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Concealed Carry, Firearms Training, Legal & Law, News, Self Defense

Case Study: The Alan Colie Shooting – Legal, But Was It Necessary?

Mark Schneider

Overview

On April 2, 2023, 31-year-old Alan Colie, a DoorDash driver, shot 21-year-old Tanner Cook, a YouTuber known for his prank channel Classified Goons, inside the Dulles Town Center Mall in Sterling, Virginia.

Cook walked up to Colie with his phone in hand, using a text-to-speech app to play bizarre phrases while filming. Colie repeatedly told him to stop, but Cook kept getting closer, standing and advancing just inches away. Seconds later, Colie pulled his legally carried handgun and fired one shot, hitting Cook in the abdomen.

Cook survived, and the shooting quickly made national headlines — not just because it was on camera, but because it raised serious questions about what qualifies as a reasonable threat and how far self-defense really goes.

Click here to watch the video of the incident (viewer discretion advised).

The Incident

From the video, it’s clear that Colie didn’t start the confrontation. He asked Cook to back up several times, but Cook ignored every warning. Even as Colie tried to walk away, Cook kept following and crowding him.

Still, when the shot was fired, Cook wasn’t physically attacking — his hands were visible, holding only the phone. That’s where the line gets blurry. Was Colie reacting to an imminent danger, or did he simply reach his breaking point after being pushed too far?

Anyone who carries a firearm knows that feeling of tension when someone won’t respect your space. But that moment — right before you act — is where judgment matters most.

Colie was charged with:

  • Aggravated malicious wounding
  • Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony
  • Discharging a firearm within an occupied building

The jury acquitted him of the first two charges, agreeing he acted in self-defense. But they did find him guilty of firing a gun inside an occupied building, which in Virginia is a Class 6 felony.

He was sentenced to time served, but that conviction likely means he lost his Second Amendment rights — the right to ever legally own or carry a firearm again.

So yes, he won in court on self-defense, but it still cost him his rights, reputation, and livelihood. That’s not a win anyone wants.

Under Virginia law, you can only use deadly force when you reasonably believe you’re in immediate danger of death or serious bodily harm, and there’s no other safe option.

The jury clearly believed Colie’s fear was real and reasonable. But as an instructor, I look at this through a different lens: just because it was legally justified doesn’t mean it was tactically necessary.

He had other options — verbal commands, creating distance, or using OC spray. Even a better retreat could’ve changed the outcome. Instead, one round fired in a crowded mall changed his life forever.

This is why I constantly remind students: the gun is the last resort, not the first reaction.

Lessons for CCW Holders and Armed Security

This case is a tough reminder that being legally right doesn’t mean you’ll walk away unscathed.

  1. De-escalation always comes first. Don’t take the bait — walk away, use your voice, and control the tone.
  2. Distance equals time and options. Don’t let anyone get inside your reaction gap.
  3. Train with your less-lethal tools. OC spray or verbal control can end an encounter without ruining your life.
  4. Think about your surroundings. Firing inside a mall or business creates massive liability.
  5. Winning in court doesn’t mean you really won. A single bad decision can cost you everything — even if you’re found not guilty.

The Role of Self-Defense Insurance

One of the biggest lessons from this case is that Alan Colie was reportedly covered by USCCA, and that membership helped pay for his legal defense.

A shooting like this can cost tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees — even when you’re cleared. Without insurance, most people simply couldn’t afford to fight for their freedom.

Whether you’re a CCW holder or armed professional, self-defense coverage is something you can’t afford not to have. It protects you from the financial fallout of doing what you believed was right.

👉 Compare the Best Self-Defense Insurance Plans

Instructor Commentary – Mark Schneider

In my opinion, the jury made the right call. Alan Colie wasn’t the aggressor — Tanner Cook caused this by pushing boundaries and ignoring clear warnings.

That said, I don’t believe Colie had a clear, immediate, and unavoidable threat of death or serious injury. This situation didn’t require deadly force. With a little more training in de-escalation or OC spray, it probably never would’ve come to that.

This is exactly why I emphasize judgment, awareness, and communication in my classes. It’s not enough to be accurate with a gun — you have to know when not to use it.

A firearm should be your last resort. Every other skill you build — your voice, your awareness, your composure — will do more to keep you free than any caliber ever could.

