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Authorities in Northern California are on the hunt for four armed individuals involved in a daring smash-and-grab heist at a jewelry store. The incident took an unexpected twist when a passerby intervened by commandeering the suspects’ getaway vehicle and crashing it into the store in an attempt to thwart the crime.
According to Petaluma police, six assailants launched an attack on Gold Rush Jewelers on Saturday afternoon. They were equipped with hammers, pepper spray, and a firearm, which they used to shatter display cases and snatch jewelry, while one of them held the store employees at gunpoint.
As the robbery was in progress, a bystander noticed the suspects’ car idling outside the store. Reacting swiftly, the individual jumped into the vehicle and drove it into the storefront, compelling the suspects to abandon their loot and escape the scene.
“I was just trying to help the jewelry store owners,” the bystander told ABC7/KGO. He explained that upon seeing the masked suspects entering the store, he realized their car was unattended and seized the moment to act.
The Petaluma police department is actively investigating the smash-and-grab robbery at Gold Rush Jewelers, as reported by local authorities. (KTTV)
The move triggered a chaotic escape. Police say one suspect pepper sprayed the bystander before fleeing the area. The bystander told KGO he was temporarily blinded during the confrontation.
“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.