Observed resident knelt over suspect applying pressure to two gunshot wounds to suspects chest

Let's do a little exercise. Call it "write your own police report". Assume that this police report will be forwarded to the district attorney in your county and may end up being reviewed by the grand jury. Please choose either A or B.

Report A

I arrived at the scene at approximately 1:00 a.m. Observed resident knelt over suspect applying pressure to two gunshot wounds to suspects chest. Resident asked me about status of EMS and showed me location of suspect's handgun which I secured. I questioned the resident following arrival of EMS . Resident advised suspect had broken into his home and advanced on him with a handgun after repeated verbal warnings. Resident advised that he did not want to discuss further until he had a chance to speak with legal counsel. Contacted Detective Smith to follow up tomorrow.

Report B

I arrived at the scene at approximately 1:00 am. Suspect was lying face down with numerous gun shot wounds to the back. I checked for pulse and determined suspect was DOA. I questioned the homeowner who advised that he was awakened by a noise and found the suspect in his home. After yelling an obscenity at the suspect, the suspect turned to run. The resident then fired several rounds at the fleeing suspect with an AK-47. I observed what appeared to be smudged blood stains leading from outside the house into the residence indicating that the suspect may have been dragged into the residence. No weapon was found on the suspect. I asked the resident if he could identify the suspect. The resident responded that "all those gang-bangers look alike -- I say shoot 'em all and let God sort them out. I hope he rots in hell."

Further investigation determined suspect to be John Smith, 16 YOA, lives with parents at the same house address on the next street. Smith was apparently intoxicated and opened an unlocked door not realizing he was at the wrong home. I took the homeowner into custody pending charges.

Don't take a knife to a gun fight. Or is that 'Don't take a gun to a bat fight'?

Resist the temptation to tell your side of the story in the heat of the moment after a dramatic event. Getting in touch with your attorney could save you thousands of dollars and many sleepless nights later. Sad, but unfortunately, likely true.