Tyler brings up a "moral" question I have asked myself.
I agree that the Police have different duties towards criminals than do ordinary citizens.
But, do ordinary citizens have the responsibility to do more?
Protect innocents who are being attacked when the citizen has the means, skill and capability to stop the attack.
Do they have a responsibility to stop the escape of a serial killer if they have the chance?
Do these responsibilities go away if it is risky? Or illegal?
I look at these questions as separate from the legal answers to them.
The way NH laws are written you do not have any stated responsibility to take such actions, but since the law applies to the "defense of self and others" you are covered if you choose to take action.
The law also specifies sexual assault or escape of a violent felon.
Other states may differ.
It basically is a question of conscience. Can you walk away and ignore some one in physical danger ?
On the other hand , if you are going to make an armed intervention into a situation you better be damned sure you understand exactly what is happening instead of just reacting to what appears to be happening.The scruffy guy scuffling with the woman, is it an abduction ? Or is it a plainclothes cop wrestling with a female suspect ?
Are you going to be a hero for shooting a rapist ? Or are you going to be a chump for shooting a cop ?