Hero of the Moment: California Bystander Foils Robbery by Crashing Thieves’ Car Into Store

In the city of Petaluma, California, a bystander attempted to stop a robbery at Gold Rush Jewelers by commandeering the suspects’ car.

According to ABC7 News, six people stormed into the store. They were armed with hammers, pepper spray, and a firearm. The attackers began smashing display cases and grabbing jewelry while threatening employees.

A witness noticed that the robbers’ car was left running near the entrance. The man first tried to take the keys but realized the vehicle was operating via a key fob. He then got into the car and deliberately crashed it into the front of the jewelry store.

“I went up to pull the keys out, but the car was already running. There was nothing I could do with the fob, so I drove the car into the building to stop them. And I basically did stop them, because two were arrested,” he explained.

The impact damaged the store’s facade and one of the roof supports. Afterward, the suspects rushed back to the damaged vehicle, but not before spraying the intervening man in the face with pepper spray.

Police arrested two 18-year-old suspects who fled on foot. Four others drove the damaged car a short distance before abandoning it and escaping. Preliminary information indicates the suspects were still able to take some jewelry. The search for the remaining suspects is ongoing.

No store employees were injured during the robbery or as a result of the crash.

Local resident Markus Hakkarainen commented on the incident, saying it looked brave but was perhaps not the best idea to take the robbers’ car and crash it into the store.

Petaluma police have not yet said whether the bystander could face any legal consequences for his actions and have not formally assessed his conduct.