Local media is reporting that the arsonist ( a man named Brian Crowder- a man with a long criminal record) that is responsible for at least one of the fires has been caught- he was spotted by a citizen (that makes the citizen eligible for the large cash reward) while the arsonist was attempting to start a fire in a wooded area near the citizen's home. The citizen reportedly fired at least one shot at the suspect, who fled and was later caught by police K9 units.
The reporter is stating that charges may be pending against the citizen for firing the shots. I think the reporter is mistaken there. Florida Law specifically allows:
the law also defines forcible felony as:
The reporter is stating that charges may be pending against the citizen for firing the shots. I think the reporter is mistaken there. Florida Law specifically allows:
776.012 Use of force in defense of person.--A person is justified in using force, except deadly force, against another when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that such conduct is necessary to defend himself or herself or another against the other's imminent use of unlawful force. However, a person is justified in the use of deadly force and does not have a duty to retreat if:
(1) He or she reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another or to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony; or
the law also defines forcible felony as:
776.08 Forcible felony.--"Forcible felony" means treason; murder; manslaughter; sexual battery; carjacking; home-invasion robbery; robbery; burglary; arson; kidnapping; aggravated assault; aggravated battery; aggravated stalking; aircraft piracy; unlawful throwing, placing, or discharging of a destructive device or bomb; and any other felony which involves the use or threat of physical force or violence against any individual.