California is a very beautiful state, but I’d think twice before I moved there, for lots of reasons. This story just reinforces my feelings:
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A south Sacramento man who told police he was defending his property was arrested early Wednesday after shooting a teenager who was allegedly trying to steal his car, authorities said. Police said 42-year-old Sou Saechin told them he accidentally shot the teen at about 3 a.m. on Rock Creek Way.
But officials said Saechin went too far in trying to protect his red Honda.
"What we try to stress to people is that deadly force, the use of a firearm, is never justified under any circumstances to protect property," said Sgt. Matt Young of the Sacramento Police Department.
Would I shoot someone for trying to steal my car? You bet. I’m pretty sure a jury in my home county would refuse to convict me of anything. Laws that prohibit property owners from defending themselves and their property just encourage criminals.
I guess in California, if someone is robbing you, you are just supposed to politely let them take whatever they want. Then, you call the police, wait patiently for them to arrive, and hope they do not arrest you for having interfered with a crime in progress, which all Californians should know is not a job for a common citizen. No, only people with state authority have the right to stop a crime in progress.