1. If you have the ability to safely leave the light (i.e. without putting someone else in danger), do it. Make a right, cross the intersection, anything to avoid someone who is coming at you in a threatening manner.Solsand wrote:Ok here we go, I'd really like to know what is going to be inside/ outside LTC law-
Hypothetically, a road rage incident of some kind takes place. We both have to stop at the next light. Driver approaches me on foot WITHOUT a weapon, words are exchanged. He decides to turn this into a physical confrontation, takes a swing and I am knocked to the ground. I'm carrying - he could be - so I immediately draw my weapon and tell him he can either be shot or he can back off and freeze. I call 911 and explain the situation and ask for LEO to come out. My question- can I legally hold him at gun point until LEO arrives? Will I likely be arrested for drawing my weapon? Not looking for the "you should have just shot him/ fear for life" answer. I am tying to see if this altercation can be handled in the manner I have just described without having to shoot this guy. I know most of you have probably seen the video of the two ragers in Austin last month, where one guy approached the other with a bat. He could have been shot and the shooter would not likely have been charged. This scenario is not what I am describing...
Thoughts? Advice? Thanks.
2. Barring that, do NOT leave your vehicle. It very, very rarely goes well when both parties "take it outside". You're leaving a somewhat secure location for zero benefit; there would have to be multiple reasons for me to do so.
Once you leave your vehicle and get into an argument/fistfight, at a stoplight no less, it's going to be harder and harder to convince me that you're not just as guilty as the other guy.
Always think de-escalation.