Call to Action

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Real-world encounters happen fast. Whether you’re a CCW holder, armed guard, or law enforcement professional, training is what separates a justified defense from a bad decision.
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Additional Resources

Disclaimer

The information in this article is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or establish an attorney–client relationship. Readers are encouraged to consult a qualified attorney familiar with their state and local laws before making any decisions related to self-defense or the use of force.
All opinions expressed are those of Mark Schneider, Senior Firearms Instructor, and are based on training, experience, and publicly available information about the case.

Gear and Equipment, Legal & Law, News, Situational Awareness

Non-Dominant-Hand Taser: A Must for Police & Security

Mark Schneider

Thesis: Law enforcement officers and armed security professionals should carry their Taser on the opposite side of the body and use a non-dominant-hand draw and presentation only. This small change corrects predictable human performance failures under stress and significantly reduces the risk of misidentifying a firearm for a Taser during critical incidents.

The Human Performance Problem

In every high-stress encounter, the body undergoes extreme physiological and psychological reactions that can drastically impair decision-making and coordination. These responses occur automatically — regardless of training or intent.

Physiological Effects

  1. Adrenaline Dump: The body releases a surge of adrenaline, triggering the fight, flight, or freeze response.
  2. Tunnel Vision: Vision narrows, and focus locks on the threat while peripheral awareness fades.
  3. Auditory Exclusion: Hearing diminishes or shuts off entirely during intense stress.
  4. Loss of Fine Motor Skills: Precision movements — such as distinguishing between a firearm and Taser — become extremely difficult.
  5. Depth Perception Problems: Spatial judgment becomes unreliable.
  6. Time Dilation: Time appears to speed up or slow down during life-threatening situations.

Of these, loss of fine motor skills is one of the most dangerous. Under pressure, officers may not have the dexterity to tell the difference between similar-feeling tools on their duty belt. Combine that with the fight response, where the dominant hand instinctively goes to the firearm, and you have the conditions for a deadly mix-up.

Psychological Reactions to a Threat

  1. Fight: The body instinctively prepares to confront and neutralize the threat through aggression or defense.
  2. Flight: The mind and body attempt to escape danger.
  3. Freeze: Temporary paralysis as the brain overloads with stimuli.
  4. Posture: Displays of aggression or dominance without physical engagement.
  5. Submit: Yielding to avoid harm or conflict.

During “fight,” the brain defaults to gross-motor actions. Fine discrimination — such as choosing between a handgun or Taser — becomes unreliable. This is why the dominant-hand instinct must be separated from less-lethal tool use.

Why the Non-Dominant Side Works

  1. Prevents instinctive firearm grabs: When the dominant hand is already dedicated to lethal force, the non-dominant hand provides a distinct motor pathway for less-lethal deployment.
  2. Creates clear muscle-memory separation: The reach, grip, and draw motion are different — reinforcing identification under stress.
  3. Reduces cross-draw confusion: Cross-draw setups demand small, similar movements and are the most common configuration involved in Taser/firearm confusion cases.
  4. Improves safety and clarity under pressure: The brain associates each side of the body with a specific role — firearm on one side, Taser on the other.

Real-World Case Studies

1. Kim Potter – Daunte Wright Incident

Former Minnesota officer Kimberly Potter intended to use her Taser but instead drew her firearm, fatally shooting Daunte Wright. This case demonstrates how stress and similar placement lead to tragic confusion.
Read more →

2. Tulsa County Reserve Deputy (2015)

A 73-year-old reserve deputy accidentally shot a suspect with his handgun, believing he was deploying his Taser. This incident highlights how age, stress, and cross-draw setups compound the risk.
Read more →

3. Connecticut Officer (2024)

A Connecticut officer was arrested after firing his gun at a suspect, thinking he had drawn his Taser — again showing how easily these mistakes happen under stress.
Read more →

Force Science Institute Findings

The Force Science Institute has documented 19 cases where officers mistakenly drew their handgun instead of their Taser — all involving cross-draw or same-side configurations.
There have been zero known cases of a mistaken discharge when the Taser was carried on the opposite side and drawn with the non-dominant hand.
Source →

