CAN ROBBERS BE DISHONEST ??

ST. PETERSBURG, Florida - Authorities say a would-be victim pulled
a gun and shot a man who tried to rob him in a restaurant parking lot in St. Petersburg.

St. Petersburg police say the incident happened about 10:30 p.m. Sunday
in the Applebee's parking lot located on 4th Street North.

Police say Raven Smith and Lesley Tanner were exiting their vehicle
to go into the restaurant when 17-year-old Anthony Hauser, wearing a ski mask
and armed with a handgun, confronted Tanner.

Smith -- who possesses a concealed weapons license-- drew his own handgun
and fired at the suspect multiple times.

Hauser was struck four times and yelled at Smith to stop shooting.
He pulled the mask off his face and claimed the gun he was holding
was a "fake." [The FIBBER!!]
Investigators later learned Hauser's gun was actually a fully loaded
and operational 25 cal. auto.

After the shooting, Smith flagged down an officer passing in the area
and Hauser was transported to Bayfront Medical Center, where he underwent surgery.

Although in serious condition, at last report Hauser is expected to survive his wounds.

No charges are pending against Smith, who was acting in defense of Tanner and himself.

Police say Hauser will be charged with two counts of attempted armed robbery.

[All emfasis and red text has been added by David.]