FL:Criminal Offers to "Mow Lawn" if let go

When dealing with criminals, it is important to know that they cannot be trusted.  They lie.  If you are holding them at gunpoint, they are likely to tell you anything that they think will be to their advantage.   You might hear a sob story to the effect that they needed money for their children's shoes, or that this is the "first time" this ever happened.   An interesting example just occurred in Florida, where a burglary suspect offered to mow his victim's lawn.  From myfoxtampabay.com:

Cihak saw Remley digging through his living room and then fired two shots after he claims Remley charged him. Cihak's wife called 911 after hearing the commotion.

Police say Remley was unable to get out of the house, so Cihak held him at gunpoint until police officers arrived. Cihak said that Remley tried to negotiate to let him go, apparently saying he would come back and "mow his lawn."

Mr. Cihak wasn't buying any.   It was the second time that his house had been burglarized that week.   Remley was charged with violation of probation and armed residential burglary.  

Do not negotiate, argue, or discuss the situation with a criminal that you have captured.   They are likely to be attempting to get you to drop your guard.  In a recent case,  in Nebraska, Barb Hayley had the right attitude.   When the suspect tried to start a conversation, she told him to stop talking.

If you are talking, it takes a moment to switch mental gears if you are required to shoot.  That moment may be all the criminal needs to disarm you.  Remember: criminals cannot be trusted.  They will lie.  Do not let down your guard.

©2014 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice is included. Link to Gun Watch