When can deadly force be justified according to the conditions for stopping a fleeing felon?

The justification for using deadly force in the context of stopping a fleeing felon is grounded in the potential threat posed by the suspect to others. Specifically, an officer can use deadly force when there is a reasonable belief that the suspect poses an immediate threat of death or serious bodily harm to the officer or to others nearby. This aligns with legal standards that prioritize the preservation of human life and dictate that the use of such force must be a last resort, used only when absolutely necessary to prevent greater harm.

In practice, this means that an officer must assess the situation and understand the risks involved based on the actions and behavior of the suspect. If a suspect is fleeing but is perceived to be posing a significant threat, it may warrant the use of deadly force to neutralize that threat. This principle helps ensure that law enforcement actions are both justified and proportionate to the circumstances encountered.