Which of the following is NOT a listed permissible reason for using deadly force?

• A. If the suspect is resisting with physical force or has capacity to use deadly force
• B. To defend against imminent deadly force
• C. Suppress a riot if rioter is armed with a deadly weapon
• D. To arrest a fleeing suspect who is unarmed

Answer: (D)

Deadly force is allowed only when there is an imminent threat to life or serious bodily harm, or to stop a suspect who is armed and poses that threat, or to protect others in extreme danger. Using lethal force to arrest a fleeing suspect who is unarmed does not meet that high threat standard, because the immediate danger to the officer or others is not present and there are typically safer, non-lethal options or pursuit methods available. The other scenarios describe situations where an imminent deadly threat exists or where danger to others is clear, which justifies using deadly force.