I didn't see this posted here so I thought I should let you folks know.
Gus had his shop burgled last night and lost several swords.
You can get the details at this SFI thread

:wtf:

What's wrong with people?

Angus, I most sincerely hope these are recovered and the perp brought to justice.

I'll keep my eyes open in my usual haunts... if I see anything, we'll all know about it.

Things were a little hectic last nite, must have spent nearly an hour with the three officers that showed up {like within 2 minutes of my dialing 911}.

Being a fella that respects law enforcement types, I had reported to the 911 operator that I had confronted the burglar {very briefly} with 9mm in hand, and that it would be on the workbench, unloaded when an officer showed up. From the time I hung up, I had just enough time to drop the magazine, eject the round, and set the pistol on the bench........

Its kinda funny. In the excitement of the moment, I deleted to leave the slide back. When the one officer discovered it, he pulled out his flashlite, and spent about a minute looking at it, without touching it....*g*

As I'm writing this, the doorknob is being replaced, and a deadbolt being installed. That's one thing that might have prevent this, if I'd already had a deadbolt on the shop.....

No shots fired, no violence or threats......just some property theft, roughly $6000 worth...........

Another funny thing was that the senior officer mentioned as they were getting ready to leave, he was surprised I hadn't punched a couple rounds thru the perps windshield. Interesting how far a rep for insanity goes.........

I mentioned that I really had enough problems without talking to a prosecutor about reckless endangerment at the minimum.............theft and the loss of most of a day's work is a pain, but better than what could have happened if I'd have released a round or two......

Would appreciate it if folks would keep an eye out for some of the stolen stuff......

Auld Dawg.

Despicable Fiend :mad: :evil: . May he meet his fate (or maker) in an appropriate way!

Very sorry to hear about this, Gus !

I commend you on keeping a level head !

Best wishes, Mac

That just blows... For me the worst thought begind getting my swords stolen is the thought that the perps won't even appreciate what they have stolen. Its one thing to steal a TV, but art is so much more.

Side thought: I was under the impression that leathal force was permitable when it stops a felony. (i.e. rape, murder, ext) But isn't $6k worth of theft over the $2k limit? Dosent that bump it up to a class A felony? Just wondering... Maybe Patrick has some insight? It may have been a cop thing, I don't quite remember where I heard it.

edit: This was just a passing thought, and dosen't imply feelings either way. I personally feel nothing is worth a life, but I was remembering something I had heard once.

Alex,
It really depends on the state. I know that in Michigan you can use lethal force to stop a fleeing felon, but you should yell something like "stop you felon or I'll shoot." Police can really only use deadly force to stop a fleeing felon if the person is a danger to the officer or someone else. This is because of the fourth Amendment, the case is Tennessee v Gardner (I believe). It applies to police officers but does not apply to citizens because citizens are not acting under the color of state law.

You can also shoot if you have a reasonable belief that you are in danger of death or imminent severe bodily harm. I think Gus did the right thing. In fact I really commend him on showing restraint in a situation where most people would have shot first and asked questions later.

Disclaimer: This should not be interpreted as legal advice or counsel.


Ben

Gus,

I'm truly sorry for your loss, but very grateful that you weren't hurt. My wife was broken into three times in her pre-me days, so (through her) I can understand the sense of loss and outrage you're probably feeling. I hope the cops nail the pig that did that to you. :mad:

Someday, funds willing, I do hope to own one of your fine swords.

Gus-
Jeez man, that sucks. :( I'm sorry for your loss, and sorry for the emotional blow as well. I think you showed great courage and level headedness, and should be commended.

I sure hope justice is served and this jerk gets his upcomance! :mad:

Hope today is a better day.

Take care,
Scott

Stealing is not cool.
Stealing weapons is doubly not cool.
Stealing weapons from people who have friends with weapons is not the smartest idea either. God help him, 'cos no one here will.

Angus - this is terrible. I cannot comprehend the minds of such people, but perhaps that is a good thing. I am eerily reminded of a similar episode that happened in my neck of the woods. Someone broke into our gun range, of which I've been a member for ten years, and stole three brand new left handed Anschuzt competition rifles. He still hasn't been apprehended.

I hope your man will soon find himself behind bars.