Scenario: You go to a local motel to follow up with a suspect who has been fraudulently collecting donations from local businesses. When you attempt to detain the suspect and transport him to the PD for questioning he runs from you. You give chase and ultimately corner the suspect. You have him at gun point. At first the suspect has his hands raised in the air above his head. You order him to lie on his stomach, he refuses. Instead the suspect begins reaching into the back of his waistband and states, "Bitch shoot me before I shoot you." What would you do at this point?

Okay, a little twist. You put your finger on the trigger and begin to pull back. The suspect, who is only 7 feet away, sees this and raises his hands back into the air. What now?

sounds like suicide by cop..............

He hasn't displayed a weapon. He only reaches into his back waistband continuosly, and will not comply with demands to raise his hands and lie on the ground

had this happen to me before it goes back to you're training and ability. i did not have back up to count on. had to rely on myself.

If you are only 7 feet from the suspect it sounds like TAZER time. Thats if you have access to it. If not, OC the SOB. There is not imminent threat to you or the persons around you so deadly force IS NOT an option ( he hasnt displayed a weapon yet). I would either try to 1) taze the suspect, 2) OC the suspect, or 3) wrestle him to the ground and take him in custody. He has already exibited a threatening mannor so PC to taze him is apparent. Then again you can always holster your weapon, take out your ASP and pretend he is a human pinata. Thats my 2 cents

10-4 LT. The reason I am asking, I was in this exact situation on Thursday. The suspect, who is a frequent flyer, ran from me. I cornered him and had him at gunpoint, waiting for the cavalry, when he started reaching into his waistband and telling me to shoot him before he shot me. I always keep my finger outside the trigger guard unless I am preparing to fire. I put my finger on the trigger and began pulling, I carry a Glock so you have a little more play in the trigger, when the suspect raised both hands in the air. He kept both hand in the air until my partner arrived. After he was detained I searched him for weapons, he had none.

I began to question "what if". What if I had shot him and later found that he had no weapons. Would I be justified? Just curious what others opinions are.

OC didn't work. HE was tanked on meth.

You went home safe. That's all that matters. Well Done.

The suspect wants you to shoot him. He doesn't seem to comply with your demands. I wouldn't shoot unless you know for sure he has a gun, but it seems to me he is playing a game on you what until back up comes.

lc , don't start second guessing yourself ............ it's good to take a look at the situation and ask yourself where i need to improve before escalation

I could Monday morning quarterback every shift I work, but I don't. We are all placed in bad situations everday and you have to make a life altering decision in a matter of milliseconds and then be questioned by some defense attorney who has had months, a sometimes years, to evaluate your situation. But I couldn't imagine waking up and NOT doing this for the rest of my life.

I'm good. Perp is on his way back to prison. +1 for the good guys!

cowboycdm said:

LCarvin...honestly..all that matters is that you are alive and well. Dont let it eat at you or next time you will start second guessing yourself and the results wont be the same. You did a great job and did what you had to do to get the job done. The scenario will be different with each one of us, you have to understand that. Not everyone is going to respond the same way. Some would have dumped hiim as he stood. others would have went through the ladder of escalation. all that matters is that we are here to support you and let you know you did your job and did it well. K?

Thanks, sgtbetterton.