Video: Masked smash-and-grab robbers don't look so scary when jewelry store owner pulls his gun and opens fire



Masked robbers clad in dark clothing quickly took over a California jewelry store last week, as surveillance video shows them fanning out and smashing display cases in a brazen heist.

This is, until the owner of the store came into the camera frame with his gun and opened fire.

'It's shocking to the conscience. It's scary to the family because it is a mom-and-pop store with family being your own employees, it's your own business and your livelihood.'

The imposing crew suddenly looked quite overmatched as they stumbled and sprinted out the store.

The incident at Olivia's Fine Jewelry in Madera took place around 7 p.m. Thursday, KFSN-TV reported. Madera is about a half hour northwest of Fresno.

Four of the crooks took part in the smash-and-grab while one stayed by the door as a lookout, KFSN said. Video shows the lookout holding the door open for the rest of the crew as they ran out of the store to get clear of the gunfire.

After the robbers ran into the parking lot, video shows the owner on the sidewalk in front of the store still shooting at the fleeing crooks.

RELATED: Video: Over 20 thugs try breaking into jewelry store. But gun-toting store owner isn't about to let them get away with it.

"It's shocking to the conscience. It's scary to the family because it is a mom-and-pop store with family being your own employees, it's your own business and your livelihood," Madera Police Sgt. Blake Short told KFSN.

The robbers took with them an estimated $170,000 in jewelry, the station said, and authorities added that no one was hit by gunfire.

"I believe the store owner did what he felt was necessary at the time. We don't always recommend that in this field. Fortunately, no one was harmed in this situation," Short added to KFSN.

The station said authorities were able to recover the getaway car, described as a dark gray Audi, and that the suspects ditched it just outside of the Madera city limits.

Police also called the robbery sophisticated, KFSN said, adding that the suspects had a clear plan.

Short noted to the station that a "preliminary investigation shows that they were kind of in the area for a little while ... we would say in our field 'casing the business.' This was definitely meticulous. It was thought out. It did not appear to be a first time for these individuals."

Veronica Casillas, an employee of a nearby store, told KFSN that "it was very scary. We heard just a loud noise, and I told the manager 'I think those gunshots.'"

The investigation is ongoing, the station said, and no additional descriptions of the suspects have been released.

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Alleged shoplifter caught on video brutally beating 18-year-old supermarket employee who confronted him: 'Senseless'



An alleged shoplifter in a North Carolina supermarket was caught on surveillance video brutally beating an employee who confronted him.

Detectives from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are working to identify two individuals involved, WBTV-TV reported.

'When we have self-checkouts, it just presents an opportunity for people who are not doing the right thing, thieves, to take items and commit crimes.'

Police told the station the physical attack took place Oct. 20 at the Food Lion in the 2200 block of Park Road in Charlotte.

Two people were in the self-checkout area of the supermarket attempting to steal items when an 18-year-old Food Lion employee confronted them, Detective Ashley Phillips told WBTV.

Surveillance video showed one of the alleged shoplifters speaking with the employee and then walking with the employee into a back room, the station said.

Another surveillance camera captured the attack in the back room. Video shows one of the suspects grabbing the employee in the neck and chest area and slamming the employee against a large container against a wall, punching the employee, and then appearing to stomp the employee on the floor.

Surveillance video then shows the two alleged shoplifters leaving the Food Lion with the stolen items following the beating, WBTV reported.

RELATED: Shoplifters beat up store worker, 60, who runs after them. Then they hit him with car several times; he dies in parking lot.

“It’s unfortunate. Any act of violence is senseless,” Phillips told the station. “When we have self-checkouts, it just presents an opportunity for people who are not doing the right thing, thieves, to take items and commit crimes.”

Phillips added to WBTV that employees who witness illegal activity in the workplace shouldn't attempt to intervene.

“We want to suggest to everyone that is in a store working as an employee, just step back and observe, then collect as much information as you can and call 911 so that way police can respond, and you don’t have to interfere with someone committing a crime," she noted to the station.

Phillips added to WBTV that she's hopeful someone will recognize the alleged shoplifters through the surveillance videos and still images: "They’re very clear. I’m hoping that someone will see it and call it in. We get some good tips, and I’m very grateful for that."

