# Alan Ritchson (Reacher) beats up neighbor **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** actor-characters\ **Created:** [March 24, 2026, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alan-ritchson-reacher-beats-up-neighbor/1028731 "2026-03-24T14:52:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![We\_re\_wolves\_not\_werewolves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/838e76/32.png) [@We\_re\_wolves\_not\_werewolves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/We_re_wolves_not_werewolves)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2026, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alan-ritchson-reacher-beats-up-neighbor/1028731/81 "2026-03-27T20:00:17Z")
> [@wolfpup](#): > > you’re entitled to use “reasonable force” to defend yourself correct, and this is the standard you will find in most jurisdictions > [@wolfpup](#): > > generally defined as the **minimum force** necessary in the circumstances of any given threat. no, it is generally not defined this way. It’s usually defined using some type of proportionality language, i.e. the force used in defense needs to be proportional to the threat > [@wolfpup](#): > > But in Tennessee, where **[you’re allowed to blow someone’s head off](https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/title-39/chapter-11/part-6/section-39-11-611/)** if you feel threatened by them, you’re quoting a statute that actually only allows that if “_The person has a reasonable belief that there is an imminent danger of death, serious bodily injury, or grave sexual abuse_“, so again, here is the proportionality requirement, not just if you feel “threatened”, unless by that you mean the threat of the above. And FWIW, the statute also requires that your belief be objective and reasonable. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2026, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alan-ritchson-reacher-beats-up-neighbor/1028731/82 "2026-03-27T20:15:50Z")
> [@We\_re\_wolves\_not\_werewolves](#): > > > [@wolfpup](#): > > > > generally defined as the **minimum force** necessary in the circumstances of any given threat. > > no, it is generally not defined this way. It’s usually defined using some type of proportionality language, i.e. the force used in defense needs to be proportional to the threat You’re correct, “minimum force” was my paraphrase of the rule that defensive force must be proportional to the threat and not excessive. This is much more rigidly interpreted in Canada than in the US where in some states you can literally shoot and kill an intruder and get away with it – or, as in the Zimmerman case, even when it’s not an intruder and just a guy on the street. I’m influenced here by the norms of a civilized society, such as reflected in the laws of a great many countries that are not the US. Note the first paragraph here – this seems to me to be precisely what Ritchson did **not** do > Protection needs to be your goal, not revenge. If the danger has already passed and you chase after the person, you’ve crossed the line from self-defense to something else entirely. You should think about keeping yourself safe instead of teaching someone a lesson. > > The courts normally look at different things in these cases. As a general rule, they see how serious the threat was and what other options you might have had at the time - each situation is different, and what makes sense changes from one case to another. > [What is "Reasonable Force" Under Canadian Self-Defense Laws? - Byrna Canada](https://byrna.ca/blogs/byrna-nation/reasonable-force-canadian-laws?srsltid=AfmBOopRLMcoJmbLUA2aPZumeXfRLa24YDAgK_cvDqHXMUO723KpYqqD) ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2026, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alan-ritchson-reacher-beats-up-neighbor/1028731/83 "2026-03-27T20:22:43Z")
The danger hadn’t passed. It’s not over until the threat is gone or clearly no longer willing to fight. And you’re still not accepting what happens to a human being’s state of mind when they are attacked. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2026, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alan-ritchson-reacher-beats-up-neighbor/1028731/84 "2026-03-27T20:30:20Z")
I don’t see Ritchson getting charged here even under Canadian self-defense laws. ---
**Author:** ![chela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chela/32/21582_2.png) [@chela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chela)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2026, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alan-ritchson-reacher-beats-up-neighbor/1028731/85 "2026-03-27T20:31:35Z")
One of those dudes has openly discussed his mental health struggles and his use of testosterone replacement therapy with performance enhancing drugs. The boys on bikes behind him looked frozen in fear. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2026, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alan-ritchson-reacher-beats-up-neighbor/1028731/86 "2026-03-27T20:42:46Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > The danger hadn’t passed. It’s not over until the threat is gone or clearly no longer willing to fight. And you’re still not accepting what happens to a human being’s state of mind when they are attacked. First, while “state of mind” might be a factor entering into a court’s deliberations in a self-defense claim, it has never been – and should never be – an acceptable justification for excessive force. Second, do you seriously believe that this gorilla was in fear of Taylor? I might be wrong but sure seems pretty clear to me that Ritchson’s “state of mind” was pure vengeful rage. ---
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2026, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alan-ritchson-reacher-beats-up-neighbor/1028731/87 "2026-03-27T20:54:15Z")
He was attacked by a stranger in front of his kids. Of course he was afraid! Angry too, I’m sure, but that doesn’t negate fear. The force he used was pretty damn minimal. He could have killed the guy, all he did was make damn sure the threat was over. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2026, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alan-ritchson-reacher-beats-up-neighbor/1028731/88 "2026-03-27T20:56:58Z")
