TAMPA, Fla. (AP) _ Lawyers for a tow company owner who claims he fatally shot a man in self-defense are dropping their effort to invoke Florida’s “stand your ground” law.
The Tampa Tribune (http://bit.ly/zRJVn7 ) reported Tuesday that Donald Montanez is still contending that he fired in self-defense when Glen “Chuck” Rich attempted to drive away in his wife’s car, which Montanez’s employees had towed in January 2006. Montanez claimed Rich drove the car at him and his employees.
Montanez’s attorneys dropped the “stand your ground” defense after unsuccessfully trying to have the case dismissed on those grounds.
The 2005 law says a person can use deadly force if he feels threatened with death or great bodily harm.
Montanez’s trial continues Wednesday in Tampa.