Those with information about the Food Lion incident are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600, the station said, adding that tipsters can remain anonymous and receive a cash reward if they have information that leads to an arrest. Community members can also submit tips about crimes through the P3 Tips app, WBTV noted.

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Insane video shows female beating up city bus driver before crash into restaurant — and then she actually keeps attacking him



A new video shows a female beating up a male Metro bus driver in Madison, Wisconsin, earlier this year before the bus crashed into a restaurant — and somehow the female continued the beatdown after the crash.

Prosecutors said 26-year-old Raeven Johnson attacked the bus driver on Feb. 25 after he said her desired destination wasn't part of the bus route, according to Channel3000.com, which recently obtained the video.

Opting for a different mode of transportation that night would've been a much better — and much less costly — idea for Johnson.

The clip shows Johnson attempting to insert a ticket, and the bus driver attempting to prevent the ticket from going into the slot.

With that, Johnson begins hitting the bus driver, who is seated — and the bus begins moving as the driver attempts to defend himself against Johnson's relentless attack.

Soon the out-of-control bus veered to the right and smashed into the Asian House restaurant, Channel3000.com reported.

While the collision momentarily interrupted her beatdown and threw her to the door of the bus, Johnson — who appeared to lose her wig during the altercation — quickly went right back to attacking the bus driver, as she appeared to pull him backward from his seat.

RELATED: 'Drivers are gonna start fighting back ... somebody's gonna get knocked out': Bus drivers' union rep warns violent passengers

Two people, including the driver, were injured in the crash, Channel3000.com said, and one of them had to be hospitalized.

According to WMTV-TV, the back office of QPS Employment Group was crushed as a result of the crash, and Asian House's kitchen appliances were damaged as well.

Opting for a different mode of transportation that night would've been a much better — and much less costly — idea for Johnson.

She pleaded guilty in August to second-degree recklessly endangering safety and attempted battery to a public transit officer, WMTV said, adding that a judge earlier this month ordered her to serve three years in prison.

Conditions of her sentence include a ban from all Madison Metro property and buses, and she's prohibited from having alcohol, the station said.

Her sentence will be followed by three years of extended supervision, WMTV said, adding that online court documents indicate a restitution hearing is scheduled for Dec. 5.

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'Shawshank'-style prison escape in New Orleans; 7 of 10 inmates still on the loose — and 1 is a convicted murderer



After a prison escape late last week in New Orleans that one fed-up lawmaker said resembled scenes from "The Shawshank Redemption," authorities said seven of the 10 escapees were still on the loose over the weekend — and one of at-large escapees is a convicted murderer.

The inmates were discovered missing during a routine 8:30 a.m. Friday head count at the Orleans Parish Jail, the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office told CBS News, adding that they were believed to have escaped sometime just after midnight. They all were considered "armed and dangerous" — and likely had help from the inside, the news network added.

'This is something out of the "Shawshank Redemption'' film, though the escapees are no Andy Dufresne or Red Redding but are dangerous men who pose a serious risk to the safety of citizens in the New Orleans area.'

Derrick Groves is one of the still-escaped inmates, the sheriff's office said. He was convicted of murder in a 2018 Mardi Gras shooting, CBS News noted.

RELATED: Trump orders restoration of Alcatraz prison to lock up 'dregs of society'

Image source: Orleans Parish (La.) Sheriff's Office

New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick asked the public to notify police if they were victims or witnesses at the escapees' trials so they could get help, CBS News said.

Sheriff Susan Hutson said the inmates pulled a sliding jail cell door off its track around 12:23 a.m. and left the jail by 1:01 a.m. after breaching a wall behind a toilet, the news network said, adding that the toilet and bolts were removed using toiletry items, although Hutson didn't specify what the items were.

As with "The Shawshank Redemption," the escapees had a lengthy head start — in this case, about eight hours.

The inmates also scrawled obscene messages for the guards on the wall behind the toilet, CBS News said, adding that one was misspelled; it reads "to easy, LOL."

