What if scenario

[ExactlyMyPoint]

I would like your opinion. Here is the scenario:

You are at home. Someone breaks in. You catch him say in your living room. An obvious gang member trying to steal stuff. Of course you confront him armed. Realizing that should you involve the police, there may be retribution, you tell him to just leave.

The question is, do you think he would just leave and leave you alone or would there be a "repeat action" of some sort?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[tkruf]

I think there would be a "repeat action" of some sort!

[sgb]

I think NOT calling the police would be a VERY STUPID idea.

[Guantes]

You have dissed him by catching him, the possibility of future action is likely.
Involve the police and have some meaningful communication with him before they arrive.

[NC Bullseye]

You are so lucky! You get to choose what you prepare for next. Either you prepare for repeated visits since you are an easy mark and they know you are scared to call the police OR, maybe you get a follow up visit for turning in one of their associates.

The trick is to make a clearly understood statement in your actions that lets them know that any follow up visitors may incur damages beyond repair. Very painful damages. Not recommending a head on a spear in the front yard but some response that will make even the thickest of deviants stop and reflect.

[F350]

Guantes; NC Bullseye......WOW! You guys can talk to the dead!!!

I live in rural Missouri, 1600+ feet off the county road, I have the legal right to confront trespassers armed (and ignoring the "NO TRESPASSING" sign is criminal trespass in the first degree) and castle doctrine extends to the property line, any additional armed visit by gangstas will be met appropriately! In case of a night time visit I have an AR with a 3rd gen Russian military night scope with integrated infer-red illuminater.

[Maverick7340]

What is it that makes him an obvious gang member? There are wannabee thugs out there too.

Are you worried if you call the police they will harm the witness meaning you?

In this situation I shoot first and not ask questions because the time you take to debate yourself the "obvious" gang member will have a weapon pointed at you.

[ErnieNWillis]

Pow pow. Game over. I'll deal with any retribution when the time comes.

[e4dan]

You have dissed him by catching him, the possibility of future action is likely.
Involve the police and have some meaningful communication with him before they arrive.

+1 to involving police. I assume the BG won't wait for LEOs, and you won't shoot if he's trying to leave, so you won't have much time to "communicate."

[Guantes]

+1 to involving police. I assume the BG won't wait for LEOs, and you won't shoot if he's trying to leave, so you won't have much time to "communicate."

The probability of escape by a suspect is greatly reduced by two things. Proper interaction on first contact and putting them in a position that makes escape somewhere between very difficult and impossible. That will leave further time for in depth communication.

[Cold Shot]

Question: Is one legally required to call the police in that scenario? I realize that there has been a crime committed, and I also realize it may vary state to state.

Personally, I don't think there would be any retribution if you let him go. My feeling is to either 1) shoot him, in which case you have to deal with LE, or 2) just let him go and not call the police.

I only like to talk to cops when absolutely necessary.

[mr.stuart]

Let him go and hope he would leave you alone?That would be depending on the charity and good will of a criminal.

[Der Alte]

Shoot the SOB then dial 911.

[Guantes]

Let him go and hope he would leave you alone?That would be depending on the charity and good will of a criminal.

Indeed. Not only is he a criminal but a gang banger, which then brings in cred, reputation, pride, etc into the picture.

[retsupt99]

I think that you should immediately call the police and ask them to contact the coroner.