having the presence of mind is the important factor...possibly being a combat vet...yea...could be retired LE, or just plain ole not afraid to defend himself.
these three thugs would have willingly slain this man, during the commission of this crime, had he not had presence of mind to defend himself, and more than likely, been give a pass by courts due to their age and ethnicity.
our legislators especially here in California have forgotten, or choose to neglect, that we do have a right to, lawfully, defend ourselves...and especially when out numbered by thugs such as theses.
i'd daresay most 71 year-olds are not able to go toe-to-toe with most aggressors and be successful in defending themselves without a firearm.