I’ve lived in DC for a total of five years in the last seventeen and only recently left the city. It’s much safer than it used to be (and a lot less dangerous than many people think). However, crime does happen. I’m not sure if the approach taken by this group was the smartest or safest but it was certainly gutsy and unique (and, thankfully, successful). Basic story: Hooded man with gun enters a patio where some people are enjoying some post-dinner wine and cheese and points a gun at one of them (a 15 year girl). One of them suggests he put his gun down and join them for a glass of wine. He does, enjoys his wine and camembert, apologizes, and then asks for a group hug. Then he leaves without taking anything (except his glass of wine). Which just goes to show, there’s no problem that can’t be solved by some good wine and cheese.
Update: Since the internet works at lightening speed, this story is already part of an online quiz, namely the Scooby Doo: Ripped From the Headlines quiz on Mental Floss. It gives you ten stories and asks which are real and which are from an episode of Scooby Doo. I got 80% (not sure if that is actually a good thing). I guess I deserve some Scooby Snacks. Or a ginormous sandwich.
