I am not defending the guy carrying the airsoft gun, but it sounds like the woman and the police jumped to conclusions that may or may have not been the proper conclusions. If someone reads this article, it could be their thinking/belief that if/when anyone sees someone carrying a firearm, it is open season on the that person with the firearm and there won't be any action taken against the person that takes them down.
http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2013/08/09/police-aliquippa-woman-thwarts-robbery-by-running-over-suspect/
Police: Aliquippa Woman Thwarts Robbery By Running Over Suspect
August 9, 2013 2:49 PM
http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2013/08/09/police-aliquippa-woman-thwarts-robbery-by-running-over-suspect/
Police: Aliquippa Woman Thwarts Robbery By Running Over Suspect
August 9, 2013 2:49 PM