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Assume you find yourself being the target of a mugging in a parking garage. You're being threatened by a single individual with a large knife aggressively walking towards you. His intentions made clear, you are able to draw your weapon point it at the mugger. Seeing you weren't as easy of a target as he thought, he sprints away. After ensuring he's far enough away to leave you comfortable, you get in your car and drive away.

What are your legal responsibilities at this point to prevent yourself from being reported as "brandishing a firearm"? Do you simply call your local police department and report what happened? Has anyone had to deal with a similar situation?

Probably the best response is to dial 911 and report the incident. Give them the location and the best description of the BG.

No law in Texas for 'brandishing', but you have threatened the use of deadly force against the person. As WildBill stated, as long as you are not still in danger, before getting in your car and leaving the scene you should call 911 and report it and ask them to come and take you statement. Even if they choose not to send out an officer, you are on a 911 recording reporting the incident if someone decides they want to call in about you pulling a gun on them.

My ladyfriend and I were talking about this just last night. We'd parked in downtown SA for a nice riverwalk stroll and dinner, and she is new to carrying and asked me if a mugger came up and you scared him away with the gun what she should do. I told her to call 911 and do what they tell you to do.

Its almost embarrassing that her gun is bigger than mine, but this is my inner monologue so no one can hear me, right?

You immediate call 911 and report exactly what happened. Assume you have no gun, what do you do?

Beiruty wrote:Assume you have no gun, what do you do?

Be a good victim.

Crossfire wrote:

Beiruty wrote:You immediate call 911 and report exactly what happened. Assume you have no gun, what do you do?

Be a good victim.

If I am unarmed, I try to disarm the BG if feasible or disengage.

SATX-Scrub wrote:My ladyfriend and I were talking about this just last night. We'd parked in downtown SA for a nice riverwalk stroll and dinner, and she is new to carrying and asked me if a mugger came up and you scared him away with the gun what she should do. I told her to call 911 and do what they tell you to do.

Its almost embarrassing that her gun is bigger than mine, but this is my inner monologue so no one can hear me, right?

It's only embarrassing if she also shoots better with it. Nah, just kidding. I think it's something to be proud of and would make me more confident that my wife could take care of herself when needed and I would have complete confidence that together we would prevail in a tough situation.

If anyone for any reason has to produce their weapon in order to stop a threat, call 911 ASAP and be the first to do so. Also remain alert in case the BG returns.

Beiruty wrote:Assume you have no gun, what do you do?

While the BG preys, you pray.

If i see the knife and he is still facing me by the time i draw my weapon, then he is getting two shots to center mass.

texas-sig wrote:If i see the knife and he is still facing me by the time i draw my weapon, then he is getting two shots to center mass.

Sounds like a plan.

All of the above seem to assume you have a cell phone. For those who do not I'd say proceed to to your next destination where you can make the call (not 911 but to the local PD office; it is not life & death at this point). If you see a patrol car on the way you may flash your lights or honk to get him to stop (maybe). Bottom line: a report should be made so the PD can be on the look out for the suspect and maybe save an unarmed citizen. {I do not believe the PD are fooled any by who dials 911 quickest; if any consideration is given it will be to the most reasonable/plausible story and story-teller. }

One of the things that no one has mentioned is that the BG committed a crime - he threatened you with a deadly weapon and caused you to fear for your life (thus your response of pulling the gun out of concealment). A crime WAS committed and you should report it so that maybe they'll catch him and prevent some other person from having to deal with the same situation, and of course to get yourself on record as the victim (which HAS been mentioned).

Simple solution. Don't pull until you are ready to pop. Remember your firearm is only a tool and it is used as a last resort. The mind is terrible thing to waste and it is your most effective tool to keep you safe. Simple situational awareness will keep/get you out of most bad situations. If you find yourself without a way out then it is time to draw AND use your weapon.

In this scenario, the bad guy probably would not get a chance to turn and run away if I were the one being approached. A person coming at me with a knife can be on me very quick. I pull and fire in one smooth move. I fire until my weapon is empty or the bad guy drops. I am picturing this all happening very quick. If, by some act of god, the BG managed to turn and start running away before my instincts start squeezing off rounds, I would call a cop and report the incident. My concern would be the BG calling the cops and claiming I pulled a gun on him. Being the first to call affects how the cops see who the victim is.