[Tinner666]

This "Honestly, chances are, if you just draw a weapon, a lot of criminals will just take off at a run, those that don't will probably run if you shoot one of them", has been my experience. Get the one in front and the others tend to turn tail. Thugs aren't known for true bravery.
That's why two 6'8" thugs will attack an 89 y.o. woman with a walker instead of a policeman, fireman, person doing OC, or somebody that looks to be their own size.