Under Tennessee v. Garner, which condition justifies the use of deadly force against a fleeing suspect?

• A. The pursuit is a minor traffic violation
• B. The suspect screams for help
• C. The suspect is armed and dangerous
• D. The suspect is suspected of a nonviolent offense

Answer: (C)

Deadly force to stop a fleeing suspect is allowed only when there is probable cause to believe the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious bodily harm to the officer or others. Being armed and dangerous provides that credible threat, which is why this scenario justifies using deadly force. The other situations do not demonstrate an imminent risk of serious harm (a minor traffic violation, a scream for help, or involvement in a nonviolent offense), so they do not meet the standard. In practice, officers must assess the totality of circumstances and act reasonably, but the presence of an armed and dangerous suspect fits the required threat criterion.