In Germany a few years ago, police shot a fleeing non-violent weed dealer in the back of the head, instantly killing him. It was in a residential area, and the bullet flew right past a playing kid, iirc.

It was ruled a good shooting, as it would not be acceptable for the public safety to risk that he might have gotten away.

Perhaps, people who are in “fear” of everything, even as someone flees, should not have access to any kind of weapon, or sharp or long objects, for that matter. They should wear mittens.