A heroic mall store employee is being praised for his brave actions in thwarting two thieves who attempted to flee with Pokémon cards valued at approximately $2,700 from the anime store at MainPlace mall in Santa Ana, California.
Security footage revealed the dramatic encounter between the employee and two men as they made a hasty escape after snatching several boxes of highly sought-after Pokémon cards. According to Sgt. Maria Lopez, the altercation unfolded outside the store after the employee sees the men running away, catching his attention and prompting him to intervene.
In a daring pursuit, the employee managed to catch up with the culprits, leading to a physical altercation that was captured by surrounding surveillance cameras. Despite the employee’s courageous efforts, the thieves managed to drop the prized Pokémon cards during the scuffle and fled the scene before law enforcement could respond.
Security video shows store employee beat down thieves who tried to steal Pokémon cards worth $2,700 https://t.co/WN4FxYJECW
— TheBlaze (@theblaze) July 21, 2023
The video also shows a security guard rushing to the scene, though regrettably, they arrived seconds too late to help the employee apprehend the suspects. As the investigation progressed, the Santa Ana Police Department sought assistance from the public in identifying the two criminals.
Each suspect was described in detail: one as a Hispanic male, approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall with a slender build, brown eyes, shaved black hair, and a mustache. He was last seen wearing a green, button-up, long-sleeve shirt, black shorts, long white socks, and red and black Jordan sneakers.
The other perpetrator was identified as a white male, 6 feet tall with a lean build, black hair, and brown eyes. He was dressed in black shorts, a gray sweater, and knee-high socks.
Pokémon, originating as a Japanese role-playing game, has blossomed into a globally renowned brand encompassing television shows, movies, and card games.
Its immense popularity has fueled a thriving market for Pokémon collectibles, including the highly sought-after cards targeted by the thieves. Authorities are actively pursuing leads and are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward and aid in the investigation.
Mall visitors and store owners alike are advised to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behavior to the authorities promptly. As the police continue their efforts to apprehend the thieves, the local community stands united in expressing gratitude to the store employee for his act of bravery.
