It is a fact that many use the tactic,either at the door,or in Parking lots.
I worked with Police who told me what to watch for. Vans that have sliding doors. The person gets out,tries to get your attention,getting close enough to mug you.
This happened to me in an almost deserted Lowe’s parking lot. I saw him slide out of the side door of the Van. He yelled hey at me. I was close to my car,unlocked it,jumped in, he had yelled hey again. By that time he was standing in front of my car. I put the car in Drive. He jumped sideways.
After,I called the Police. They asked me why I did not call them. Duh.
If he had caught me he would have lost an eye, thanks to the car key in my hand. Police taught me that,too

Do not be squeamish.
None of us know what the true story is. Why was his wife screaming?