Can you shoot fleeing felons?

• A. Generally speaking, you cannot; there are specific events you can (example Virginia Tech shooting)
• B. Yes, always
• C. Only if the felon is armed
• D. Only with supervisor permission

Answer: (C)

The deciding idea is that deadly force is justified only when there is an imminent threat to life or serious bodily harm. Merely a suspect fleeing does not by itself justify shooting; the danger must be immediate and credible. If the felon is armed, or otherwise poses a real threat of serious harm, the officer may be confronted with using deadly force under that imminent-threat standard (the rule refined by cases like Tennessee v. Garner). The other options imply blanket permission or require supervisor approval, which do not align with the requirement that force be justified by an immediate threat. So, the best understanding is that you may shoot only if the felon is armed and thus presents an immediate danger.