Posted by Gas buyer, a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood, on Jan 8, 2008 at 7:21 pm
If I knew, or even had an inkling, that the gas station attendant had a weapon behind the counter, whether or not he knew how to use it, I would not buy my gas there. The likelihood is that it would be an innocent bystander or the attendant themself that would be the most likely to be hurt by that gun.
Posted by qq, a resident of the Barron Park neighborhood, on Jan 8, 2008 at 10:49 pm
As anyone who has worked this kind of job knows, you are *trained* to not resist and just comply. The training teaches you that the money and the items are not worth your life. You are to note the details of the robber and call 911 once you feel safe.
As the economy continues to sink lower we will see more of these events.
Posted by Anonymous, a resident of Menlo Park, on Jan 9, 2008 at 6:35 am
A gun behind the counter sounds good to me. Once you submit to the criminal, you don't know if they will rob you or also try to kill you. Better safe than sorry, and employees should the option to fight back. It's their life -- not the company's or the government's. Yes, I would buy gas there..
Posted by C me around, a resident of the Ventura neighborhood, on Jan 18, 2008 at 11:26 pm
I noticed those guys as I drove past them that night. The next day I read about the robbery.
They looked the part, dressed in dark clothing and had the hoods up on the sweatshirt, pacing a bit. I gave them the benefit in my mind at the time, just another person waiting for the bus there, I thought.....
I feel sorry for the attendant. I was robbed once and it was a terrifying experience.
Those desparados obviously have watched to much tv, played too many violent videos or heard tooo many stories, boastings from people who probably claimed to get away with similar stick ups.
They are too dim witted to realize the REALITY that for just $200 each (the split after the take), they are going to be spending at least five years (+) each in prison. There, they can brag..(yeah, right.) They will be laughed at and end up being someone's bitc~.
Reality check...time to talk with ANY youngsters you know and try to relate to them how this world works...and please, give them some hope.....Thanks.
AND continue to buy gas from Jim Davis. He's a great guy.