WileyKy. I can sure understand your position on shooting a kid. At one point in my life I had the same feelings, I would do nothing intentionally to harm a "child." My first face to face meeting with children who kill took place in 1964 just south of Nha Trang VIet Nam. My chopper had been sent to pick up several POWs, When we landed and I came face to face with a bunch of women and children I could not beleive my eyes. Some of the kids were 10-12 years old, but were already seasoned combat troops who had taken the lives of Americans. I had a change of heart, I didn't like it, but found it necessary to fire on women and children several times while attempting pick-ups during the remainder of my tour. If they were shooting at me, I shot back.
Many of the kids out there on the streets of America are seasoned thugs, and will take your life in a minute. Don't let the tender age fool you, a gun in a youngsters hands is likely more dangerous than in an adult. They are often hopped up on drugs, and will kill you for a twenty dollar bill, life to most of them is cheap. They have no respect for authority, for themselves, or for you. Your wallet is simply a way to their means, and they will take it at any cost.
I have prepared myself for such a situation, and if armed, there will be no trial. (Maybe mine, but I can deal with that.)
I am glad you are alive and well, I hope you can find your way to take any action necessary to protrect yourself if this ever happens again. And remember, you could have had your wife and/or child with you, what then, would you shoot to protect them?