&gt; So, we should just hope that innocent bystanders are not hit by that first shot at police as the they hide behind their defensive positions and superior equipment?<p>The scenario outlined did not involve an actual gun that could harm anyone.<p>If a car chase ends the suspect hiding behind a door with a &quot;gun&quot; in their hand, there are actually many possible scenarios, for instance:<p>1. The &quot;gun&quot; is not actually a gun, and was misidentified.<p>2. The gun is fake or a toy.<p>3. The gun is a real gun and the suspect will not shoot at anyone.<p>4. The gun is a real gun and the suspect will shoot at the police or others.<p>Some people say the suspect should be shot in all four scenarios (after all, he <i>might</i> shoot!).  I disagree.