So, for real, how does that work? Do you give the robber a check-list and ask him how far he intends to go with this robbery? Does he just plan to steal a “few” things, or does he plan to steal a bunch of stuff plus all the cash, and then pull out a gun to kill you before he leaves? How do you KNOW it will be “just” a property crime?
The guys had it good and clear if they had just left with the tip jar cash. The clerk was just going to let them go with it without a fuss. The guy who jumped the counter is the one who escalated it even further. At that point, the clerk was right to fear for his life.
Maybe the robbers will get the word and cross this spot off their list for future robberies.
Hope you're right, and that he can convince a jury of that. Otherwise, he might do some time, 'specially if the robber dies.