Is Rebar a deadly weapon? WWYD?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Is Rebar a deadly weapon? WWYD?

Posted: 4/20/2016 2:30:15 PM EDT

Recently I was walking downtown with my sister when a guy with about a 4' stick of #3 rebar was running in our direction smacking it on the sidewalk. He was running towards us but off to the side a few feet. I moved opposite quickly and luckily he was just crazy and passed by. What is the law on responding to that situation? I for one, would not want any part of being hit with a section of steel rod and need my brain to make a living.

Posted: 4/20/2016 2:31:46 PM EDT

[#1]

I'd stay out of his way and be pleased when he got out of range.

Posted: 4/20/2016 2:32:41 PM EDT

[#2]

If he started trying to hit you with it, I'm sure you could articulate being in fear for your life.

Posted: 4/20/2016 2:33:25 PM EDT

[#3]

Immediately don my sash, 'cause sometimes a man's gotta do what a man does.

Posted: 4/20/2016 2:33:29 PM EDT

[#4]

What would happen if you thunked someone on the head with a piece of rebar? Take some time to reflect on your question and you will have your answer!

Posted: 4/20/2016 2:34:25 PM EDT

[#5]

Absolutely a deadly weapon.

I'd rather get hit with a baseball bat than a long piece of rebar.

Posted: 4/20/2016 2:34:25 PM EDT

[#6]

I'd be more worried about a dude swinging rebar than a hammer...and hammers kill lots of people every year.

Posted: 4/20/2016 2:36:42 PM EDT

[#7]

GTFO of his way and hope he keeps going, just like you did. If he's within striking distance and makes a furtive move, I guess that's a split second decision we all hope we never have to make but I'm not going to die being beaten to death with a piece of rebar if I have other options.

Posted: 4/20/2016 3:05:14 PM EDT

[#8]

You sure it was #3, cuz that's fucking tiny... Like 3/8 inch.

Posted: 4/20/2016 3:09:01 PM EDT

[#9]

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You sure it was #3, cuz that's fucking tiny... Like 3/8 inch.

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maybe he has small hands, so it looks large..

Posted: 4/20/2016 3:09:43 PM EDT

[#10]

A weapon if it gets used in a way to threaten someone. The OP describes at best, vandalism to the sidewalk.

Posted: 4/20/2016 3:10:34 PM EDT

[#11]

I'd find a way to cross the fucking street before he got into range.

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Posted: 4/20/2016 3:12:07 PM EDT

[#12]

Get to the most advantageous position you can (as much distance as possible, preferably with large solid objects in between) stay alert, and watch the hands.

That's really all you can do in a situation like that. The aforementioned rebar is very much a potential deadly weapon, but in your scenario there is no evidence of any sort of eminent threat.

Posted: 4/20/2016 3:13:47 PM EDT

[#13]

Quoted:
Recently I was walking downtown with my sister when a guy with about a 4' stick of #3 rebar was running in our direction smacking it on the sidewalk. He was running towards us but off to the side a few feet. I moved opposite quickly and luckily he was just crazy and passed by. What is the law on responding to that situation? I for one, would not want any part of being hit with a section of steel rod and need my brain to make a living.

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Responding to what "situation" exactly?
A guy running down the straight smacking the street with a length of steel?

I think you may be fabricating a bit of danger in your own mind on this one.

A.W.D.

Posted: 4/20/2016 3:14:32 PM EDT

[#14]

I'd immediately drop my pants and do the helicopter.

Posted: 4/20/2016 3:15:35 PM EDT

[#15]

If I'm on the jury... Hell yes it's a weapon.

Posted: 4/20/2016 3:19:42 PM EDT

[#16]

I wouldn't want to be hit with it, if he pursues you shoot.

Posted: 4/20/2016 3:21:44 PM EDT

[#17]

Damn it op, NY just banned rebar because of this thread!

Posted: 4/20/2016 3:25:15 PM EDT

[#18]

Posted: 4/20/2016 3:28:49 PM EDT

[#19]

I would have bladed...not sure which angle though.

Posted: 4/20/2016 3:41:50 PM EDT

[#20]

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Quoted:
If he started trying to hit you with it, I'm sure you could articulate being in fear for your life.

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If you ever ride in a car with my sister as a driver, you could articulate the same thing. What's your point? ;)

Posted: 4/20/2016 3:45:27 PM EDT

[#21]

OP is in Texas, Actor simply needs "Reasonable belief that deadly force is justified"

Posted: 4/20/2016 3:46:01 PM EDT

[#22]

Quote History

Quoted:

Responding to what "situation" exactly?
A guy running down the straight smacking the street with a length of steel?

