concern myself with my safety and the safety of my people, period.
Take note of the current prosecutorial climate, a fleeing felon shooting will quite possibly lead to a criminal trial. If one were to shoot the wrong person, God save him. In my opinion, there are too many things that could go wrong here and very little that could go right. It would be best to use the time that a "fleeing felon" is running for you to do the same, and put some building between you as well. It is less expensive, safer and generally a better bet for survival. Make smart choices.