WATCH— Neighbor Intervenes During Domestic Battery
Here is a video I pulled off of an online forum. Typically, I post these videos and try to pull some lessons that can help us better respond to various incidents. This time, I thought I would do something different.
Domestic Battery Video—
As usual, I am interested in hearing your opinions about this incident. While this one is a doozy and I certainly have my opinion, I didn't want to taint the comment section by adding my commentary to the post.
I do want to give a warning that the video shows a physical domestic battery, which can be disturbing to see. In the video we hear loud screaming, and while there is an attempt to censor the obscene words, they are still recognizable.
Unfortunately, I don't have much background on the incident, other than what we gather from the video itself. I also did not add the “hero” title to the neighbor in the video, that was already there.
The video shows a male adult physically assaulting a female adult. It appears as though it's happening at an apartment complex outside one of the apartments. After some time, a neighbor arrives to investigate carrying a handgun. He issues commands to the male suspect then points the gun at him. The female then walks away from the suspect as the neighbor tells him, he is calling the police, and the video ends.
What are Your Thoughts—
These types of videos are difficult to watch. The desire here is not to desensitize ourselves to violence or harden our hearts toward others. Rather to learn from others so that we can better prepare ourselves and our responses to the real-life treats around us.
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While it’s commendable what the Good Samaritan does; I believe he could have had the same results without having to “draw down” on the suspect. Was he protecting a person who was obviously in distress? Sure…but just because he is armed doesn’t mean that’s the safest way to approach that situation. Those in law enforcement know that domestic situations are some of the most unpredictable situations an officer can encounter. Find another neighbor and approach the subject with one person on 9-1-1. I’m glad it turned out the way it did.
Drawing down on any man beating up a woman in my opinion is justified. For that’s no man, but a criminal, intent on physically harming a statically weaker and defenseless individual.
Better to announce you have called the police (even if you haven’t yet), and start with pepper spray, if you absolutely have to intervene physically. Going right to the gun with not enough context is legal jeopardy and possibly tactical jeopardy too.
Think about how well pepper spray worked with Rodney King…
This man did what he thought was right, and that took bravery. As a retired LEO, I can say that his technique and procedure weren’t what we would textbook. Without any prior training, though, I say good for him. Yes, call 911 before exiting your property to confront an apparent violent incident. I’m glad he didn’t call 911 and wait for them to arrive. Too many things could have gone wrong in that scenario. Not everyone has pepper spray. In some places, buying a firearm is easier than getting a capable pepper spray. Not everyone will possess all of the equipment to step through the levels of force as directed by various LE agencies. Most people, even some officers, aren’t adept at using all of those tools either. Overall, I think this man did a good thing. Every firearm owner could use training in the proper techniques to secure a person suspected of a crime.
That’s a good point, concealed carry classes should automatically make time to touch on situations where a Good Samaritan places themselves in a position to protect someone else and what steps should be taken. Just as one practices drawing and reholstering with different holsters, clothing, positions; one should go through the mental preparation for confronting conflict. Licensing training should cover what steps should be taken prior to the verbal/physical confrontation with a subject as well as what to do for the “if’s and when’s” things go as planned or escalate in nature.
Having the right to carry is a Constitutional right. But, the mind is greater than any tool. With great power, the right to carry, comes great responsibility…I’m grateful to have the rights I have.
All I’m saying is mental preparation and repetition is as equally important as having a gun and trying to protect a victim. The mental preparation to intervene in such a situation is much greater than “I have a gun, therefore I can save someone.” Police officers go through a ton of training, as well as continuous training, to address such situations…and even they can go wrong. There is power in numbers…grab a neighbor/friend/family member, call 9-1-1, one can distract the subject and/or protect/lookout for the Good Samaritan until the victim is safe and parties are separated until police arrive.
Many states do not require concealed carry classes. Back to the drawing board for you.
Wow, I bet you drive a car? Probably took a class or test to do that? Seems someone is taking advantage of a constitutional right? All I’m arguing for is safety and common sense for those who are not professionals, but do have the means of taking a life. Quit being so naive with you.