I think you may be fabricating a bit of danger in your own mind on this one.

A.W.D.

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Quoted:

Quoted:
Recently I was walking downtown with my sister when a guy with about a 4' stick of #3 rebar was running in our direction smacking it on the sidewalk. He was running towards us but off to the side a few feet. I moved opposite quickly and luckily he was just crazy and passed by. What is the law on responding to that situation? I for one, would not want any part of being hit with a section of steel rod and need my brain to make a living.

Responding to what "situation" exactly?
A guy running down the straight smacking the street with a length of steel?

I think you may be fabricating a bit of danger in your own mind on this one.

A.W.D.

Whereas I agree that as described it wouldn't elevate to pull and shoot situation, it certainly give anyone with common sense pause and reason to distance oneself

Posted: 4/20/2016 3:48:56 PM EDT

[#23]

Just scream "He's coming right at me!"

Double tap.

Posted: 4/20/2016 3:54:27 PM EDT

[#24]

What exactly are you thinking should happen? Draw and shoot him dead? Just running down the street with a piece of rebar doesn't mean diddly squat unless he hurts or threatens someone.

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Posted: 4/20/2016 3:56:44 PM EDT

[#25]

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Quoted:

Whereas I agree that as described it wouldn't elevate to pull and shoot situation, it certainly give anyone with common sense pause and reason to distance oneself

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Quoted:

Quoted:
Recently I was walking downtown with my sister when a guy with about a 4' stick of #3 rebar was running in our direction smacking it on the sidewalk. He was running towards us but off to the side a few feet. I moved opposite quickly and luckily he was just crazy and passed by. What is the law on responding to that situation? I for one, would not want any part of being hit with a section of steel rod and need my brain to make a living.

Responding to what "situation" exactly?
A guy running down the straight smacking the street with a length of steel?

I think you may be fabricating a bit of danger in your own mind on this one.

A.W.D.

Whereas I agree that as described it wouldn't elevate to pull and shoot situation, it certainly give anyone with common sense pause and reason to distance oneself

Sure it does, just as in countless "situations" encountered daily by countless people...

I would pay attention and steer clear of lots of things coming down the street in a direction (generally) toward me. Doesn't necessarily warrant discussion of what law may apply to my response to any of these situations.

A.W.D.

Posted: 4/20/2016 4:10:14 PM EDT

[#26]

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Absolutely a deadly weapon.

I'd rather get hit with a baseball bat than a long piece of rebar.

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I wouldnt, but I prefer neither.

Posted: 4/20/2016 4:15:08 PM EDT

[#27]

Quote History

Quoted:

Responding to what "situation" exactly?
A guy running down the straight smacking the street with a length of steel?

I think you may be fabricating a bit of danger in your own mind on this one.

A.W.D.

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Quoted:

Quoted:
Recently I was walking downtown with my sister when a guy with about a 4' stick of #3 rebar was running in our direction smacking it on the sidewalk. He was running towards us but off to the side a few feet. I moved opposite quickly and luckily he was just crazy and passed by. What is the law on responding to that situation? I for one, would not want any part of being hit with a section of steel rod and need my brain to make a living.

Responding to what "situation" exactly?
A guy running down the straight smacking the street with a length of steel?

I think you may be fabricating a bit of danger in your own mind on this one.

A.W.D.

Not in this day and age. May be a new version of the knockout game. Who knows when the guy is moving toward you with it. It is NOT normal behavior to drag a four foot section of rebar down the road hitting the sidewalk. I have never done it and I would bet no one else here has either. Not normal.

We just had a thread yesterday where a poster's neighbor got killed by a guy with crowbar and made it over to his backyard before keeling over. Piece of metal to the head is not going to end well for the recipient.

Posted: 4/20/2016 4:17:32 PM EDT

[#28]

Posted: 4/20/2016 4:20:21 PM EDT

[#29]

Quote History

Quoted:
OP is in Texas, Actor simply needs "Reasonable belief that deadly force is justified"

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Reasonable belief that deadly force is immediately necessary to prevent the other's use of unlawful deadly force or attempted deadly force, or to prevent the imminent commission of aggravated kidnapping, murder, sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, robbery, or aggravated robbery.

There are other qualifications as well. Phrases and words like "immediately necessary" imminent commission" etc, are important.

Posted: 4/20/2016 4:22:33 PM EDT

[#30]

Pops a skull like an orange when swung by a man on foot.

