Stupid indeed. Anyone in their right mind, regardless of their ethnicity, would have avoided such a scene at all costs. I think that is part of the problem with a sheltered, liberal upbringing: your common sense and danger senses are not well calibrated.
I tend to at least be suspicious, if not downright avoid,
any place that I see having 2 or more “loiterers”, regardless of “color”.
I’ve picked “the next” gas station in just such a scenario.
Don’t forget drunk.
These kids had been drinking. That also will lead to irreversible mistakes.