What to do before you pull the trigger on an intruder

By Conor Shine

Friday, March 23, 2012 | 2 a.m.

The shooting death of Las Vegas teenager Demarcus Carter this week has put the issue of when the use of deadly force is justifiable back in the spotlight.

Carter was shot and killed Tuesday morning in the backyard of a Summerlin home by a resident, who has not been identified.

Metro Police are still investigating the incident.

Although deadly force is considered reasonable when a person feels action must be taken to protect themselves or others from serious injury or death, gun experts say there is much gun owners can do to reduce the chances of finding themselves forced to shoot an assailant.

• Get educated

  Gun ownership comes with immense responsibilities, and part of that responsibility is knowing how to properly handle and store a firearm, said John Rosenthal, founder of the nonprofit Stop Handgun Violence.

  For new gun owners, classes can help lead to a better understanding of the weapon and how it should be used, Rosenthal said.

  “You have to understand it’s a tool,” Rosenthal said, “but it can be a deadly tool.”

• Other forms of protection

  Firing a gun at another person should be a last resort when defending a home, Rosenthal said.

  If a gun owner feels their life or the lives of others are in danger, they have a right to protect themselves, he said, but other security measures can often prevent the need for confrontation.

  One of the simplest options, Rosenthal said, is to get a dog.

  “A dog is going to be a lot more effective than even a firearm in your home,” he said. “They’re going to alert you to danger before (a person) can get in your house. That way you can call the police, who are trained to handle this stuff,” Rosenthal said.

• Contacting authorities

  Richard Allen, a local gun-safety instructor, said police are best equipped to handle a dangerous person outside of someone’s home.

  “As long as they haven’t broken into the home, call 9-1-1,” Allen said.

  A police response can often diffuse a situation without requiring a homeowner to fire a weapon.

  If a threat becomes imminent and use of force is needed, a prior phone call to police can help document the incident and show the homeowner took action to avoid a deadly confrontation, he said.

• Find a safe place

  “I believe everybody has a right to defend their property,” Allen said, but he advises homeowners to take every option available to avoid potentially violent situations.

  “If you can get out of it, get away and avoid using deadly force, you should take every opportunity to avail yourself to that escape,” he said.

• Turning to deadly force

  There are times when using deadly force is justified, Allen said, and it’s important for gun owners to understand what rights they have.

  “If they’re through your window and in your house, the only thing you’re required to do is demand they leave,” Allen said. “If they continue to come toward you … if you have a reasonable belief that you are in danger of great bodily harm, you have a right to use deadly force.”

  Allen said great bodily harm generally means a person is in danger of suffering broken bones, lacerations, permanent disfigurement, being knocked unconscious or death.

  If a person is outside a home, Allen said there are generally other options than turning to deadly force, including calling the police.

  “Let’s say somebody comes and takes something valuable off my back patio, I can’t hunt them down and shoot them,” he said.