If and when there is a situation when the choice is having a kid abducted and using deadly force I don't see a jury convicting you. That said I am having a pretty hard time figuring a situation where it would come down to knowing an abduction was taking place and you either shoot or let it happen.

It isn't like child molesters wear distinctive molester uniforms or look any particular way. It is also possible that what you are seeing may not be an abduction. Kids can often kick and scream and make a fuss when being hauled off by their parents. Some kids have also learned that if they make it sound like an abduction they will cause a fuss. This alone should cause you to pause before doing anything you can't take back, like shooting people.

Must have been eight or ten years ago there was a molester stalking school bus stops. He would talk up the kids and had exposed himself more than once. Clearly he was building up to something bigger.

The police were alerted but he was working a wide area. One day a lady saw what generally fit a rather vague vehicle description and saw a man pull up and talk to kids at a bus stop. She dialed 911 and followed the vehicle while keeping a safe distance. Using her minute by minute description the police were able to get the vehicle and driver.

Point here is that intelligent use of a phone and vehicle can be as effective, and a hell of a lot less risky, as using force. If the guy had not been a molester the police would make their apologies. Shoot someone you think is a molester and then they find out your wrong and your looking at a lengthy court case and jail time. You could be sued for everything you own and lose you house, vehicle, job and reputation. Good intentions don't mean a thing. Shoot someone and you had better be right.

You can't let your desire to be a hero, to 'save the children', or to 'rid the world of scum' affect your judgment. Before taking any action that can't be taken back you need to be absolutely sure your know what your seeing. Misreading it could be tragic for everyone if you use deadly force.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't keep your eyes open and react. If the situation resembles an abduction call the police. Memorize the description of the vehicle, license plate number and driver. Given that cell phones with cameras are so common take a few snaps. Call 911. If it seems prudent follow the vehicle. Get creative.

Maybe you can block the vehicle in. If your damned sure get your car in front of theirs and stand on the brakes so you have a low-speed collision that destroys his radiator but doesn't risk life and limb. A wrecked car is better than a lost kid. If it turns out it is the kids uncle picking up the children you can claim 'a cat ran in front of my car'. And everyone gets to know the auto body shop owner.