What do you think of the smoke shop owner in Las Vegas who defended his shop from a robber?

[Anonymous]

As his store was being robbed, a Vegas smoke shop owner grabbed a knife and stabbed one of two masked criminals.

I fully support his actions. I personally would have done a lot worse. Stealing from me, my family, or my business can and will cost you your life. My own business has warning signs up indicating that i am heavily armed and not afraid to use it.

https://www.fox5vegas.com/2022/08/06/las-vegas-smoke-shop-owner-fights-back-stabs-robber/

[SecretsofKB]

I think it is unreasonable to not expect a person to defend themselves or their property. Should you kill a person over an iPhone? No, I don't think a phone is worth that much. But if the person is robbing your store or robbing you on the street and you feel that your life is in danger (if you're getting robbed, I think it is reasonable to feel this), then I don't think anyone can look negatively towards you for defending yourself.

[Asker]

Agreed. It's part of why Im glad I live in a state who has stand your ground and castle laws. In places like California and New York, if you defend your self, you're the one that goes to prison not the person who was attacking/robbing you.

[SecretsofKB]

I also live in a state that has the "Stand Your Ground" law. I just don't want that to encourage people to resort to killing the person when it isn't necessary. But, that is just a huge grey area discussion to be had there.

[Asker]

Maybe. When I was younger, someone broke into my home, had a gun on my wife. Suffice it to say, his head had a massive hole in it, and I put it there. In some states I'd go to prison for that. My community sees me as a hero.

[SecretsofKB]

Well, that is understandable. There isn't much grey area with that one.

[Asker]

Definitely agreed.

[Anonymous]

In that case, I think it’s reasonable for him to assume he was in danger from these three robbers. I certainly wouldn’t pursue it as a prosecutor. However, he took a risk there because he wasn’t directly attacked. The kid appeared to be going for the merchandise behind the counter and you can’t defend property with deadly force. An overzealous prosecutor could conceivably make a case out of that.

[Asker]

In my state you can indeed defend your home with deadly force, as well as property. I love castle doctrine and stand your ground. Any state which favors criminals over victims are just plain worthless.

[Opinion Owner]

Be that as it may, Nevada does not have castle doctrine. You have to be aware of the laws in your own state or you’re taking a big gamble. I don’t think he’ll be charged here (nor should he be) but the question you have to ask yourself is, would you risk your freedom over some merchandise? I personally wouldn’t sue to criminal and civil liability. A lawsuit is what this guy is really going to have to worry about.

[Asker]

That's very typical of leftist run states. They value the criminal over the victim.

[Agent_Elflord]

There are some folks who think it’s bad to value possessions over life and will be sympathetic for the robber, but the robbers also felt those possessions were more important, so they took a risk which could potentially mean getting hurt in the process, so that dumb decision is on them, no sympathy here.


The one thing though, is I’d much rather be shot than stabbed, god damn.

[Asker]

Right! Wow. But they played a stupid game and won a stupid prize

[John_Doesnt]

Everybody thinks they're a kung-fu master. But most people would have froze up. Props to that guy for actually taking action.

[dustybiker]

That is what insurance is for.

Sounds like he has some nasty anger issues. It’s far easier to shoot someone than stab them. Stabbing is brutal, personal and messy.

[Asker]

Did you read the article? If they reported one more instance of theft, just one, their insurance would have dropped them, and that would have resulted in their loss of their business license.

So no, "that is what insurance is for" is not an answer..

I would have done the same in his situation

[dustybiker]

You missed my point.

[anylolone]

Justified and a hero.

[joeldalton]

Good for him.

[Asker]

Agreed. If I were in his shoes, both of those people would have died. In my state stand your ground and castle are a thing.