WA:Spokane-area residents debate: Should car thieves be shot?

**ShooterInPA1** · March 27th, 2013, 06:02 PM

A lively discussion about justice, self-defense, property rights and the use of lethal force has erupted in Spokane this week in the wake of a fatal Monday morning shooting in which a recidivist car thief was fatally shot by his latest victim as he drove away in the shooter’s Chevy Suburban.

The debate is on-going on this morning's Spokane Spokesman-Review's web page below a story that says police may turn over the results of their investigation to prosecutors today.

Should car thieves risk getting shot dead? When Washington achieved statehood in November 1889, there were still places in the West where horse thieves just might find themselves dangling from a tree limb. Whatever else the horse was, it happened to be a means of transportation for the owner, and the same can be said of the Suburban.

The horse, like the Suburban, could be essential to the owner’s livelihood. It might, under the right circumstances, be the difference between living and dying for the owner.

Of course, the dead man's family is calling the shooting "senseless." One might suggest it makes as much sense as repeatedly stealing cars.

http://www.examiner.com/article/spok...hieves-be-shot

**HiredGoon** · March 27th, 2013, 08:29 PM

"String 'em up... teach 'em a lesson"

**GeneCC** · March 27th, 2013, 08:39 PM

The Chinese say, "Kill the chicken to scare the monkey".

Be interesting to see what the "good people" of King County, where the Progressives congregate, think of "killing people for property". They probably figure, "It's insured".

In the next breath they'll cry about "Corporate greed of Insurance Companies who raise their rates annually".

"Cause and Effect" - it really does make sense.

**brsims** · March 27th, 2013, 09:02 PM

Thieves deserve the consequences of their actions.

If I were to lose my vehicle to a thief I would lose my livelihood, my sole means of transportation for the gathering of basic supplies, and my primary means of transportation in case of emergency. In other words, I wouldn't be able to work, get groceries and supplies, and get myself or my family to medical attention far faster than waiting for the ambulance (which is typically a half hour away).

So yes, my vehicle is far more important to me than the life of some scumbag who has decided that he deserves my vehicle more than I, the one who actually spent money to BUY the damned thing, do. I have zero respect for anyone who chooses to steal instead of working to earn what they want. I work for what I want, everybody else can, too.

**johnydavid** · March 27th, 2013, 09:59 PM

Don't mean to be the odd ball here. I can understand wanting to teach a harsh lesson or to sent a clear message to future car thieves but I just don't think death is the answer to this one. It could've been a kid who just needed to get his life back on track which I'm sure wasn't the case here but is a plausible scenario. My son has gotten caught stealing out of cars at a younger age which I'm not proud of but if he were to be shot and killed it would've just been an unrealistic answer to a problem. There is a right time for deadly force but I just don't think this was the time.

**dkf** · March 27th, 2013, 10:07 PM

My truck is key part in me being able to earn a living and is significant investment for me.

Don't want to get shot? Don't steal someones vehicle. I bet if it was defined as legal to shoot a car thief the rate of car thefts would drop sharply.

**johnydavid** · March 27th, 2013, 10:49 PM

Yes the car theft rate would decline rapidly but there is a reason it isn't legalized. If they allowed everyone the right to take the law into there own hands crime rates would drop and mistaken kills would rise drastically. Just as some people just cant drive or chew gum and walk at the same time a lot of people aren't good decision makers with a gun. Some people have no common sense and a gun added to that implemented towards the public would be disastrous. I'm content with the laws in this case as they are.