Some years back, I used pepper spray on an aggressive panhandler when he accosted my mother and myself . . . this incident would not have made the news.seamusTX wrote:In these cases where someone shoots an unarmed assailant, I never see mention of pepper spray.
In the case of someone entering your home unwanted and uninvited, there is no ethical or moral reason to even take a chance that the perp is harmless - that puts YOU at risk. Dealing with him in the most effective manner available makes good sense. (Within reason - for example, no sane person would regard the 7 year old from next door who wandered in through an unlocked door to ask if you've seen her missing puppy as a threat!!)