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I came across this article that reveals the potential perils of intervening as a bystander. It is not meant to justify any proposed action or inaction mentioned with the purse-snatch incident. However, it does shed light on the fog of war. I think everyone has been very thoughtful on their responses to the purse snatching event.

http://www.activeresponsetraining.net/a ... t-carriers" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

HIndisght is 20/20. For all of our well meaning intentions, none of us can be absolutely certain what our actions would be. The Shark Tank Test and Justification versus Necessity are two principles that help me.

Shark Tank Test: if something was thrown into a tank full of hungry sharks, what would motivate me to jump in there and attempt rescure/retrieval? Jumping in the tank would be equivalent to drawing my weapon and firing to stop a threat.

My child or family in the shark tank? Absolutely, without hesitation.
My wallet, purse, or car in the shark tank? Absolutely NOT.
A stranger in the shark tank? Possibly, if the stanger was being raped, about to be killed. I would like to think that I would try to help in some way if I did not jump in the tank.
A stranger's wallet, purse, or car? Absolutely NOT.

Justification vs Necessity: just because we are justified in using our weapon does not mean that we should. The aftermath of any shooting is horrendous (from everything I have read, but fortunately not experienced) even when the incident is justified AND necessary. For myself, I never wish to use my weapon, EVER. If I do, however, then I need to fulfill both criteria: Justified AND Necessary.

Would we have been justified in drawing our weapon to protect the elderly woman'? If SHE was in danger of being killed, or raped then I would say YES to both justified and necessary. How about to protect her purse? I would say NO because I would not even draw my weapon for my own wallet. They can have my wallet because it can be replaced.
I saw no evidence that the woman's life was in danger in the video.

Here is what I "hope" I would have done if I had been the bystander in front of the car;
Move to a position behind a parked car but on the passenger front side of the vehicle (the car cannot run me over easily, the driver would have to get out of his car and move towards me to threaten me, in which case his actions and intentions would be clearly visible).
Dial 911 and report.
Yell in my loudest voice; "STOP, I am calling the police!"
Keep YELLING and describing the vehicle, the BG, etc as loudly as possible to the 911 operator so that the BG knows they are beind identified.
Capture on camera/video with my cell phone the car, the incident, the BG, license plate
I would be ready to draw my weapon if and only if I felt the woman's life or my own life was in danger.

Of course, this is all Tuesday morning quarterbacking and who really know what i would have done.
I respect everyone's thoughts and have learned from your comments. Thank you for teaching me.