[Jason, from Columbus Ohio]

IMHO, use of deadly force, as a citizen, should only be exercised when your life or another's is endangered.
I don't know about shooting a fleeing suspect... even for police, of course they know they have to be careful with that senerio.(hello Cincinnati?).
In most cases, the bad guys will either flee or be detained and handed over to police without a single shot fired.
If it's dark and someone's lurking around outside... usually bright lights shined on him will make flee. Worked for me, and I didn't have to shoot the guy(S) let alone even pull out my tool of defense. They never came back.
But it does come in handy to be familiar with the laws in your state in regards to this issue.

[connectthedots]

I think your advice is sound, but what we are actually arguing here is what the law actually permits a citizen to do. What you and I think is the smart thing to do is not the law, it is only our opinion.