Back in and playing, and all looks well. However, I have a suggestion for the next update, based on what just happened to me.
Would it be possible if, during a combat situation, that there be a virtual "no crime" tunnel put between combatants. I was in the middle of a fire fight between myself and a wanted NPC, and a police vessel flew between us. I had no warning of this, and I accidentally hit him, which got me an instant bounty of 400CR and a "Wanted" notice. I know that this is not the real world, but in a real combat situation you do not cross a firing lane, and, if you are stupid enough to do so, you accept the consequences and move on.