Jewelry store employees in El Monte, California fought back against a thief who was attempting a smash-and-grab at their store on Saturday, which is just outside of Los Angeles.
While the thief did a lot of smashing, because of their efforts he was unable to actually steal anything in the store. In fact he didn’t even leave with his shirt on:
A video posted on social media shows Meza's Jewelry employees fighting back against the black suspect before he gets away.
The incident began when the suspect entered the store armed with a hammer smashed the display case and used paper spray on the staff. #crime #LosAngeles pic.twitter.com/JNynI31lJF— US-Crimes (@OfficialUScrime) September 3, 2023
Here’s more on what transpired via Fox LA:
Several jewelry store employees in El Monte sprung into action and thwarted an attempted smash-and-grab robbery – and it was all caught on camera.
The incident happened Saturday around 2:20 p.m. at Meza’s Jewelry located at 10900 Main Street, according to a watch commander at El Monte Police Department.
Video shows the suspect fighting with employees and having his shirt stripped off him in the brawl. The suspect also allegedly sprayed pepper spray at the workers and shattered multiple jewelry display cases in an attempt to steal merchandise but was not successful.
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.
The suspect reported left the scene in a gray Dodge Charger. Police described him as a man about 6’1″ tall, weighing between 270 and 300 lbs., with some facial hair and possibly a mustache.
No employees were injured.
This marks just the second incident in weeks where store employees fought off a thief and I expect we’re going to see more of this, especially in California where their enforcement of laws enable this kind of brazen lawlessness.
While the store owners may have a mess on their hands, they at least got quick justice and prevented the thief from stealing their jewelry. And they also just sent a big message to other would-be smash-and-grab thieves.