Posted: 4/20/2016 4:23:24 PM EDT

[#31]

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I'd find a way to cross the fucking street before he got into range.
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I'd find a way to cross the fucking street before he got into range.
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Quoted:
I'd immediately drop my pants and do the helicopter.

Preferably while doing this. Hopefully by doing this.

Posted: 4/20/2016 5:36:10 PM EDT

[#32]

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Quoted:
OP is in Texas, Actor simply needs "Reasonable belief that deadly force is justified"

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Actually I was in San Francisco but didn't want that to skew the discussion. I was without a weapon. My sister is used to living in fear and just said not to look him in the eyes. F that, I made sure to watch his face to see if he was looking at me or in my direction.

3/8" diameter steel rod is nothing to laugh at. That can be swung very fast and break bones or cause major head trauma. No thanks. If I had my kids with me and was armed I think I would have a hard time keeping it holstered.

Posted: 4/20/2016 6:37:32 PM EDT

[#33]

I'd try to give him some space and hopefully not be forced to go condition red on his ass.

Posted: 4/20/2016 6:46:34 PM EDT

[#34]

Blade at 87 while screaming "You will not take my cookies!"

Posted: 4/20/2016 6:48:23 PM EDT

[#35]

Yes.

Posted: 4/20/2016 7:08:11 PM EDT

[#36]

A four foot steel bar is a deadly weapon. I'd get out of his way, but my hand would be on my pistol in case he changed direction. If he changed direction towards me I'd loudly suggest he reconsider the error of his ways and give him a look at a Gold Dot hollowpoint to help his thought processes head down the correct path.

Posted: 4/20/2016 7:11:14 PM EDT

[#37]

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Quoted:
If he started trying to hit you with it, I'm sure you could articulate being in fear for your life.

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If you lived through it. A bludgeon is a deadly weapon.

Cheers!
-JC

Posted: 4/20/2016 7:12:35 PM EDT

[#38]

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Quoted:
Actually I was in San Francisco but didn't want that to skew the discussion. I was without a weapon. My sister is used to living in fear and just said not to look him in the eyes. F that, I made sure to watch his face to see if he was looking at me or in my direction.

3/8" diameter steel rod is nothing to laugh at. That can be swung very fast and break bones or cause major head trauma. No thanks. If I had my kids with me and was armed I think I would have a hard time keeping it holstered.

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Quoted:

Quoted:

OP is in Texas, Actor simply needs "Reasonable belief that deadly force is justified"

Actually I was in San Francisco but didn't want that to skew the discussion. I was without a weapon. My sister is used to living in fear and just said not to look him in the eyes. F that, I made sure to watch his face to see if he was looking at me or in my direction.

3/8" diameter steel rod is nothing to laugh at. That can be swung very fast and break bones or cause major head trauma. No thanks. If I had my kids with me and was armed I think I would have a hard time keeping it holstered.

The trick to fighting someone with a long object like that is to get inside of it when they pull it back to swing. Too often people try to stay out of it's range and fail. Approach until just out of range, then as soon as you see them start to swing, get up close and personal. Break the arm holding the weapon, knee to the gonads, punch to the throat. Kick the weapon away, back off and reassess.

Posted: 4/20/2016 8:00:41 PM EDT

[#39]

Once again GD delivers... whatever it is that GD delivers...

Absolutely a potentially deadly weapon, and to be treated as such.

The rest of the nonsense that's been posted for its own sake should be taken for what it is.

For the sake of clarity, though I'm certain it'll be largely ignored by the booger-eaters-- As with any other deadly weapon, the mere possession of it isn't in itself reason to initiate deadly force (which, by the way, OP apparently did not do) Definitely cause, though, for heightened awareness.

ETA: OP, I'd suggest a nice walking cane for those instances where you cannot carry a firearm.

Posted: 4/20/2016 8:08:49 PM EDT

[#40]

Empty hands and feet kill more people in the US every year than rifles or shotguns... I don't see how a hand full of rebar would be any less deadly.

Posted: 4/20/2016 8:12:03 PM EDT

[#41]

Quote History

Quoted:
You sure it was #3, cuz that's fucking tiny... Like 3/8 inch.

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It would easily crush your skull
And easily impale you

Posted: 4/20/2016 8:22:56 PM EDT

[#42]

It can be a deadly weapon and appropriate response justified if attacked by a person using it as a weapon.

In the case where he passes by within striking distance, you are at high risk if he chooses to attack you. Maybe you avoid looking him in the eyes but you do not take your eyes off the hand with the rebar. Better if you can place suitable distance between you and the person.

There are plenty of crazy people around. People who will kill just for grins.