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Armed California Jewelry Store Employee Thwarts Smash-and-Grab Attempt December 23, 2023 (0 comments)

San Francisco, CA--A 73-year-old employee at Estates Consignments, a jewelry store in Pleasant Hill, successfully deterred a group of suspected robbers. The worker, identified as Albert Marcu, confronted the individuals as they attempted a smash-and-grab robbery, pulling out his firearm to prevent the crime.

[Screengrab via Fox Business]

Marcu, who had been vigilant due to rising incidents of similar robberies in the Bay Area, recounted his experience to "Jesse Watters Primetime," expressing his determination to protect his workplace. "My neighbors, my colleagues get robbed," he said.

The incident, captured on the store's surveillance footage, revealed a tense scene where Marcu reacted swiftly, retrieving his handgun as the suspects charged toward the store's glass cases. One of the suspects was seen armed with a sledgehammer, advancing aggressively towards the establishment.

Further investigation revealed that a woman had been inside the store earlier, suspected of scouting the premises while covertly communicating with the male suspects. She was seen attempting to hinder the security guard from shutting the door as the men barged in.

Responding to a coworker's scream, Marcu approached the jewelry displays and confronted the suspects with his .38 caliber handgun. "I showed them my gun, and I told them to stop it, I have a gun," Marcu recounted to KTVU.

The suspects, realizing the threat posed by Marcu's armed presence, panicked and hastily retreated, stumbling over each other in their rush to exit the store.

In a Fox News interview, Marcu reflected on his actions, "I love what I do. And I wanted to protect my work and my coworkers and put a statement out there."

Despite the quick response from the police, the suspects managed to flee the scene before any arrests could be made. Marcu, undeterred, affirmed his commitment to protect his life and those of his employees, asserting his readiness to use the gun if necessary.

Learn more and see the incident video in the report in Fox Business.