The only justification for firing his weapon is if the officer in
question believed his life was in danger.
That's for normal people. Cops are allowed to shoot people fleeing the scene of a crime or resisting arrest, if there is any potential danger from them to ANYONE. If they are going to block traffic or run over a police officer, how can you say she is not a danger to anyone on the road? Remember, driving is a privilege, not a right. You do not have the right to refuse to stop your vehicle for the police or evade them in a car. Depending on the state, you can refuse to comply in many ways, you can refuse to identify yourself or to stop and talk to them until they say you're under arrest, ON FOOT, but you do not have normal constitutional rights when it comes to operating a motor vehicle.
Yes, good point. My bad for overlooking it.
Another massive irritant is the "why didn't he just shoot out the tires" take. Life is not Hollywood. No law enforcement agency anywhere instructs officers to shoot at tires with a handgun at close range. It will not prevent the vehicle from hitting you, and it is extremely dangerous to bystanders due to the likelihood of ricochets. So, useless. They are trained to shoot the driver in these circumstances.
*MySmiley*
"Bustin' makes me feel good!"
Ghostbusters, by Ray Parker Jr.
