8stars, thank you for your spot-on comment.  As the thief was fleeing, the clerk's life was not in danger, nor was there any indication any other life was in danger, but the clerk could easily have hit an innocent bystander with the shot that missed.  Bullets travel a long way, which is why NRA safety rules include "Know your target and what is beyond."  Populated areas have lots of potential unintended targets.  

Incidents like this, and the failure of many to recognize the danger, contribute to people thinking about who should be allowed to have guns, and wanting stricter gun control laws.  Those who don't think there should be tighter controls on firearms would do well to speak out against their reckless use.

Meanwhile, maybe social media can help police catch this thief, and aid in his prosecution.