Ask a Cop: Home protection prudence when it comes to shooting a burglar

Q: At what point can I use a gun to protect myself if someone is breaking into my home? What constitutes self-defense in that situation? – Tess in PuyallupA: "Tess, if you're going to use a gun while in your home the rule is you need to fear for your life or be in danger for yourself or others. If someone breaks into your home and you're there and you're armed and you fear for your safety you can use the gun. If they break in the home and see you and they're running away down the street or across your yard and you fire at them after the threat is gone you could have a problem because that fear is no longer there and you need to be prudent when you use that firearm." -- Pierce County Det. Ed Troyer