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Duskypearls -> RE: What would you have done in this situation? (11/8/2012 9:06:18 AM)
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You guys are all fabulous, and I cannot thank you enough for your good-hearted support and suggestions. I learned a lot last night, especially about myself, which I will now share with you.
I am amazed by how quickly my conscious and subconscious received and sorted all the data, obvious and not obvious, and determined what my actions would be. Crystal clear assessments, understandings and calculations of the situation flew through my head and body at warp speed.
Until I actually saw the bad guy with the light turned on, my mind was still under the impression an animal had got in and was causing the noise, so I had no reason to belive it was a human intruder. It wouldn't have been the first time a neighbor's cat broke in and created havoc. We do also have coyote, raccoon and bobcat in the area, so that's what I was thinking, "Cock the gun, in case you have to protect yourself from the animal, Diana."
When I saw the semi-auto handgun, I immediately knew he had more firepower (rounds) than I did, and could shoot off more of them more quickly than my .357 (5 shot) revolver could. I knew if I merely wounded him, the chances of him finishing me off were great, so my instinct kicked in and had me create a Mexican Standoff.
I'm guessing that a combination of things worked in my favor. He was looking for a place to evade the police. My house was dark, so he thought he was alone and safe. He had not anticipated being countered with a weapon-wielding human.
When I flipped on the light while pointing the gun into the room, I did NOT expose my torso, while his was completely exposed to me, so in essence, he was at more of a disadvantage than I. And with me yelling as loud as I did, it probably scared the crap out of him, and caused him to fear the noise would draw the police closer, as they were only a couple of houses away. So I figure his survival instinct told him he'd have a better chance if he simply ran off. Thank Heaven's he did.
I have no doubt if I even thought he would have fired at me, I would have returned fire. My entire being was ready to, and was waiting for an indication to do so. I'm glad I didn't have to, but would not have hesitated.
Steven is right, as I learned last night. The CO Make My Day Law would have completely protected me, had I wounded or killed him, and it would NEVER have gone to court. I also learned that we Coloradoans are legally protected from any kind of lawsuit, civil or otherwise, from the criminal's family if we wound or kill the criminal. I learned most of the officers wished I'd killed him!
I learned that in CO, one does not need a carry license for any weapon they have, or appropriately use, in their home or car. As soon as the officer entered my home, I put down my handgun and pulled out my carry license to give to him, only to learn he didn't need or want it.
I learned it was a good idea to NOT give the two TV stations the interviews they so desperately wanted, as I don't want the publicity or any of the bad guy's friends or family to know who and where I am, in the event they get angry and want vengence.
I learned I need to work on what I'd say in such a situation. We all think we'd say something clever like the well-practiced verses you see in movies, "Drop the gun or I'll f**king shoot you dead," or some other such effective threat. That's not what came out of my mouth, so I must work on practicing the right, effective, scare-the-s**t out of you phrase, and I will do that.
While I am very glad it all worked out as it did, I know I was very lucky. I shall carefully, repeatedly replay all that happened, and begin to train myself as how to possibly handle it differently, better in the future.
My wonderful cat, Weenie, is absolutely fine. She recovers quickly. I owe her a debt of gratitude.
Once again, thank you all for your caring and great ideas. I will work hard to incorporate those I think will benefit me. I will also consider, and have been for quite a while, getting a semi-auto handgun myself. I'm terribly fond of revolvers, as they're so simple and NEVER jam, but I believe it is time.
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