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**JohnKSa** · March 5, 2015, 06:30 PM

Leaving the scene always carries some connotation of guilt unless the circumstances make it clear that it was obviously dangerous to remain in place. If there's still danger at the scene and you can articulate (and/or demonstrate) that danger to the authorites then leaving the scene is reasonable. If the danger is clearly contained and the good guys are obviously in control then leaving is a bad idea.

Calling 911 as soon as possible is a good idea for more than one reason.

1. You may need help. You may find that you have been injured when the adrenaline starts to wear off. The extreme stress may trigger a heart attack or other serious health problem. The attacker may not be neutralized and may resume the attack.

2. Delaying the 911 call longer than necessary can create the appearance of guilt. It can make it look like you were trying to get your story straight before calling or that you only called after thinking about it and realizing that it might help you look less guilty. After all the good guy wants the help of the authorities as soon as possible. It's the bad guy who puts off calling the authorities as long as possible.

3. If there's any possibility of the other party calling 911, there can be an advantage in being the first to call. I've heard more than one LEO mention that the first person to call is often assumed to be the injured party.

March 5, 2015, 06:30 PM	#20
JohnKSa Staff Join Date: February 12, 2001 Location: DFW Area Posts: 25,084	Leaving the scene always carries some connotation of guilt unless the circumstances make it clear that it was obviously dangerous to remain in place. If there's still danger at the scene and you can articulate (and/or demonstrate) that danger to the authorites then leaving the scene is reasonable. If the danger is clearly contained and the good guys are obviously in control then leaving is a bad idea. Calling 911 as soon as possible is a good idea for more than one reason. 1. You may need help. You may find that you have been injured when the adrenaline starts to wear off. The extreme stress may trigger a heart attack or other serious health problem. The attacker may not be neutralized and may resume the attack. 2. Delaying the 911 call longer than necessary can create the appearance of guilt. It can make it look like you were trying to get your story straight before calling or that you only called after thinking about it and realizing that it might help you look less guilty. After all the good guy wants the help of the authorities as soon as possible. It's the bad guy who puts off calling the authorities as long as possible. 3. If there's any possibility of the other party calling 911, there can be an advantage in being the first to call. I've heard more than one LEO mention that the first person to call is often assumed to be the injured party. __________________ Do you know about the TEXAS State Rifle Association?