Many lessons in this unfortunate happening:

We live in a very complex society, and we must constantly be adapting our “instinctive” behavior to the broader milieu.

Obviously, it was wrong for the kids to steal the tip jar. Could have been a simple “knee jerk” reaction on their part–the money was lying there waiting to be grabbed. These kids could have been friends of one of the counter workers and pulled this as a prank. I’d be surprised if either of them would have planned to kill someone for the cash. In the heat of the chase, however, people do strange things without considering consequences.

Roger’s knee-jerk reaction is also understandable, considering that he was also a business owner. I don’t know if Roger would have had a tip jar on the counter at the Holiday Inn, but if he did, I suspect he would have instructed his managers not to put their lives in danger defending it.

One lesson here (note: I am also a “Type A” and might not have acted so sensibly under the pressure of the moment): The kids are now responsible for a murder. Yes, they started it. But initiating the “citizen’s arrest” tactics escalated it to a much higher level. We can’t depend on our minds to process all this on the spur of the moment, so that’s why we have to think these things through carefully whenever we read about such incidents. And that’s why police officers have to go through so much training before hitting the streets. It’s much more than just learning how to handle a gun. It’s about learning how to assess situations instantly, using highly trained instincts that take myriad circumstances into account in a flash.

The reaction of the “concealed carry” reader is shocking (but it shouldn’t be, considering the range of mentalities out there today.) If he had been in the store and pulled his weapon, would he have first ordered them to “halt” before shooting at them? If he shot at them, what about the danger to other customers in the store (all over a $5 bill!) or even to the property? (How much does it cost to replace a plate glass window?) If he had killed one of them and then found it was just a childish prank, how many lives would have been damaged (including his own)?

I doubt that the Starbucks manager would put the cash register drawer on the counter within reach of customers. Lesson for management: Walk the place frequently and look for “accidents waiting to happen.” Money can’t be left on the counter; wet floors cause people to slip and fall (and sue); exit doors can’t be blocked; etc. It’s all part of the public safety responsibility of business owners.

The police would probably not have given pursuit–or followed up in any way other than the filing of a report. Not because they’re lazy, but think of the sheer expense that would be required to search and capture these petty thieves. Not to mention the lives potentially put in danger in the process. And, if caught, the expenses related to bringing them to court would also mount far out of proportion to the crime or its punishment. If the incident was just a random “lark,” the kids may never do anything like that again. But, emboldened by pulling this one off, they may just try something again. And if they eventually get involved in something more serious, then go after them appropriately. Some will say that the next time they may try holding up a gas station employee, and perhaps even shoot her. Perhaps. That’s conjecture. But the reality is that this time someone was kileed. I know we all like “instant gratification,” but with some moderation, please.

If the kids had gotten away with the cash without anyone chasing them, there would have been no story in the Post Dispatch. It’s a non-issue, as most journalists would see it. There are incidents of petty shoplifting going on everywhere each day–not material for the newspaper.

Will we learn anything from this unfortunate chain of events? Will we take the time to discuss all of the ramifications with our spouses, our children, our employees? Will we take this opporltunity to fine-tune our instincts so that we’re in a better position to react (or not react) if we ever find ourselves in a similar situation? If not, we’ve wasted a wonderful opportunity.

Now that he has died will the perps be charged only with vehicular manslaughter like Leonard Little which warrants little or no jail time? Or will it be a more serious charge? Common sense tells it should be a much more serious charge. Vehicular manslaugter penalties should be a lot harder anyway.

Oh no! I was horrified to see the news this morning - I was hoping this man would pull through. What a waste, what a horrible situation. Thinking about a comment that was posted earlier, about these thieves not being career criminals, and more likely just stupid kids - and I agree - they certainly don’t seem like murderers, and they may not have meant to run this man over or were planning on killing anyone who got in the way of their $5 jar.

BUT, even giving these monstrous kids the benefit of the doubt and assuming they just panicked and ran him down in their rush to get away doesn’t explain their most troubling action, or lack thereof. Whether or not they meant to do it, nothing changes the fact that they sure as hell knew they ran over Mr. Kreutz, and they heartlessly drove off to avoid getting caught. If they had any conscience in them at all, they would have stopped to see if he was okay, at the very least. Instead, they drove off and left this man for dead. We can only hope now that they turn themselves in or that they are caught. Again, if they have any shred of humanity left, they’ll go to the authorities before they are dragged in.

Is it worth dying for a tip jar? Let them have it and let the police catch them later. This is similar to the people who refuse to give up their purse or wallet and would rather get shot instead. How much is a trivial amount of money worth compared to your life? Let them have it and live to see another day.

Audrey, I tried to tell you this privately, but your e-mail address won’t work. Your post is out of line. The terms here are that we’re not doing personal attacks. Your comments about this man — who is now dead — fall in that category. That’s why I keep deleting them.

hey audrey why don’t you chill out?! Maybe he would have chased after a “big black guy”, how do you know? Did you know him personally? He knew all those employees, he saw them getting ripped off and he wanted to help. I guess you would have let those kids run by you and say “oh well” and go back to drinking your coffee? He was trying to be nice, not stupid.

Where’s a Concealed Carry holder when you need one.

Is this a tragedy, yes. 3 lives and as many families are in ruins. Roger would have been more safe to not chase the kids. It would have been safer to get their info and call the police.

But, he stood up and took action. Roger Kreutz was willing to put himself at risk and get involved. He had courage to “do something” and not just stand by while someone else made a violation against his community. He is a hero. He is an example of a spirit that we all need to have in order to help each other.

Since authorities inform citizens not to get involved in such matter, I would have considered getting the license plate. However as citizens we strive to take initiatives for the sake of our communities. The fact that the two heartless individuals never considered that Rogeer Kruetz was also someone’s father, son, brother, uncle, and more important a HUMAN BEING make me so angry. I will keep the entire Kruetz family in my prayer.

Commented by Dee

The amount isn’t the point.

“All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”

In this case a good man did something. He shouldn’t be ripped for that. The only blame here is on the wrong doers.