Oklahoma's "Make My Day" Law Now Protects Businesses

Jennifer Pierce, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma's Governor has signed a bill into law that gives business owners and employees the right to protect themselves.

It's an extension of the "Make My Day" Law, which allows homeowners to use deadly force against intruders.

A former state lawmaker and attorney says the new law protects business owners and employees from criminal charges if they use deadly force.

"They are not going to question if you are acting reasonably. You have the right to shoot and use deadly force to defend yourself," said former state representative Kevin Calvey.

The expansion of the "Make My Day" Law was passed after the botched robbery of the Reliable Discount Pharmacy. Pharmacist Jerome Ersland is charged with first-degree murder for the shooting death of would-be robber Antwun Parker.

Calvey said things may have been different if this law had been in effect at the time of the shooting.

"If the law had been in place prior to that time then it would have been presumed he was acting reasonably," said Calvey.

Business owners are glad the "Make My Day" Law is going a step further.

"We need to be protected, too," said the owner of a Northeast Oklahoma City convenience store.

Tauquer Minhas admits to keeping a gun when he is on duty and says he would use it if he felt his life was being threatened.

"It's not good shooting somebody, but if you got no choice, you got to do it," said Minhas.