I need your opinions on having to draw my weapon.

Well done. In a situation like that, when a person with unclear intent is coming at you, I would both say "Stop" and "Back off" while backing off myself if he didn't. I would draw my gun and make sure there was always space between us. Only if he charges I would shoot. Would probably not shoot if he stepped into my car, unless my wife was in there, or some body.
 
IMHO, you did the right thing. You might have been in trouble if you were inside and shot the guy as he drove off, tho here in Texas that is covered by our laws. However, standing at the vehicle as you are approached by someone intent on committing a felony ... I would have had my gun in my hand a lot sooner ...

We're going to Illinois in July ... and of course they don't honor my CHL ... I'm picturing that happening while my gun is safely locked, unloaded, in my trunk ......
 
You did the right thing - you did what was required to come out of the situation intact. I would NOT call the police, just get out of the war zone ASAP! Normal rules do not apply in that city!
 
Thanks for the replies. It's made me feel a little better. And to clarify a couple of posts, the door was open but the keys were in my pocket, so to have gotten them, he would have had to directly threaten/assault me.

Thanks guys,
Mike O.
 
Not about MI but does mention MI has the law!!!!


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HARRISBURG AP — State lawmakers are considering a bill that would permit people to stand their ground — and even use deadly force — to defend themselves when threatened or endangered.

Current law states that when people are attacked or threatened in public, their responsibility is to retreat.

But retreating "could get you shot or stabbed in the back," said state Rep. Steven Cappelli, R-Lycoming.

Cappelli has sponsored a bill that would allow people who are licensed to carry concealed guns to use those weapons if they are threatened with death, serious bodily injury, kidnapping or rape.

Since October, 10 states have passed similar bills, known by supporters as "stand-your-ground laws" and backed by the National Rifle Association. Florida was the first, and Michigan was the most recent.

Opponents of the bill call it a "shoot now, ask questions later" law.

Zach Ragbourn, a spokesman for the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, said the proposal could enable murderers to claim self-defense and get lighter sentences.

But Cappelli said his bill wouldn't provide criminals with a defense because only people with concealed weapons permits — who have gone through criminal background checks — would be allowed to shoot in self-defense.

Pennsylvania already allows people to use deadly force against intruders in their homes.

"The idea is that your home is your last refuge," Perry County District Attorney Charles Chenot said. "Once you retreat to your home, you have no place else to go."

Dauphin County District Attorney Edward M. Marsico said Cappelli's proposal is unnecessary. If it is obvious that a shooter could not retreat to safety, even in public, Marsico said, he would consider the shooter's actions to be in self-defense.

Still, Cappelli said he hopes his bill will be debated at the General Assembly's Aug. 26 session on gun control and crime.

Gov. Ed Rendell has not taken a position on the bill, said spokeswoman Kate Philips.

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Information from: The Patriot-News, http://www.pennlive.com/patriotnews
 
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