chemist308
New member
Well, never thought I may have to pick up a firearm in defense of people under my roof but the time may come. Let's pray it doesn't come to pass. But recently we've taken in a lady and child who were kicked out of their house by a fellow who IMHO really doesn't understand manhood or fatherhood. He's a boxer with a temper and may come to my house if he figures out where I live. I used to good with martial arts about 100lbs ago, but in my current shape I could lose my life in a struggle with him. The police are aware of the situation but won't intervene unless he actually does something--police stations are 8-15 miles from my house (PA State and Pocono Regional respectively). Also a restraining order, though not yet obtained, only works if he violates it--that's too late where I'm concerned, right?!
If he comes in my yard I'm telling him to leave through an open window. Still my question is if he comes to my home, when is it okay to to show force to get him to leave? I'm guessing it's okay to rack a shotgun if he kicks at my door, but is it really? What if he comes in against my wishes? Would I be guilty of brandishing if I pointed a loaded rifle at him and yelled 'leave'? If he forces my door but is unarmed, how far can I really go to stop him? Obviously if he gets in I'd have a sight on him and be yelling get out, stop, and such phrases. But can I really shoot to stop if he's unarmed, but forcefully enters and moves toward someone in my house? LEOs and those with experience or legal knowledge please share. Understand I don't want it to come to this, but it may.
If he comes in my yard I'm telling him to leave through an open window. Still my question is if he comes to my home, when is it okay to to show force to get him to leave? I'm guessing it's okay to rack a shotgun if he kicks at my door, but is it really? What if he comes in against my wishes? Would I be guilty of brandishing if I pointed a loaded rifle at him and yelled 'leave'? If he forces my door but is unarmed, how far can I really go to stop him? Obviously if he gets in I'd have a sight on him and be yelling get out, stop, and such phrases. But can I really shoot to stop if he's unarmed, but forcefully enters and moves toward someone in my house? LEOs and those with experience or legal knowledge please share. Understand I don't want it to come to this, but it may.