Under what circumstance can deadly force be employed related to a known criminal?

The correct circumstance under which deadly force can be employed related to a known criminal is when it is utilized to prevent their escape after committing a serious crime. This principle is grounded in the law enforcement use of force continuum and is particularly applicable in situations where a suspect poses an immediate threat to the safety of others or is trying to evade justice after committing a violent act.

Deadly force is considered a last resort and is only acceptable when there is a clear and imminent danger. When an individual has committed a serious crime—especially one that could result in significant harm to others, such as a violent felony—officers may be justified in using deadly force to prevent that individual's escape. This is based on the understanding that if the suspect escapes, they could continue to pose a threat to public safety, potentially committing further violent acts or evading capture altogether.

In contrast, the other options lack the necessary criteria to justify the use of deadly force as definitively. For example, merely suspecting someone of a crime does not establish the level of threat or immediacy required for lethal force. Similarly, resisting arrest may not constitute a life-threatening situation, and threats against law enforcement must be demonstrably serious before escalating to deadly force. The focus is always on the necessity