Customers physically intervened to stop a robbery at an Aldi in Valparaiso, Indiana, a video released Monday by police shows.
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The robber — Thomas Powell, 36 — entered the Aldi wearing a mask. He then told a cashier he had a weapon and demanded money, the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reports.
Powell was then quickly restrained by a half-dozen customers, and was held until police arrived. All the money stolen was then returned to the store.
Powell was arrested and charged with a felony count of robbery.
While police said they were grateful concerned citizens stopped the robbery, they clarified that civilians should not risk interfering with crimes such as robbery.
“We’re just glad nobody got injured,” police Sgt. Mike Grennes told the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman.
Thomas Powell (Police).
Judging by Powell’s mugshot, he had good reason to wear a mask. I’m guessing his plan didn’t involve getting beaten down by random customers, though.