FORT WORTH, TX — Two bounty hunters shot a man during a pursuit Monday evening after he allegedly attempted to ram them with his vehicle, according to a Fort Worth Police news release.
The incident took place around 6 p.m. at 3019 Avenue N. Police arrived at the scene after receiving reports of a shooting involving the bounty hunters. According to the initial police report, the two bounty hunters opened fire when the man they were pursuing turned his vehicle in their direction and charged at them.
In a statement, Fort Worth police explained, “They fired on the vehicle in an attempt to stop the car, and one bullet hit the victim in his thigh.” The man was taken to a nearby hospital, where he underwent surgery. His injuries are not expected to be life-threatening, and he is currently in stable condition, police said.
The identities of the bounty hunters and the man they were pursuing have not yet been released, and it is unclear why the bounty hunters were after the man. Fort Worth police did confirm that the bounty hunters were taken into custody and are cooperating with investigators.
The Fort Worth Police Department’s gun violence and gang units are conducting an ongoing investigation into the shooting. No charges have been announced at this time.
Self-Defense Insight: Vehicles as Deadly Weapons
In this case, the man allegedly used his vehicle in an aggressive manner, which can be legally classified as the use of a deadly weapon. Under Texas law, a vehicle can be considered a deadly weapon if it is used in a way that could cause serious bodily harm or death. This means that when a person intentionally drives their vehicle at someone, it can create a situation where the use of deadly force might be legally justified in self-defense.
In any self-defense situation, it’s important to understand that the means of attack—whether it’s a firearm, a knife, or a vehicle—can determine the appropriate response. Individuals facing an imminent threat of serious injury or death are generally allowed to use force to protect themselves, including lethal force if necessary to prevent an attack. However, each situation is unique, and the circumstances will be carefully reviewed by law enforcement and the courts to determine if the response was appropriate under the law.
When encountering a vehicle used in a threatening way, individuals should be aware that the law may view such actions as the use of deadly force, which justifies a defensive response if they are in imminent danger.
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