A daring jewelry store robber in California received a harsh lesson when he tried to commit his crime but ended up being defeated by brave employees. The incident took place on Saturday at Meza’s Jewelry on Main Street in El Monte. The would-be robber attempted a smash-and-grab robbery but was met with fierce resistance from the store’s fearless workers. As he pepper-sprayed the employees and shattered jewelry display cases with a hammer, he soon found himself at the receiving end of a counter-attack.
In a video capturing the moment, it is clear that the employees immediately fought back, chasing the assailant out of the store. The shaken employee, who was part of the intervention, shared, 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 were seen punching and kicking the robber, while a third used a stick to pummel him. The confrontation resulted in the thief losing his shirt as he desperately tried to escape the angry store clerks.
The embattled suspect managed to flee the scene in a gray Dodge Charger. The El Monte Police Department described him as a black man, aged between 35 and 45, approximately 6’1 tall, weighing around 270 to 300 lbs, with some facial hair. The owner of the jewelry store expressed concern about the incident, stating, 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.
Interestingly, store employees revealed that the would-be robber had entered the store wearing a Donald Trump Halloween mask, which was later found discarded during the struggle and subsequently handed over to the police as evidence.
While the employees suffered only minor injuries during the incident, the attempted robbery is still under investigation by the police. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspect or the incident to come forward and contact the El Monte Police Department at 626-580-2100 or call anonymously at 800-222-TIPS.
The unsuccessful jewelry store robbery serves as a testament to the courage and resilience of the employees who fearlessly defended their family’s business. As the investigation continues, it is hoped that justice will be served and that such incidents can be prevented in the future.
