COLMA, CALIFORNIA: A video has gone viral on the internet showing a frustrated shopper confronting a thief and asking him to get a job. The incident reportedly happened at a Bay Area Target in Colma, California on March 16, when the shoplifter – identified as Samuel Balcorta of San Francisco – was trying to exit the door with stolen items in a bin and an unidentified man caught him and tried to take away the items.
In the video, shared on Twitter by Henry K. Lee, Crime reporter @KTVU, the man can be heard screaming at the 28-year-old offender, “Stop that s**t, man! Get a f***ing job!” A person who reportedly filmed the whole drama said: “They can’t do nothing,” apparently targeting the law enforcement officers amid the surging crime rates in the US.
Later, the Colma Police Department in a series of tweets confirmed that they have arrested Balcorta, who is a repeat offender. The tweets read: “We are aware of the video circulating of a theft that occurred on 3/16/22. The person seen confronting the suspect was not a store employee. He was a citizen shopping at the store who intervened because, as he told the officers, he was frustrated with the increase in thefts. He called police and we responded. The suspect, Samuel Balcorta, a 28-year-old San Francisco resident, was located, arrested and booked into jail for burglary, grand theft, and an additional felony charge for committing a felony while out on bail/OR for a prior felony case.”
We are aware of the video circulating of a theft that occurred on 3/16/22. The person seen confronting the suspect was not a store employee. He was a citizen shopping at the store who intervened because, as he told the officers, he was frustrated with the increase in thefts.(1/5) pic.twitter.com/VyjOEh5nMj
— Colma Police Department (@ColmaPD) April 11, 2022
He called police and we responded. The suspect, Samuel Balcorta, a 28-year-old San Francisco resident, was located, arrested and booked into jail for burglary, grand theft, and an additional felony charge for committing a felony while out on bail/OR for a prior felony case. (2/5) pic.twitter.com/MJ55kdgbfM
— Colma Police Department (@ColmaPD) April 11, 2022
In another tweet, the Colma Police Department also addressed the videographer’s allegation by saying, “Unlike the videographer’s belief that we ‘can’t do anything,’ we can and will respond. However, there are times we aren’t notified about crimes in progress, or even some when we are, or on-view it occurring ourselves, but the victim does not wish to seek prosecution.”
The police continued, “We understand the citizen’s frustration with the increased thefts and overall crime seen throughout the Bay Area (and California), but we also need to warn against witnesses intervening and putting themselves in a potentially dangerous situation,” before adding: “The suspects in these thefts are often repeat offenders, some who carry weapons, are part of an organized retail theft crew, and/or have ties to violent gangs. While we appreciate the assistance, we want you to maintain your safety and be the best witness you can for us.”
Unlike the videographer’s belief that we “can’t do anything,” we can and will respond. However, there are times we aren’t notified about crimes in progress, or even some when we are, or on-view it occurring ourselves, but the victim does not wish to seek prosecution. (3/5) pic.twitter.com/3UFfH6C0sO
— Colma Police Department (@ColmaPD) April 11, 2022
We understand the citizen’s frustration with the increased thefts and overall crime seen throughout the Bay Area (and California), but we also need to warn against witnesses intervening and putting themselves in a potentially dangerous situation. (4/5) https://t.co/FbJUzd80aS
— Colma Police Department (@ColmaPD) April 11, 2022
The suspects in these thefts are often repeat offenders, some who carry weapons, are part of an organized retail theft crew, and/or have ties to violent gangs. While we appreciate the assistance, we want you to maintain your safety and be the best witness you can for us. (5/5) pic.twitter.com/XPU9xoa0Dw
— Colma Police Department (@ColmaPD) April 11, 2022
Meanwhile, the shopper’s confrontation with the thief has attracted a lot of attention online, with a user suggesting on Twitter, “If we had more people like this brave individual, we could combat the problem. The thugs know that we’ve become weak, and they are completely taking advantage of that. This is awesome, and I am immensely proud of that guy.” A second user noted, “Dangerous But Bravo 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽.” A third one said, “This guy is legit. That’s how you f*** these scumbags up. Catch them loaded up with merchandise and they become unarmed. That’s when they get caught slipping. I give respect to the guy telling him to get a f****** job. He’s right! Now keep him locked up!”
* story by meaww.com
