Violent carjacking team of 4 being chased by cops and crashes. The was the sixth carjacking by this crew in the previous 6 hours.
Ryan Hansen, who is an ordinary citizen, CHL, and Texas Concealed Carry Firearms Instructor sees one of the men fleeing the scene. He draws his firearm, chases the guy, puts him on the ground at gunpoint, and holds him until the cops can take the BG into custody.
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So, do you think this was a case of the law enforcement quote being, "We really don't advise citizens to do that"?
Nope. The Chief had this quote to the press:
As for the legalities, here is an accurate quote on Texas law:"If you want a definition of why we build prisons in Texas, it's because of these four individuals. These guys are violent individuals," said Chief Mark Herman.
...
"He made a citizen's arrest which is legal in Texas. He helped us out and we're thankful," agreed Chief Herman who believes the suspected carjackers are responsible for dozens of violent crimes across the Houston area.
I generally agree with the typically expressed sentiment that a CHL is not a batman license, and there are severe downsides to people are risking everything for someone else's property.Do those licensed to carry have a lawful right to draw their weapon, even if their own life is not being threatened?
FOX 26 Legal expert Chris Tritico says in this case, the act of pulling a pistol is protected.
"Under Texas law, you have the right to use deadly force to protect someone else's property. If some one is committing an immediate breach of the peace, a felony or fleeing from theft, as in this case, you have a right to stop them and use deadly force if you have to," said Tritico.
But it is hard to argue with results.
Also note that if these were a half-dozen violent carjackings, this wasn't just an arrest for a property crime. This is arresting violent robbers who sooner or later were going to kill someone.