On February 3, 1990, a Renton (Seattle area) man tried to commit a robbery. This was probably his first attempt, as suggested by his lack of a record of violent crime, and by his terminally stupid choice:

1. The target was H&J Leather & Firearms, a gunshop;

2. The shop was full of customers, in a state where a substantial fraction 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 King County 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.