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I'm the original poster..... Thanks for all the replies. And to the volunteer firefighter who responded, thanks especially for your reply. I spent 20 years as a Vol Firefighter, and my instincts are to react to help. That's actually exactly what I'm concerned about in this particular situation. I *think* I probably would have reacted and helped. I'm not sure if that would be the legal or appropriate thing to do especially when carrying. In this scenario, my neighbor was walking out of the store as this was occurring and reacted to the situation rather than making an analytical decision. I probably would have done the same thing -- which is why I started this topic.

What I got out of this thread though (I hope) was a bit more pre-planning for a scenario I hadn't considered before. Maybe rather than reacting, I'd take a step back and be a good witness. If the situation turned into an assault with a deadly weapon, perhaps then that would be the time to get involved. Tough to know for sure though until a situation unfolds in front of me.

TxLobo wrote:I'm thinking.. No..

if the female (security or not) is hollering for help, then yes, I would assist.. but helping a civilian loss prevention employee.. that kinda crosses the line and opens you up to some legal areas..

I'm really surprised that Target would have a loss prevention agent that would physically detain a shoplifter.. most stores have a hands off policy if the shoplifter becomes abusive or confrontational..

As stated in the forum before... my plastic didn't come with a cape. I don't work for the police or the store..

That was the scenario. She was struggling and when my friend walked by she asked for help. As several posters said, the best case would be to not get involved as it wasn't a deadly force situation. I'd not ignore a plea for help, but I would be concerned about having a weapon and being in a scuffle. I guess if it ever happens to me, I'll have to make a decision based on the scenario.

My neighbor just today was at a Target in the Austin area and intervened when the store security guard (female) was struggling to detain a guy who tried to run when she suspected he was shoplifting. He does not have a CHL. He helped physically detain the individual until Austin PD arrived. There wasn't a weapon involved, but their was a pretty big difference in size between the alleged shoplifter and security guard. She was struggling to control him, and it's likely he'd have gotten away if my neighbor didn't assist.

My question is what is the consensus on the appropriate response when carrying in a situation like this? I'd be inclined to help has he did, but a thought I had when he told me today about this was the possibility of losing control of my carry gun in a scuffle. It didn't seem like a deadly force situation, so introducing the weapon wouldn't have seemed like the right thing to do.