PepperSpray new weapon of choice against LP officers and store employees?

[Squid]

http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/201...ting-suspects/

Yeah, Vallejo is a slum, no doubt about it....when officially bankrupt last year, could be...used to be...wonderful suburb of SF bay area...but I digress.

I'm noticed more and more use of PepperSpray in planned criminal acts, including several "spray first, then snatch and run" crimes. No doubt this is because no lic. is required to carry it, but mostly because it works near as good as shooting someone, but without the 'Use of firearm during felony' enhancement.

Plus it doesn't produce that distinctive "report" of shot being fired, is cheaper and easier to conceal than any gun.

Should we have stiffer sentences for what is obviously criminal use of pepperspray, and/or should those with convictions of any sort of violence or.....???....also be banned from carrying pepperspray like similar bans on felons and guns?

I say "certainly", but the real problem for store owners and LP officers is that now stores are forced to allow in anyone and everyone due to Civil Rights laws, so if they don't use pepperspray it might be blunt force trauma to the head, or slash w/ razor knife or some other more medically dangerous means of incapacitating their victims.


PS-link goes to recent shoplifting at Kohl's and Safeway. Nothing on the shelf at either is anything near what I'd think even a criminal would risk "assault" charges for...but there you go. Most Safeway's in 'Frisco now have large uniformed security at the door, all day, every day.

[Condo Guard]

You are correct - you are seeing it in Seattle, where it also being used in road rage incidents and various disputes. I don't want to regulate it too much, because citizens have a right to defend themselves. (Besides, if you can't get it "over the counter," you can get it over the internet.)

Rather than creating new laws, I'd treat it as a 2nd or 3rd degree assault, and if it was in the commission of another crime or you have priors, then you do more time and don't get to carry anymore.