Depending on the circumstances, you betcha.
Stealing something that substantial in the presence of the owner is in itself a violent act. It's in effect daring him to "do something about it," with the implication that he won't dare, for fear of violence from the criminal.
When you add to it the open, verbal and physical defiance--and bear in mind, this is the middle of the night, and it's a gang that has been defying him. That means the owner has to assume they could do him harm or kill him. And the kid is still there, challenging him and refusing to go away.
I'd say, when you play "games" like that, you're obviously not just a criminal, you're a psycho, and there's no telling what you'll do. In that situation, I'd say be safe and eliminate the threat. Sorry, it sucks to be a feral criminal, no matter what your age.
In the old days there were groups formed to go after horse thieves.
The had little use for trials for those that were caught.