Help Out A Neighbor, Go To Jail?!?

Question

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070202/ap_on_fe_st/vigilante_farmer;_ylt=AhPWTVNcArFL46E41YoeJGwDW7oF;_ylu=X3oDMTBhZDJjOXUyBHNlYwNtdm5ld3M-

A farmer sees someone tresspassing and stealing on his neighbors property. He grabs a gun and chases after them, utlimately chasing him down in his car.

He catches the robbers (who happen to have a 3 year old in teh car) and holds them at gunpoint until police arrive.

Who is served or protected in society by charging a man helping to protect his neighbor? Granted, I found his actions to be extreme, but where were the police? Evidently he caught the criminals before the police did.

I also love that there is no mention about the thieves being charged with endangering the life of a child by getting into a car chase.

So is the actions of this farmer the actions of a vigilante or a peson doing their civic duty to stop crime in the absence of police?

Afterall, what if the thieves' intent was home invasion, not gas?

Answer 1

he was doing his civic duty. if he is charged with anything, he
needs a good lawyer.

Answer 2

I think he was wrong to chase them, he should have just shot them.