An elderly man, armed with a 38-caliber revolver, managed to stop a gang of thugs who tried a smash-and-grab robbery at a California store.
The thugs here were caught on surveillance video as they ran into Estates Consignments on Contra Costa Boulevard in Pleasant Hill.
During the video, 73-year-old Albert Marcu appears in the frame holding his gun.
Marcu said he believed a woman came into the store before the group to scout for them.
According to the man, she was trying to keep a security guard from shutting a door to let the group inside.
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The Blaze reported that the video showed the gang of young males running into the store, one of whom was carrying a sledgehammer.
When Marcu pulled out his gun, the thieves fled the store.
“I showed them my gun, and I told them to stop it; I have a gun,” said Marcu.
One of the shocked thugs tripped after plowing into a chair as they tried to flee the scene.
The would-be thieves rushed into two Infiniti Q50 vehicles before being confronted by police.
Police were alerted by a license plate reader that reported the presence of a stolen vehicle.
However, the two vehicles were able to drive off and escape the police.
Marcu said he was prepared to use lethal force to protect the store and himself.
“If they threaten my life or the life of my employees, I’ll use the gun, hundred percent,” he said.
He added that he wanted to make an example of the thugs.
“I didn’t want to shoot anybody, but I have to make a statement.”
“Too many bad things have happened. Stores get robbed left and right,” he added.
“I have a message for all business owners, to take example and fight for themselves because if you don’t fight for yourself, nobody will.”
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