I've said this before to a few people. I'll say it here. If in doubt, error to the side of cowardice. Tough guys get convicted or killed.

Leave the store, call the cops, give them an amazing description of the retard, and then do a street ID for them. Then, go testify against the retard.

Cowardice, BTW, is fear in the face of danger or pain. Victim's fear is a required element of brandishing and the various assaults. Battery takes physical damage, so you don't have to technically fear it but you do have to take an ass whoopin.

I'll take cowardice over an ass whoopin any day.