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Since we're now talking about a different hypothetical scenario of shooting the guy merely as he tries to flee with stolen goods (NOT for the turning with apparent weapon in hand), I'd just think VERY LONG AND HARD about whether you're willing to shoot another person who is merely fleeing with stolen tangible property. There is not much I own that is worth the cost of a human life, even the life of a dirtbag criminal. Just because a black-n-white reading of the statutes says you CAN shoot someone fleeing with stolen property doesn't necessarily or always mean you SHOULD do so. This is just my own personal feelings on the subject; not saying I'm right and someone with a different set of beliefs is wrong. Just asking everyone to think about this - do a cost-benefit analysis of the situation in your head as you mentally prepare.

From a legal aspect, look no further than the Austin convenience store clerk convicted of murder (later reduced to manslaughter on a sentencing technicality) for shooting a thief fleeing his store with a stolen case of beer.

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gemini wrote:If you've ever had your house burglarized, your truck tool box completely emptied,
parts stolen off your vehicle etc etc etc. then you know how violated you feel and the
anger attached to that invasion of your personal space and loss of property you've busted
your hump to earn/pay for. I've had all the above happen.
I guess the reason for the chase is a great arm chair quarterback question. The only answer I can
honestly give is 1. anger 2. maybe I responded like a greyhound track dog after the rabbit, instinct
3. I feel invason of my personal property and home is more of a serious issue than you/others and
I'm willing to defend it 4. There was no "thought" or hesitation, I just gave chase.
I'm not saying running in the house, calling the police, and waiting is wrong. But, we each must decide what line
we will not allow others to cross. I've made my decision and stand by it.

Gemini, I GREATLY appreciate your honesty I wouldn't necessarily do the same thing, but I can better understand why you did and believe you were perfectly within your rights to do so and do not begrudge your choices.

Keith B wrote:Now, had you actually shot and killed the guy, this would have thrown a whole new scenario into the mix. You now would more than likely be taken into custody, the weapon confiscated, and you would be requiring a lawyer and a lot of time during the post shooting investigation. Then, if the DA decides the shooting isn't as clear cut as it should be, due to only one side of story being able to be told, you might be charged. At minimum they would still refer it to a Grand Jury to hopefully get no-billed.

So, just remember that a few inches of difference in bullet trajectory can cost you a ton of time, money and emotional stress until you are cleared.

These are wise words from Keith. And probably would be running through my head before I chased after a "bad guy".

God bless America and Texas for honoring our right and freedom to chose the reaction to crime that best fits each of us individually

I also thank the OP for posting this so we all can learn. In that spirit, I ask these questions not to be argumentative but to truly understand reasoning, thought process etc.

Why did you chase the guy? Were you hoping to recover some stolen property? Were you chasing him away from your home? Was it an adrenaline dump, no cognitive thought?

Devil's advocate might say "If you hadn't chased him, there would be no need to fire that round" ... furthmore, if that missed round HAD hit something of value, a person, a pet, a car, a house ... then you'd be in a world of trouble.

Again, asking these questions in the spirit of learning - not to paint the OP or his decisions/actions in a bad light.