Equipment Recommendations

  • Non-Dominant-Side Carry: For right-handed shooters, carry the Taser on the left hip or vest side; for left-handed shooters, reverse the sides.
  • Distinct Color Marking: All Tasers should be visually distinct. The Hogue HandALL Hybrid Grip Sleeve (yellow) provides a bright, unmistakable contrast that reinforces device identity during a high-stress moment.
    Hogue Grip Link →
  • Holster Choice — Serpa / Blackhawk Recommendation: Use a retention holster style (for example, Serpa/Blackhawk-style) configured for the non-dominant hand only.
    • Example: If an officer is right-handed and carries their firearm on the right hip, the Taser holster must be a left-hand configuration designed for left-hand draw and presentation only — and vice versa for left-handed officers.
    • These holsters typically require a rearward motion and a positive retention release before the device can be removed, not a straight-up pull like many firearm holsters.
    • That enforced difference in removal motion, combined with opposite-side placement, dramatically reduces the chance of an instinctive, straight-up draw grabbing the wrong device.
      Blackhawk Taser Holsters →
  • Uniform Standardization: Require the same holster orientation, draw method, and presentation routine across the agency so every officer’s movement is predictable.
  • Regular Training & Verification: Monthly equipment checks and supervised practice runs ensure compliance and build correct muscle memory.

Non-Dominant-Hand Draw Only — My Professional Recommendation

Non-Dominant-Hand Draw Only — My Professional Recommendation (updated opening)
As someone with 13 years of armed security experience and an Axon Taser Certified Instructor, with multiple real-world Taser draws under my belt, I strongly recommend that all law enforcement officers and armed security guards adopt a strict non-dominant-hand draw and presentation policy.

Here’s why:

  • During a fight-or-flight event, your dominant hand will automatically be used for gross-motor actions like drawing your firearm, striking, or defensive control.
  • Using your non-dominant hand for Taser deployment forces a unique, deliberate motion that keeps it physically and mentally separate from your firearm draw.
  • This method leverages gross-motor movement (which remains functional under stress) and prevents confusion between two similar-feeling devices.

In short:
Carry your Taser opposite your firearm, draw and present it only with your non-dominant hand, and train that motion until it’s instinctive.

  1. Lt. Col. Dave Grossman – Grossman Academy: grossmanacademy.com
  2. Alexis Artwohl, Ph.D. & Loren W. Christensen – Deadly Force Encounters Vol. I & II: alexisartwohl.com
  3. The Force Science Institute: forcescience.com

Policy & Training — Immediate Action Items

  1. Policy Language (deploy immediately):
    “All issued less-lethal devices (Tasers) will be carried on the officer/guard’s non-dominant side (belt or vest). All Tasers must be marked with agency-issued bright yellow identification. Only the non-dominant hand may perform the draw and presentation of the Taser. Cross-draw configurations for Tasers are prohibited. Any deviation requires written, mission-specific authorization.”
  2. Training Module (complete ASAP):
    • 1 – 2 hour classroom: physiology/psychology overview (Grossman, Artwohl/Christensen, Force Science).
    • 2 hours practical: gross-motor non-dominant draws, presentation drills, retention drills, and scenario stress inoculation.
    • 2 live-simulation: practice draws under movement/exertion to reinforce correct motor patterns.
  3. Supervisor Checklist: Confirm yellow markings, opposite-side placement, and appropriate retention holster (Serpa/Blackhawk style or equivalent). Document monthly practical checks.
  4. Use-of-Force Reporting: Require explicit documentation of which device was used, which hand performed the draw, and why — creating accountability and tracking compliance.

Practical FAQs

  • Q: What about left-handed officers? A: Apply the same rule in reverse — Taser goes to the opposite side of the dominant hand; draw is the non-dominant hand.
  • Q: Won’t switching cause temporary confusion? A: Require immediate training and supervised adoption. The short re-training period is a small price to prevent catastrophic mistakes.
  • Q: What if my duty belt or vest layout doesn’t allow it? A: Use a standard issue retention holster and adjust belt/vest loadout — safety takes priority over convenience.

Take the Next Step

Concealed Carry, Guide, Legal & Law, News, Self Defense

Which States Have a Duty to Retreat Before Using Deadly Force?

Mark Schneider

Self-defense laws in the United States differ from state to state, and one of the most misunderstood areas is the duty to retreat. This legal principle determines whether you must try to escape or avoid a confrontation before using deadly force — even if you’re facing danger.

While some states allow you to “stand your ground,” others legally require that you retreat, if it can be done safely, before using a firearm or deadly force. Understanding which rule applies in your state could mean the difference between a justified shooting and a criminal charge.

🧭 What Is the Duty to Retreat?

