Really? Where I live, cops only shoot if necessary, and someone getting away is not a valid reason.

Maybe in some very extreme case they would, but it is better that someone escapes custody than someone (including the suspect dying).

Then again, just a cop drawing a weapon or firing a weapon usually makes the news.

So you're saying that, in your region, it's possible to have a warrant (say, for failure to appear at your unpaid-ticket trial) and avoid jail by... running away? Indefinitely?

They won't arrest you the next chance they get (say, when your plate shows up on a scanner)?

I'd propose that avoiding jail indefinitely will eventually lead to violence in any halfway-organized jurisdiction. And if you start shooting, eventually the government will shoot back.

All over a driving misdemeanor. We just assume that reasonable people won't let these things escalate that far, but yes: Every law written is ultimately enforced by a man (or woman) with a gun.

If we’re arguing technicalities, a gun is not strictly speaking required. If it’s you against 20 cops they can just physically subdue you and throw you in jail. At no point they even need to threaten to shoot you. So a threat of physical force - yes. Actual guns and deadly force - not in every situation.

They will shoot you to defend themselves and others if necessary. But not to prevent you from escaping. They will overpower you if they get the chance.

Bottom line: If you are not a danger to anyone, they will let you escape rather than kill anyone (including you), even if it means you are never brought to justice.

It makes a lot of sense, if you don't have a revenge based justice system.