I almost just pulled my gun...

[:-)]

It depends on the situation.
You can't make up a scenario in your head with a plan of attack that will go without a hitch, there are too many variables.
Threads like this always wind up "I would have done this or that" in my version of the situation.

[Walleye Hunter]

I have been to a few US Law Shield seminars. No real need to go to any more because it's the same information every time. I always ask their lawyer some questions regarding different possible scenarios as I gots to know. The guy has pretty much made it clear (right or wrong) that even pulling your gun on an unarmed intruder outside of your house is trouble for you. The last time I posed a scenario where I catch an intruder out in my detached garage and he made it sound like there isn't much one could do if the intruder was not armed...can't pull a gun on him, can't really stop him from leaving, can't do shit. Is there something affordable in training and education on this available to us? If so, where?

[R.A.D.]

Go ahead. Try to find amusement in my response. See how happy he would be sitting in prison.

What is the first rule of gun ownership? AVOID CONFRONTATION! Nope, I'll play Dirty Harry and confront the guy. Tell me it's not an issue waiting to happen...

[marinville]

Go ahead. Try to find amusement in my response. See how happy he would be sitting in prison.

What is the first rule of gun ownership? AVOID CONFRONTATION! Nope, I'll play Dirty Harry and confront the guy. Tell me it's not an issue waiting to happen...

Serious question, are you basing ANY of your thoughts on the actual information I've recounted in this thread? The guy startled, engaged, and approached ME in the driveway. I did not confront him. In fact, I only told him to stop approaching and then RESPONDED to his verbal engagements, while trying to be as brief and concise as possible to END the encounter. I didn't confront the guy and ask what the fuck he was doing in my driveway. I didn't aggressively tell him to fuck off or something similar. I didnt follow him down the block.

Dirty Harry? Honestly, what post are you reading?

[Hodgie]

Go ahead. Try to find amusement in my response. See how happy he would be sitting in prison.

What is the first rule of gun ownership? AVOID CONFRONTATION! Nope, I'll play Dirty Harry and confront the guy. Tell me it's not an issue waiting to happen...

It's always good to double down after you make a retarded statement based off made up information one creates within their own fantasy.

I find that things really work out for people like that, and who doesn't love playing the "what if's" just for shits and giggles.

[Parrisk]

IANAL, but I don't think deadly force in PA extends to you preventing your vehicle from being stolen.

If you find yourself needing to run the car in the winter to keep it warm, get a remote starter. Moment a foot touches the brake it shuts down.

Ditto ^^ I have a Subaru and the eggheads thought it a good idea that the car shuts off as soon as a door opens.. :-(
with modern technology one would think of a shift interlock or brake light engine kill if the keys are not present

besides OP never said he was going to shoot to save his car.. the possible perp was walking up to him on private property in the dark.. he just put his hand on the firearm, prudent IMHO incase a it became a threat..
I am with the OP in that the person was very possibly looking to score a car that was left running

wow, lots of fail in this encounter...

Your first inclination was to draw down on him instead of seeing who it was with your flashlight? Didn't call the cops? What were you gonna do, shoot him for trying to steal your car?

Yeah, you might want to consider some more training on firearm usage and "the aftermath of a self-defense shooting". The meals aren't to good courtesy of the state and your neighbors may want to get into more than your car...

Completely disagree.. he never said he drew.. just that he his hand on it
I would have reacted much the same.. dark, private property, valuables available for theft (running vehicle) and at the distance he stated when the person got his attention, it was almost already too close. My guess is had the OP been a (perceived as) defenseless citizen it would have been a MUCH different outcome

Go ahead. Try to find amusement in my response. See how happy he would be sitting in prison.
What is the first rule of gun ownership? AVOID CONFRONTATION! Nope, I'll play Dirty Harry and confront the guy. Tell me it's not an issue waiting to happen...

Please re-read the original post. Here is part of it....."I had left the car running in the driveway. When I came outside to leave, the guy was in the driveway. I didn't see him at first. It was dark, and I still never got a good look at him. When I came off the porch he said excuse me. It startled the shit out of me and all I could think to say was "what" and I was thinking about lighting him up with my flashlight, but I didn't. In retrospect, I should have. He didn't respond but he was walking towards me, probably twenty five feet away. I said stop there and reached under my shirt. He stopped and didn't do or say anything for a few seconds. Then he asked for a ride to the meadows casino, twice. I just said "no" both times, still with my hand on the handle. Then he just said "alright" and walked off in that direction. "

OP did not draw on the person
OP did not go out looking for trouble or to play "Dirty Harry"
OP stepped outside his parents house on private property to head home. Person was already on property, close proximity
OP told them to STOP and merely put his hand on his CCW should the need arise to draw

Should OP have waited until the other person was physically in contact with him?

[Manxdriver]

I think it is fine that you were ready to draw, but the important part here is that you did *not* because there was no escalation. From what I see, there was no justification for going any farther than you did.

Even if he did not stop and you did draw and he kept walking toward you, you would have had no true justification for shooting, according to PA law. You were not "in" your home or vehicle so Castle Doctrine /stand your ground is not a defense. Further had you shot him, police and/or a jury would have considered whether you had attempted to retreat to safety. By law, in PA, other than in your home or in your vehicle, you are required to retreat if at all possible.

IANAL

Nope, you are also covered in any other place where you are lawfully present, and not the aggressor, and the other person is not a Peace Officer! 18 PACS, Section 505

[Emptymag]

Racist.


(Haven't been following this, but just wanted to be sure that didn't get overlooked)

[Hodgie]

Racist.


(Haven't been following this, but just wanted to be sure that didn't get overlooked)

Pretty much got it all covered here.

Someone just told me to "fuck off" here but unfortunately decided to delete it. Lucky for me it still came across in my email notification at 11:04 pm and gave me a good laugh before bed.

[john9001]

Go ahead, pull that smoke wagon and see what happens.