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Bystander Foils Petaluma Jewelry Heist by Ramming Getaway Car into Store February 12, 2026 (0 comments)
Petaluma, CA--A bystander thwarted a "brazen" armed robbery at a local jewelry store on February 2 by commandeering the suspects' getaway vehicle and ramming it into the storefront. As per a report by ABC, the incident occurred just after 4:30 p.m. at Gold Rush Jewelers, where six suspects had entered armed with hammers, pepper spray, and a firearm.
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According to Petaluma police, the suspects were smashing display cases and holding employees at gunpoint when a witness outside noticed their vehicle idling. Unable to remove the keys because the car used a fob, the bystander chose to drive the vehicle directly into the building to block the suspects' exit.
"I was just being a nice citizen to the people who own this jewelry store," the anonymous bystander told reporters, as per ABC. "I rammed the car into the building to stop them and basically did."
The crash shattered the storefront windows and damaged a pillar, sending the suspects scrambling. During the chaos, one suspect jumped over the car and pepper-sprayed the driver. Police subsequently arrested two 18-year-old suspects, while four others fled the scene. The report added that employees were shaken but unharmed.
Check out the ABC report for more details.