Originally Posted by SSP
Sounds like he should have been wearing his helmet, and carrying some pepper spray.
As for all the "shoot to kill" comments...imagine how this guy's life would have changed if he'd pulled a handgun and killed or maimed a 14-year old kid. He might have avoided an assault and bike theft, but he would be screwed for years to come (lawyer's fees, investigations, court proceedings, civil suits, etc.).
I beg to differ. He would have avoided getting his head bashed in. The little punk was willing to kill the guy. The kid was charged as an adult for aggravated battery. In most states, you can use deadly force to repel forcible felonies, like agg battery. Screw the kid.
In this case, the only thing to really worry about is whether you will be charged criminally for using excessive force in self defense, which according to the facts, would be pretty unlikely. Civil lawsuits against people using self defense are few and far between.