U.S. Capitol Officer's Badge, Gun Stolen?

This is another one of those news stories that makes me go... huh?

This is from NBC4.com:

U.S. Capitol Officer's Badge, Gun Stolen

LAUREL, Md. -- Some criminals have a gun and a badge that belong to an officer who is assigned to protect the Capitol.

A couple of goblins now have an officers gun and badge, that is double trouble. So how did they steal his firearm and his badge? Did they break into his home, or his vehicle?

No, they "acquired" them during a robbery:

Police said two robbers stole the badge and handgun during a liquor store robbery at the Roundabout Fine Wine and Spirits in Laurel, Md., Friday night.

This is the part that just befuddles me:

The armed criminals walked in, held up the cashier and then noticed a U.S. Capitol police captain who happened to be there.

Investigators said they took his badge and gun and then ran away.

The goblins held up the cashier, then noticed the officer? What the heck was he doing?

An individual who is employing even the slightest bit of situational awareness should have been able to identify the goblins and their intent, acquire cover, and prepare to gain control of the situation. The community would have been better served if this officer had just curled up on the floor and hidden behind a wine rack.

Maintaining a heightened sense of awareness is something I have to work on every day. There are times when I catch myself slipping (my early morning commute into work for instance) and have to make a conscious effort to pay better attention to my surroundings. That being said, there are certain places that have an inherent risk and require a heightened awareness. The 24 hour stop and robs, and liquor stores are two prime examples.

If this news article is accurate, and the goblins commenced the robbery prior to noticing the officer, then this officer is negligent and is deserving of discipline.

Contrast the outcome of this situation involving a "highly trained" police officer, and that of the situation involving the civilian, commissioner Lambert of Tennessee. Which of these two individuals did the public a better service?

Thanks to David over at The War on Guns for pointing out this article.