3 February 1990, Washington
A man tried to commit a robbery in Renton, WA. This was probably his first
attempt, as suggested by the fact that he had no previous record of violent
crime, and by his terminally stupid choices as listed below:
1. The target was H&J Leather & Firearms, a gun shop.
2. The shop was full of customers, in a state where a substantial portion of
the adult population is licensed to carry concealed handguns in public places.
3. To enter the shop, he had to step around a marked Police patrol car parked
at the front door.
4. An officer in uniform was standing next to the counter, having coffee before
reporting to duty.
Upon seeing the officer, the would-be robber announced a holdup and fired a few
wild shots. The officer and a clerk promptly returned fire, removing him from
the gene pool. Several other customers also drew their guns, but didn’t fire.
No one else was hurt
