Scott in Houston wrote:Topbuilder wrote:"What 'stuff' is worth it? (Especially not your stuff!?)"
I have reciprocal agreements with all of my neighbors to defend property each others property with deadly force. The way I look at it, when the bad guy makes the decision to steal knowing that people die every day while trying to steal... THEY made the decision that what they were going after is worth more than their life. And, I agree.
What if it's day time?
I have an agreement with one neighbor directly across the street to watch each others' houses, but it has little to do with saving his property.
Here's the thing: I work from home, my wife is a homemaker, and my kids are normally here. Even if our vehicle is gone, you can't assume our house is empty.
My neighbor is a Federal K-9 officer (DHS) and likewise works odd shifts, so he's likely to be sleeping at any time - day or night. He also has a wife and two kids.
I would call the police first, but there are circumstances where I would confront (wise or not) a burglar during the day at his house, even if I can't use deadly force to protect property. It's not about property - for all I know, he or his family could be home. Once confronted, the BG would have three choices: 1) surrender, 2) flee (away or back into the house), or 3) attack. If he chooses #3, a new crime has been committed. . . one that does allow for deadly force to protect myself. If he chooses #2, it's up to my neighbor (if BG re-enters the house) or the police to resolve.
I'm not a cowboy, a vigilante, a cop, or batman, but I've got a neighbor who is watching my back and I'm watching his. FWPD is a great department, but up in here the farthest northern reaches of the city limits, they seem understaffed and overworked. The patrolmen have a LOT of ground to cover. Responding officer(s) could easily have to cover 10-15 miles and risk getting caught in traffic or at rail crossings.
From a tactical standpoint, I spend most of the day in my office, which has a large upstairs window overlooking this particular neighbor's house. I can clearly see the houses on either side of him, his side yards, gate, fence, front door, windows, and garage. You cannot see into this window due to the solar screens we installed. The design of the front of my house also provides some unique cover. If I had to engage somebody, I'd use my AR and yell commands from a covered spot across the street - and my neighbor knows the spot I'd occupy if that went down. I wouldn't cross the street or enter my neighbor's house. . . that's a good way to get shot by friendly fire.
As I look outside right now, one vehicle is in his driveway and the garage is open, so I'm assuming he's home. If he looked at my house, my wife is running errands and he'd have no idea if I was home or not.
Regarding the OP story, it sounds like the BG chose to alter crimes mid-stream, and once the event became a direct threat to the neighbor, he was justified to shoot. I also think that without the shoot, the BGs may have gotten away. I agree that with one in custody, the rest of the story will most likely come to light.