Since he retired 20 years ago, Robert Rowe enjoys feeding stray cats. Each night after the late news he goes out on his rounds feeding homeless kitties at some eight to ten locations around town.

This night, according to the Dallas Morning News, Rowe is kneeling down petting one of the cats outside a Burger King when a guy vaults over a wooden fence. He’s got a gun and asks Rowe: "Do you know what’s happening, old man?"

Rowe knows a gun when he sees one, so he acknowledges, "Yes, I know what’s happening."

The gunman orders Rowe to "give it up."

I neglected to tell you that Robert Rowe is a retired cop from the Dallas Police Department where, for 26 years, he rode a beat dealing with scum like this guy.

Rowe says, "I’m reaching back, slowly, for my wallet. You okay with that?"

"Just do it, old man," says the nervous gunman.

Rowe has no intention of giving up his eight dollars. Instead he pulls the .40 caliber Glock semi-automatic pistol tucked under his belt in the small of his back.

Rowe comes out shooting. So does the bad guy. There’s a wild exchange of gunfire. Most of Rowe’s 15 rounds pepper a couple of telephone booths behind the bad guy who takes off like a scalded cat. Rowe is hit once in the fleshy part of the thigh. He’s not sure about the other guy.

The retired cop is treated at Baylor Medical Center where he’s able to point out the robber on another gurney, being treated for a gunshot wound on his right arm.

After Rowe learns how he riddled two phone booths he comments, "Maybe, after I feel a little better, I’ll spend some time out on the firing range."

Special note to concealed firearms permit holders: If you get in a tight spot, think first - don’t play "Quick Draw McGraw." See what can happen! Robert Rowe got lucky.