Police in Northern California are searching for four armed suspects after a brazen smash-and-grab robbery at a jewelry store – an incident that took a dramatic turn when a bystander jumped into the suspects’ getaway car and rammed it into the storefront in an effort to stop the crime.
Petaluma police say six suspects stormed Gold Rush Jewelers Saturday afternoon armed with hammers, pepper spray and a firearm, smashing display cases and stealing jewelry while one suspect held employees at gunpoint.
As the robbery unfolded, an uninvolved bystander noticed the suspects’ vehicle left running outside the store. Police say the bystander got into the car and drove it into the front of the business, forcing the suspects to flee.
"I was just being a nice citizen to the people who own this jewelry store," the bystander vehicle was later found abandoned and had been reported stolen, police said. The firearm used in the robbery has not been recovered.
Community members who spoke with KGO described the robbery as shocking, with some calling the bystander’s actions brave, though risky.
"That’s wild," one witness told the outlet. "Very brave of them. Maybe not the best idea."
Police have not said whether the bystander’s actions will face scrutiny.
Authorities are asking anyone with information or video related to the robbery to contact Petaluma police.