Arizona bill proposes allowing use of deadly force against robbers with weapons

Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - A new Arizona bill would allow people to use deadly force to defend their property against smash-and-grab robbers if the robber possessed a dangerous weapon.

Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita's proposal says the threat had to possess a “deadly instrument” at the time they were “knowingly” damaging or defacing someone else’s property.

But, critics say the legislation is so broadly written that it would allow someone to shoot and kill a person just while having something that might be deemed a weapon.

Arizona already allows the use of deadly force to stop many crimes, including residential burglary, rape kidnapping arson and manslaughter.