Alex,
I agree George can take care of business and nobody can call me delinquent in advocating American freedom.
I would note, however, that (at least in Texas law) several crimes may have been committed.
- Texas Penal Code paragraph 22.01 defines assault (in part) as a person who "...intentionally or knowingly causes physical contact with another when the person knows or should reasonably believe that the other will regard the contact as offensive or provocative." It is a Class C misdemeanor unless other factors upgrade the offense.
- PC 31.03 defines theft (in part) as appropriation of property without the owner's effective consent and:
- PC 29.01 defines robbery (in part) as, in the course of committing theft ... the person intentionally or knowingly threatens or places another in fear of imminent bodily injury or death. This is a second degree felony.
-------
George's actions would seem to be in total compliance with Texas law!
-------
In NO way do I denigrate George's actions! In fact, I sincerely wish he could accompany me on some of my business calls!!! However, not all of us can match the vigorous actions of our George! Some of us must rely upon folks such as John Browning, etc.
In Texas, at least in my county, I would not hesitate to report such an incident to the Sheriff's Department. If Mr. Tonga had left the scene S.O. would want descriptions of the perp, accomplices, vehicles, etc. and it would be Mr. Tonga who spent time in our local "Hilton" - NOT the victim of assault, theft, and robbery.
It is not so much the NEED that would motivate me to call law enforcement. If Mr. Tonga left the scene I no longer would feel threatened. However, I would like to see the sucker in jail! Therefore, in MY county, I would WANT to call law enforcement.
If I were "abroad", say in San Antonio, I might be more circumspect in a request for assistance. However, remember the potential for a bystander to call police if they saw the victim "brandish a firearm" - also a criminal offense in many circumstances.
Me? I feel pretty safe in my home county! God bless Texas, Comal County, and Sheriff Bob Holder!
[This message has been edited by Dennis (edited October 27, 1999).]