MINNEAPOLIS– Whether law allows storeowners to defend their place of business in an attack varies from state to state. In Minnesota it’s a duty of a citizen to back away from confrontation if possible. This would seem to apply in the Cadillac Pawn case in which pawnbroker John Rieple was arrested for a shooting death outside his store while it was being looted. Although Minnesota has a so-called “castle law,” which allows deadly force against an intruder in a person’s home, the law is silent on whether “home” includes a business. There are states with “stand your ground” laws that permit deadly force in or a person’s of home. But not Minnesota.
Earlier: Pawn broker released from jail