Man With A Gun...
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PHOENIX -- Arizona law currently states that the only time you can display a weapon to someone is if that person threatens your life.
Showing that you're armed based on anything less than a deadly threat is illegal.
"A display of deadly force could be construed as aggravated assault of a threatening/intimidating charge," said Phoenix Police Sgt. Trent Crump.
That is, until Wednesday.
On September 30, Crump says the way to protect yourself changes.
The new law says if someone merely threatens to hurt you physically, such as a bruise or a scrape, you can display a weapon.
"You can now tell people you have a firearm with the insinuation that I have it for self-protection and that has a justification afforded to it," said Crump.
In other words, if you find yourself in an altercation that may turn physical, not necessarily deadly, state law will now allow you to touch, grab or hold a gun with the intention of letting the other person know you have it.
"You are also allowed to reach into things now, be it a backpack, compartment or other place, with the insinuation I will use it if need be," said Crump.
The change in state law doesn't sit well with some.
"I was always brought up, don't show it unless you're going to use it," said Jonathan Sanchez of Phoenix.
Like it or not, the change becomes law in less than 48 hours.
"It's like saying I'm going to show you this gun but I'm not going to use it, I don't agree with that," said Tina Fillian of Mesa.
To read the Arizona state statute that covers justification for defensive display of a weapon, click here.
Showing that you're armed based on anything less than a deadly threat is illegal.
"A display of deadly force could be construed as aggravated assault of a threatening/intimidating charge," said Phoenix Police Sgt. Trent Crump.
That is, until Wednesday.
On September 30, Crump says the way to protect yourself changes.
The new law says if someone merely threatens to hurt you physically, such as a bruise or a scrape, you can display a weapon.
"You can now tell people you have a firearm with the insinuation that I have it for self-protection and that has a justification afforded to it," said Crump.
In other words, if you find yourself in an altercation that may turn physical, not necessarily deadly, state law will now allow you to touch, grab or hold a gun with the intention of letting the other person know you have it.
"You are also allowed to reach into things now, be it a backpack, compartment or other place, with the insinuation I will use it if need be," said Crump.
The change in state law doesn't sit well with some.
"I was always brought up, don't show it unless you're going to use it," said Jonathan Sanchez of Phoenix.
Like it or not, the change becomes law in less than 48 hours.
"It's like saying I'm going to show you this gun but I'm not going to use it, I don't agree with that," said Tina Fillian of Mesa.
To read the Arizona state statute that covers justification for defensive display of a weapon, click here.
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