> [@chela](#): > > The boys on bikes behind him looked frozen in fear. I’d be terrified if a psychopath attacked my dad, too. Wouldn’t you? ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2026, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alan-ritchson-reacher-beats-up-neighbor/1028731/89 "2026-03-27T21:04:13Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > He could have killed the guy Is that what @Miller meant by “restraint”? > [@Miller](#): > > That’s showing an admirable restraint in the circumstances. OK, I’m done here, you guys carry on if you want. I just think there was a whole lot of immature testosterone-fueled unnecessary violence on the part of both assholes, and a terrible example for the kids. The motorcycle noise was either legal or it wasn’t. If it was legal, suck it up, move, or take it to the city council. If it wasn’t legal, call the police. Taking the law into your own hands is vigilantism, which rarely leads to positive outcomes. But beating up the vigilante just compounds the problem. > [@Miller](#): > > I don’t see Ritchson getting charged here even under Canadian self-defense laws. I can’t say for sure, but I’m fairly confident that both men would have been charged just for the street brawling, if nothing else, but probably also assault for both of them. ---
**Author:** ![Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eyebrows_0f_doom/32/3119_2.png) [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eyebrows_0f_Doom)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2026, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alan-ritchson-reacher-beats-up-neighbor/1028731/90 "2026-03-27T21:11:48Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > There’s nothing more miserable than having my peaceful morning ruined by kids on small, loud motorcycles ripping up and down the street. Over and over again. For hours! > [@aceplace57](#): > > It’s the kids that rip up and down the same streets over and over that creates a dangerous situation for anyone else walking or driving on the street. I find the noise is unbearable over a long period of time. > [@aceplace57](#): > > I’ve noticed there’s less kids on motorbikes lately. They’re inside somewhere playing video games. > > My neighborhood had a wooded area where the kids rode motocross bikes. They also rode up and down our neighborhood streets. I guess their parents told them not to leave the neighborhood. The main city streets are 6 lane and too much heavy traffic for kids on small motorcycles. > > That was over 20 years ago. I rarely see kids outside and riding unsupervised anymore. 🤔 🤔 So is this a daily nuisance that constantly ruins your day, or something you haven’t seen for 20 years? ---
**Author:** ![chela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chela/32/21582_2.png) [@chela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chela)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2026, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alan-ritchson-reacher-beats-up-neighbor/1028731/91 "2026-03-27T21:14:14Z")
Dads losing his shit again let’s stay out of his way. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2026, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alan-ritchson-reacher-beats-up-neighbor/1028731/92 "2026-03-27T21:44:02Z")
Moderating: > [@wolfpup](#): > > > [@iiandyiiii](#): > > > > He could have killed the guy > > Is that what @Miller meant by “restraint”? This is a very misleading edit of > [@iiandyiiii](#): > > He was attacked by a stranger in front of his kids. Of course he was afraid! Angry too, I’m sure, but that doesn’t negate fear. The force he used was pretty damn minimal. He could have killed the guy, all he did was make damn sure the threat was over. Misleading clips of other posters are strictly forbidden. No warning this time, but please be more careful going forward. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2026, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alan-ritchson-reacher-beats-up-neighbor/1028731/93 "2026-03-27T22:48:35Z")
> [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](#): > > So is this a daily nuisance that constantly ruins your day, or something you haven’t seen for 20 years? It used to be almost daily. Thankfully the young kids eventually grew up and moved away. It was a rough 8 to 10 years. It’s pretty quiet now. There’s a couple neighbors that ride motorcycles but they’re just leaving for work. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [March 27, 2026, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alan-ritchson-reacher-beats-up-neighbor/1028731/94 "2026-03-27T23:50:37Z")
It’s a bit misleading to say you “can blow someone’s head off” You have to believe you are in eminent danger of death or serious harm. Cannot be the aggressor. Granted there are too many stupid people who are armed. If you kill someone, no matter why, you will be in deep doo-doo. ---
**Author:** ![BlankSlate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blankslate/32/80_2.png) [@BlankSlate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlankSlate)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2026, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alan-ritchson-reacher-beats-up-neighbor/1028731/95 "2026-03-28T00:22:24Z")
Reacher would have head butted the guy and then broken both of his arms to neutralize the threat. So really, the agressor got off easy. ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2026, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alan-ritchson-reacher-beats-up-neighbor/1028731/96 "2026-03-28T03:53:08Z")
Many years ago an Australian professional boxer ended up in court for hitting 3 guys, putting 2 in hospital with facial fractures. He had been having lunch with a friend at a quite ritzy hotel in Sydney. As they were leaving he was delayed by someone and his friend continued on. As he caught up to his friend he saw that he was involved in an argument with 3 other guys. As he approached they began to assault his friend so he intervened and struck each of the assailants. Because he was a professional boxer he was charged. The judge dismissed the charges on the basis that the boxer had shown admirable restraint in striking each of the assailants only a single time. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2026, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alan-ritchson-reacher-beats-up-neighbor/1028731/97 "2026-03-28T12:22:23Z")
One and done. When you’re that good, you’re that good. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alan-ritchson-reacher-beats-up-neighbor/1028731.md?page=4)