No. Your character is doing things all the time that are purely reactive, not based in decisions at all. Decisions are often too slow; sometimes you just react. If you do that in some situations, you'll do that in others. And perhaps regret it later.
Fifteen feet is within the distance at which police officers assume a man with a knife can reach them before they can fire twice- yes, it has been tested. Make your choice whether to fire or not now. You might not get two openings.
Even if I may not be a rational being with free will, I can roleplay one, thak you very much.