Michigan Woman Shooting at Shoplifter Fleeing Home Depot Stretches Concealed Carry Law

A Michigan woman who witnessed a shoplifting at a suburban Home Depot and fired several shots at the fleeing suspect's car, trying to hit one of the tires, may have gone way beyond what the state's concealed weapons law allows.

The woman, who was not identified, cooperated with authorities after the shooting about 2 p.m. and was released by Auburn Hills police pending an investigation, reported the Detroit Free Press. The newspaper said the woman had a concealed pistol license.

The woman saw a shoplifter run from the Home Depot store chased by a loss prevention employee, according to WJBK-TV.

"The shoplifter then got into a dark-colored SUV and begin to flee," said Auburn Hills Police Lt. Jill McDonnell. "The customer, who was a CPL holder, then fired shots at the vehicle. (We) believe they blew out at least one of the tires on the vehicle."

The woman could face charges from the county prosecutor, said the Detroit News.

Rick Ector, a firearms trainer who runs Legally Armed Detroit, told the Free Press that Michigan law states that a CPL holder is justified in using his or her weapon if they think their life is in imminent danger, or there is threat of great bodily harm or sexual assault, or if there is a similar danger to someone else.

"It's my worst nightmare as a CPL instructor," said Doreen Hankins, a local CPL instructor. "You have to know the entire situation before you pull that handgun out. And I don't see that a shoplifter at Home Depot fills any of those criteria."

The shoplifter and the suspected getaway driver are still missing and witnesses were being asked to contact Auburn Hills police, said WJBK-TV.

A former Detroit police officer seconded the motion that the woman could be in trouble.

"What should have taken place there is she should have noted the description of the individual," said Daryl Brown, a retired deputy chief from the Detroit Police Department. "Noted the description of the vehicle, noted the method of escape. But to take a shot at him, I don't see that happening."


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