“But shooting a lowlife holding a friendly as a shield sounds risky indeed.”
There was a recent attempted kidnapping in Seattle of a 6-year old girl by some perv (with an ankle monitor!). I was explaining to my girls, depending on the range, I would shoot. A 17-year old (if tall) would be tough. Although if the girl has the presence of mind to duck, hit, etc.
The father of the 6-year old chased after them and out of the park where the girl was playing. (I’m guessing dad was watching her from a bench or something.)
When the cops got there the perv was on the ground being beaten by four men. The cop said: “The subject attacked the father first as he tried to escape. No charges will be filed against the four men as they subdued the subject.”
In this case, subdued with extreme prejudice.
Correct response by the police but it won’t prevent a law suit.
The suits will attempt to rob with a breifcase.