The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Neighborhood watch captain shoots teen, claims self defense

Merad · March 10, 2012, 12:24 AM

Various links:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/...82709M20120308
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/0...n_1332756.html
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...ryId=148258736
http://www.wftv.com/news/news/police...teen-vi/nK8LR/
http://www.wftv.com/news/news/family...-leader/nLNq9/

A basic summary:
-17 year old (black) kid walks from his dad's house in a gated community to a convenience store to buy snacks. While walking back, he's spotted by a guy on neighborhood watch who's patrolling in his car and legally CCW.
-Neighborhood watch captain calls 911 to report a "suspicious person in the area." Dispatcher advises him that LE is en route, and instructs him not to confront the kid.
-Neighborhood watch captain continues to follow the kid in his car for some time.
-At some point, he leaves the car and there's a confrontation with the kid (who had no weapons), apparently resulting in a struggle.
-A shot is fired, and the kid is killed. The neighborhood watch captain claims he fired in self defense.

There are a lot of unknowns in this case. It isn't known whether the neighborhood watch guy left his car to confront the kid, or if the kid approached the car. The police haven't released the tape of the 911 call, and there apparently were no witnesses to the actual confrontation or shooting. So far, there are no charges.

I'd be interested to see some discussion on this, because it looks like a pretty good example of how NOT to use your CHL. Seems to me that the watch captain would be considered the aggressor here (I'd say following someone in your car is provocation). It's possible that he attempted to withdraw or was attacked so viciously that his use of deadly force was justified (relevant FL law here), but doesn't seem likely. Honestly it looks like he went out looking for trouble or wanting to play LEO. Even if it wasn't justified though, since there's apparently limited evidence and he's the only surviving witness I'm doubtful that he'll be charged.

March 10, 2012, 12:24 AM	#1
Merad Senior Member Join Date: October 5, 2011 Posts: 350	Neighborhood watch captain shoots teen, claims self defense Various links: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/...82709M20120308 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/0...n_1332756.html http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...ryId=148258736 http://www.wftv.com/news/news/police...teen-vi/nK8LR/ http://www.wftv.com/news/news/family...-leader/nLNq9/ A basic summary: -17 year old (black) kid walks from his dad's house in a gated community to a convenience store to buy snacks. While walking back, he's spotted by a guy on neighborhood watch who's patrolling in his car and legally CCW. -Neighborhood watch captain calls 911 to report a "suspicious person in the area." Dispatcher advises him that LE is en route, and instructs him not to confront the kid. -Neighborhood watch captain continues to follow the kid in his car for some time. -At some point, he leaves the car and there's a confrontation with the kid (who had no weapons), apparently resulting in a struggle. -A shot is fired, and the kid is killed. The neighborhood watch captain claims he fired in self defense. There are a lot of unknowns in this case. It isn't known whether the neighborhood watch guy left his car to confront the kid, or if the kid approached the car. The police haven't released the tape of the 911 call, and there apparently were no witnesses to the actual confrontation or shooting. So far, there are no charges. I'd be interested to see some discussion on this, because it looks like a pretty good example of how NOT to use your CHL. Seems to me that the watch captain would be considered the aggressor here (I'd say following someone in your car is provocation). It's possible that he attempted to withdraw or was attacked so viciously that his use of deadly force was justified (relevant FL law here), but doesn't seem likely. Honestly it looks like he went out looking for trouble or wanting to play LEO. Even if it wasn't justified though, since there's apparently limited evidence and he's the only surviving witness I'm doubtful that he'll be charged.