samrothstein01
Master
Legally speaking, he'd be fair game pursuant to IC 35-41-3-2 (he has a gun so we assume imminent serious bodily injury, and he's committing a forceable felony).
So, the question is whether or not it would be wise or advantagous to engage. That, as said above, depends on the circumstances.
Here's a link to an interesting article for some perspective:
Commentary by Evan Marshall <= linky
That is really interesting read. I understand and completely agree that it is likely not to be portrayed as heroic and it will most likely result in years of legal and finacial burden, but I am not certain I can put a price on someones life. Obviously, and I think most of us would agree, avoiding this situation all together is the optimal end game.
The good news is that there are also many cases that the indivdual who did step up was noticed for having done such and was released from liability. I can't find the post right now, but there was a recent one, I think in Indy where a mother and her child (infant) were being held at gun point, and a bystander killed the assailant. No charges were filed, the lady was praising him for saving her and her child. Now, the assailant's family may have sued...but that is expected I suppose in this day and age.