I really can't say what I would have done in that situation. I'll have to really thinK about that for a while. I believe you acted in the best interest of your family and that is the most important thing.

Here are a few things that I can immediately take away from the situation. These aren't necessarily directly related, but are some things that have been on my mind since reading.

1. My EDC every day carry gun is a smith bodyguard .380. 7 shots and not the gun I am most accurate with, but it's comfortable. My mindset is that it's better to carry a gun that I will actually want to put on my person every day instead of carrying my fullsize and leaving it in the truck. After reading the story, I am thinking about exploring more holster options and making my fullsize my EDC. 17 vs 7 plus fullsize accuracy could be the difference between life and death in an actual gunfight.

2. If you aren't carrying period, I suggest you start. I also suggest familiarizing yourself with your state's gun laws. Since I have made a point to become more gun law aware, it has amazed me the sheer amount of hear say and just blatant lies that surround gun laws. The majority of the population has no clue what their actial rights are. If you are in Alabama, I suggest looking up Bamacarry. Great group of knowledgeable straight forward guys who even have monthly chapter meetings in different parts of the state.

3. If you are carrying, good job. Here is the test though. If a guy wanting to harm you or your family was in your face right this very moment how long would it take or how hard would it be to get to your firearm. In our crazy world, it's almost impossible to make a decision on what situations and where you need to carry vs not carry. It's actually quite simple, always carry.  A gun on your night stand only helps you at night, a gun in a safe is useless, a gun in a glove box is useless, your gun in your truck while you are in the store is useless.

There are probably some more things I will think of later.  Overall, Good Job Wyatt. Don't get down on yourself thinking about the what ifs. You protected your family and gave the info to the authorities to help them do their job. That's how it should be.