Lesson 9.5: When the Threat Stops, You Stop
Defensive force is used to stop an immediate unlawful threat. It is not used to finish a fight, punish someone, or take control of the whole scene.
Force Has a Stopping Point
Force is tied to facts, necessity, and reasonable belief.
If the person drops the weapon, runs away, gives up, or is no longer capable of continuing the attack, the facts have changed.
If the threat is over, the force must stop.
Do Not Chase or Punish
Defensive force is not payback.
If the immediate threat has ended, chasing, closing distance, or continuing force may turn you into the person continuing the confrontation.
When the Situation Changes
A fleeing person is not automatically a continuing deadly force threat.
A downed or injured person is not automatically safe, and is not automatically still a lawful target.
The question is simple: is the person still able and trying to cause death or great bodily harm?
If not, continued force may no longer be justified.
Create Safety
When the threat stops, stop using force. Create distance if possible. Do not approach unless safety requires it. Watch for additional threats.
Call 911 when safe and request police and medical aid.
Davey Defense Standard
When the threat stops, you stop.
The job is to survive, create safety, call 911, and handle the aftermath properly.