24 year old Keenan Finkelstein plans to invoke the “Stand Your Ground” law after shooting a deputy sheriff in Pensacola, Florida.
Sheriff’s Deputy Sgt. Shedrick Johnson and other officers were searching a neighborhood for a robber. The victim told police that the thief had stolen marijuana and a handgun. Assuming the suspect was armed, they were ready for danger.
The officers approached the home of Finkelstein who was not the suspect they were looking for. Sgt. Johnson says he came out of a hiding place behind a tree and identified himself, but Finkelstein fired a gun and shot him in the leg. Finkelstein’s lawyer, Brandon Moros claims that the officer jumped out of the shadows abruptly and did not identify himself.
Judge Terry Terrell will decide on Friday whether to drop charges under the “Stand Your Ground” law or continue to a criminal trial.