A California would-be thief got walloped when he attempted to rob a family-owned jewelry store.
Around 2:20 p.m. on Saturday, a thief attempted to rob Meza’s Jewelry on Main Street in El Monte, California. The man reportedly tried to pull off a smash-and-grab robbery, but he was extremely unsuccessful and, he has the bruises on his body to prove it.
The suspect allegedly pepper-sprayed the workers and then shattered jewelry display cases with a hammer in an attempt to steal expensive merchandise.
Video shows the moment that the robber was chased out of the jewelry store by employees.
An employee told KABC-TV, “Me, my uncle, and my dad were tugging him out. I was trying to defend my family because as you could see he was hitting my dad and my uncle.”
Two employees punch and kick the would-be robber while a third employee uses a large stick to pummel the thief. During the tussle with employees, the would-be thief lost his shirt to the store clerks.
The shirtless man was caught on video fleeing the jewelry store as employees pursued him.
The suspect scurried from the crime scene in a gray Dodge Charger. The El Monte Police Department described the suspect as a 35 to 45-year-old black man about 6’1″ tall, weighing between 270 and 300 lbs., with some facial hair.
The owner told KNBC, “My dad and my brother started hitting him, and then he brings out the pepper spray and started spraying everyone. We’re angry and we’re also worried because when he left he turned to my brother and said he was gonna kill all of us.”
KTTV reported, “Store employees told FOX 11 the would-be thief was wearing a Donald Trump Halloween mask, which was covered upon entering the store. That mask apparently came off at some point during the melee and was turned over to police as evidence.”
Jewelry store employees were treated for minor injuries.
The attempted robbery is still being investigated by police.
The El Monte Police Department is urging anyone with information regarding the would-be robbery to call at 626-580-2100, or call anonymously at 800-222-TIPS.
(WARNING: Graphic video)
El Monte jewelry store employees fight back, chase off thiefwww.youtube.com
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