Northern California authorities are on the hunt for four armed individuals involved in a daring smash-and-grab robbery at a jewelry store. The incident took an unexpected twist when a courageous bystander intervened, commandeering the suspects’ getaway vehicle and crashing it into the storefront in an attempt to thwart the crime.
According to Petaluma police, the drama unfolded on Saturday afternoon when six suspects descended upon Gold Rush Jewelers. Armed with hammers, pepper spray, and a firearm, they shattered display cases and made off with jewelry, while one suspect brandished a gun to intimidate the store’s employees.
In the midst of the chaos, an observant bystander noticed that the suspects had left their getaway car idling outside. Seizing the moment, the bystander jumped into the vehicle and drove it straight into the front of the store, compelling the suspects to abandon their heist and flee the scene.
“I was just trying to help the jewelry store owners,” the bystander explained to ABC7/KGO, recounting how he witnessed the masked suspects rushing inside and realized the car was unattended.
This bold move incited a frenzied escape. Reports indicate that one of the suspects retaliated by pepper spraying the bystander before making their getaway. The bystander later told KGO that he was temporarily blinded during the altercation.
The Petaluma police are actively investigating the robbery at Gold Rush Jewelers, as they continue to search for the suspects involved in this audacious crime.
“They were pissed,” he told the outlet. “One of them jumped over the car and sprayed me with mace. After that I couldn’t see nothing.”
According to police, four suspects escaped, while two were apprehended following a search involving a sheriff’s helicopter and K9 units. Authorities say the remaining suspects are not believed to still be in the immediate area.
Petaluma police investigate a smash-and-grab robbery at Gold Rush Jewelers as a search continues for multiple suspects involved in the crime. (KTTV)
The suspects’ vehicle was later found abandoned and had been reported stolen, police said. The firearm used in the robbery has not been recovered.
Police identified the two suspects taken into custody as 18-year-olds William Butler Clarence of Pittsburgh and Moshae Koron Howell of Antioch. Both were booked into the Sonoma County jail on multiple felony charges, including robbery, burglary and assault with a firearm.
Store employees were shaken but not physically injured, police said.
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.
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.
