Driving into mobs or crowds when threatened.

[mlr1m]

In numerous threads we hear folks say how they would drive into and essentially over a mob who is threating them while they are in their vehicle. Does anyone know what the ramifications of that action might be? Would it be hard to claim self-defense as the person you run over and kill or maim might just be someone caught up in the crowd? At least I am sure that is what they or their survivors would claim.

Lets say you are surrounded by a mob some of which are throwing rocks and bottles at you. You fear for your life and proceed to drive through the crowd. You run over and kill someone who witnesses claim was only guilty of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Has this happened and what was the result? Would this be looked at the same as say shooting at an attacker but hitting an innocent bystander?

Michael

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[NC Bullseye]

Good question, I'd bet there were some instances of that in the LA riots but I don't recall any specifics.

That's one of those choices you hope to never be faced with but your decision would be based on whether or not you wanted to be around after to find out what charges you may face.

[Yoda]

That is a good question, I would think: lay on the horn and move slowly until your path is clear, then accelerate, if they start breaking your windows or shooting then you may have to step on it.

[WHEC724]

That is a good question, I would think: lay on the horn and move slowly until your path is clear, then accelerate, if they start breaking your windows or shooting then you may have to step on it.

'Not a lawyer, but Yoda's description here seems to represent a reasonable course of action to take that both warns people in your path, while allowing you to take a course of action to remove yourself from a dangerous situation.

Now... what if you're driving a steam roller?

[barstoolguru]

The general consensus is if there are people causing trouble and you are with them you by association are just as guilty so we can assume that if someone in a mob is causing trouble and someone in the mob gets hurt from someone retreating to safety it would fall under the same ruling

[kapnketel]

Better to hit the gas and go and defend your actions later than to be dragged from the car and end up beaten or worse.

[oneshot]

The general consensus is if there are people causing trouble and you are with them you by association are just as guilty so we can assume that if someone in a mob is causing trouble and someone in the mob gets hurt from someone retreating to safety it would fall under the same ruling

^I'm in this camp^^^^^^^^^

on this one.
If some gaggle of goons and street urchins are trolling the streets in mob-like activity, I would sincerely doubt that "IF" you ran over somone, they would be some little old lady on her way home from Sunday school, or the Book of the Month Club monthly meeting.

If they are running with the pack, they are, as barstool said, guilty by being there in the midst.
In other words, Dey get no sympatee from me mon.

[rickohio]

A car can be considered a deadly weapon = capable of inflicting death and can be used as a weapon, so if you would be justified in using a gun, using a car might be justified depending on circumstances, eg someone shooting at you while you are in your car.

[Inspector71]

He who hesitates is lost. Only other option I can see is sitting there and waiting for quite possibly the end of your time on earth while over thinking a deadly situation.

[mlr1m]

A car can be considered a deadly weapon = capable of inflicting death and can be used as a weapon, so if you would be justified in using a gun, using a car might be justified depending on circumstances, eg someone shooting at you while you are in your car.

I agree with this. However using a weapon against a particular individual is different than shooting multiple rounds into a large crowd hoping to hit a particular target. In effect that is what you would be doing with a vehicle.

Michael

[farronwolf]

There are specific rules in Texas regarding pedestrians and how they are to move along or across roadways. Being a mob in the middle of the street disrupting traffic isn't in the rules. Attacking or otherwise threatening drivers in their vehicles is not allowed either.

If you are in the mob and blocking someones attempt to flee that mob, you are guilty. Blowing the horn and letting them know you are coming through is plenty of warning. Don't do stupid things and you don't have to deal with the consequences, so stay away from mobs if you value your health.

[ericb327]

I wonder what Reginald Deny would say? I have a pretty good idea.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

[mano3]

Ugly: Over 30 People Beat Couple

Stay in your car, hit the gas and get out of Dodge!

[sgb]

See Post #3

[mlr1m]

There are specific rules in Texas regarding pedestrians and how they are to move along or across roadways. Being a mob in the middle of the street disrupting traffic isn't in the rules. Attacking or otherwise threatening drivers in their vehicles is not allowed either.

If you are in the mob and blocking someones attempt to flee that mob, you are guilty. Blowing the horn and letting them know you are coming through is plenty of warning. Don't do stupid things and you don't have to deal with the consequences, so stay away from mobs if you value your health.

Doubt many rational thinking individuals would disagree with staying away from mobs. Its the mobs that catch you by surprise that we need to be concerned about. Saying to stay away doesn't help if the mob happens at a time an place you never considered.

Michael