This one is a real difficult one to call. 15 people crowding around but only one throwing punches? After getting punched to the ground are you going to be physically able to draw? Are you going to be able aim at the true threat among all those bodies? (Yes, I am presuming that being beaten to the ground is an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury, even to an otherwise healthy individual.)
The problem with chirping about situational awareness is that if one were situationally aware one would have attempted to cross the street or reverse direction and remain ahead of the crowd. In either case the ferals win, and I find that unacceptable. We should not have to give them control of the street. But aside from preemptively mowing down every group of more than two that walks towards me (and being ready to do the same to any one or two coming my way) I just do not know how to keep them from winning by default.
What I would like to know is why, if there was survelience video available, the VCUPD/RPD was not watching the monitors and dispatching patrols when the large group was first spotted. Yes, that's profiling. That's what crime prevention does - identify potential threats and then monitor them. It may not stop anything from being started but it could put help closer once the rodeo commences. (Yes, that was in fact a rhetorical question - when you need the cops they are only minutes away and SCOTUS said they have no duty to protect any specific individual.)
stay safe.