The duty to retreat means that before using deadly force, a person must make a reasonable effort to escape or avoid the threat if a safe path is available.

It doesn’t mean you have to run or put yourself in danger — but if a clear, safe way to withdraw exists, you must take it before resorting to deadly force.

By contrast, stand-your-ground laws remove that obligation, allowing a person to use deadly force if they reasonably believe it’s necessary to prevent death, serious injury, or certain violent felonies — even if escape was possible.

🗺️ States That Require a Duty to Retreat

As of 2025, the following states generally require retreat when safely possible, unless you’re inside your home (where the castle doctrine applies):

  • New York
  • New Jersey
  • Massachusetts
  • Maryland
  • Minnesota
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Maine
  • Hawaii
  • Nebraska – Active Legislation To Change To Stand Your Ground
  • Rhode Island

These are often referred to as duty-to-retreat states. Each has slightly different standards and exceptions — particularly regarding whether you’re in your home, workplace, or vehicle. In these jurisdictions, prosecutors and juries will scrutinize whether you could have safely disengaged or left the scene before using deadly force.

⚖️ States With Conditional or Limited Retreat Rules

A few states occupy a middle ground — they don’t impose a statutory duty to retreat, but courts may still consider whether retreat was possible when deciding if deadly force was reasonable.

Examples include:

  • California – No explicit duty to retreat, but prosecutors often argue that retreat was possible to challenge a self-defense claim.
  • Oregon & Washington – No formal duty, but the reasonableness of using deadly force can depend on whether retreat was an option.
  • Illinois & Iowa – Similar to California; retreat isn’t required by law, but it’s a factor in determining necessity.

🛡️ Stand-Your-Ground States

Most U.S. states — including Colorado, Texas, Florida, and Arizona — have no duty to retreat if you are lawfully present and not the initial aggressor.

Under these laws, you may use deadly force if you reasonably believe it’s necessary to prevent imminent death, serious bodily injury, or a violent felony. However, “no duty to retreat” does not mean “free license to shoot.” The threat must still be immediate, unavoidable, and proportionate.

🧩 How Duty to Retreat Affects Self-Defense Cases

When someone uses a firearm in self-defense, prosecutors and investigators will look at:

  • Was there a clear, safe route of escape?
  • Did the defender make any effort to de-escalate or withdraw?
  • Was the defender the initial aggressor?
  • Did the defender have a legal right to be there?
  • Was deadly force truly necessary, or was it a reaction born from anger or fear?

Even in stand-your-ground states, if you had a safe path to leave but chose to engage instead, it may still affect how your actions are judged in court or by a jury.

🧠 Key Takeaway

The difference between “stand your ground” and “duty to retreat” states is not about courage — it’s about legal strategy. If you carry a firearm, you need to understand exactly how your state defines self-defense, deadly force, and reasonableness.

When in doubt: if you can safely disengage, do it. Surviving the encounter is one thing — surviving the courtroom is another.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I use deadly force in a duty-to-retreat state without trying to escape?
You could face criminal charges, even if you believed you were defending yourself. The prosecution will argue that you had a reasonable opportunity to withdraw.

Do duty-to-retreat laws apply inside my home?
Usually not. Most states follow the castle doctrine, allowing you to defend yourself against intruders without a duty to retreat when inside your home.

Do I have to retreat if I’m at my business or workplace?
That depends on the state. Some extend castle doctrine protections to workplaces, while others do not. Always check your local laws.

If I’m in a car, do I have to retreat?
If you’re lawfully in your vehicle and cannot safely flee, deadly force may be justified. But if you can drive away safely, most duty-to-retreat states will expect you to do so.

Can I use a firearm in self-defense in a duty-to-retreat state?
Yes, but only as a last resort. You must reasonably believe deadly force is necessary and that no safe means of escape exists.

💼 Take the Next Step

  • 🛡️ Protect Yourself Legally — Compare coverage plans with our Self-Defense Insurance Guide to make sure you’re financially prepared for any legal aftermath.
  • 🎯 Get Certified — Enroll in our Colorado Concealed Carry Class to meet state training requirements and build confidence handling your firearm.
  • 🛒 Shop & Train — Visit our online shop for quality gear, holsters, and training aids, and check out our shooting drills to sharpen your defensive skills.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by state and may change over time. Always consult a qualified attorney licensed in your state for guidance on self-defense and use-of-force laws.