The guy is 82 years old, as far as the drink, if you listen to the 911 call it seems that being helpless, Pelosi was just trying to normalize things and keep things calm.
The perp was holding onto him and holding the hammer that Pelosi seemed to fear and was trying to keep away from.
Pelosi handled the 911 call correctly.
But—when the cops arrived the situation changed radically—and I think most folks would change their behavior radically as well.
If you are in fear you try to get away—and do anything and everything in your power to make that easier.
A drink in the face of the perp would have been very effective and get the cops attention in a hurry.