Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

First off I live in Texas. A few weeks ago the police were in the neighborhood looking for a man. They were driving slowly shining the spotlights into people's yards. I was jogging, and was on my way home when they stopped me thinking I was the suspect. After questioning me they let me go. A few blocks from my house a man said to "wait up" and approached me with a loaded rifle in his hand. I was so scared. I was certain this was the man they were looking for and he was either going to shoot me or take me hostage. It took him about 30 seconds to walk over to me, the longest 30 seconds of my life, and he finally started questioning me about what the police were looking for. He said he heard that they were looking for someone and he was going to come vouch that it wasn't me because he saw me jogging every night. He had good intentions but his carelessness caused me a lot of fear. is it legal to approach a person on the street carrying a riffle? Do you have to announce your intent or anything?


Asked on 8/25/12, 1:45 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Cynthia Henley Cynthia Henley, Lawyer

He cannot point the gun at you, or carry it in a threatening way, or he is committing an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon - a second degree felony. Otherwise, carrying the gun in view (versus hiding it on his person) is legal.

Read more
Answered on 8/25/12, 1:24 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Texas