RELATED: 'Inmates escape prison' using virtual reality program — infraction rate of solitary confinement prisoners drops by 96%

Image source: Orleans Parish (La.) Sheriff's Office

The inmates then descended a wall and ran across an interstate highway, CBS News reported.

The sheriff's office on Friday night released security video of the escape, starting with the door being yanked of its tracks and ending with inmates seen in the distance sprinting across a freeway.

RELATED: Reported illegal immigrant charged with murder of beloved New Orleans French Quarter tour guide

In addition to Groves, the other inmates still on the loose were Corey Boyd, Jermaine Donald, Lenton VanBuren, Antoine Massey, Leo Tate, and Gary Price.

Image source: Orleans Parish (La.) Sheriff's Office

Image source: Orleans Parish (La.) Sheriff's Office

Image source: Orleans Parish (La.) Sheriff's Office

Authorities captured Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, and DKenan Dennis.

Image source: Orleans Parish (La.) Sheriff's Office

Image source: Orleans Parish (La.) Sheriff's Office

Louisiana State Police on Saturday said the three captured inmates were taken to a "secure state facility" and "the search remains active with multiple agencies working nonstop" to find the remaining seven escapees.

— (@)

Republican state Rep. Mike Bayham in a statement to Blaze News blasted Sheriff Hutson and the New Orleans criminal justice system:

This is something out of the "Shawshank Redemption" film, though the escapees are no Andy Dufresne or Red Redding but are dangerous men who pose a serious risk to the safety of citizens in the New Orleans area. The voters of Orleans Parish recently sent a message of no confidence in incumbent Susan Hutson at the ballot box when a 10-year millage renewal for sheriff was only passed by two votes out of over 25,000 ballots cast. Dysfunction in the New Orleans criminal system inevitably spills over to neighboring communities when dangerous violent criminals are able to escape confinement. Representative Jason Hughes and Council President Helena Moreno have rightly asked for a security audit at the jail. Sheriff Hutson has no business seeking re-election this November. New Orleans could do better randomly picking a name out of the phone book than Sheriff Hutson.

What else do we know?

In regard to the delay in discovering the jailbreak, Hutson told CBS News that "you gotta go inside the facility to be able to see; they could have been anywhere. Then we had to first prioritize talking to victims to make sure they were safe."

Hutson added to the news network that it's believed the escapees received help from jail staff or deputies.

Kirkpatrick added to CBS News that authorities notified some of the victims of the escapees; several of them are facing murder charges or other violent charges. Police moved one family to safety, Kirkpatrick added to the news network.

Kirkpatrick added to CBS News that the escapees probably had help, and it wasn't likely that they still were wearing their jumpsuits. Kirpatrick also warned the public that those who harbor or help these escapees "will be charged," the news network also reported.

The sheriff's office is laying some of the blame for the escape on the city for not funding prison security upgrades, CBS News said, claiming it has been asking for help for five years. Hutson added that replacing the locks alone at the parish's prison facilities is estimated to cost $5.2 million, the news network said.

RELATED: 'The rats are eating our marijuana; they're all high': Infested New Orleans police evidence room becoming rodent cafeteria

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Video: Ski-masked thug flattens woman with flying kick from behind; punches and stomps her as she screams in parking lot



An attacker covered from head to toe in dark clothing, shoes, and a ski mask brutally attacked a screaming woman in suburban Philadelphia early Thursday morning, as surveillance video shows the suspect flattening the victim with a flying kick from behind in a parking lot outside her apartment and then stomping and punching her before running off.

Hatfield Township police said the attack — which took place as the woman was leaving her apartment around 4:30 a.m. — appears targeted, but they're investigating all possibilities, WPVI-TV reported.

'I couldn't believe someone would actually do that, and it's coming from behind ... a shallow man.'

One resident in the Hatfield Village Apartments told the station his neighbor's screams woke him up.

"I opened my blinds, and I saw my neighbor getting up," Christopher Stevens told WPVI. "It looked like she had just been attacked."

Stevens called 911 and showed officers his Ring video, the station added.

"It looked like he waited for her for about 10 minutes, and then when she came out to go to work, he jumped on her," Stevens noted to WPVI, adding that "it was pretty traumatizing to see that happen to somebody. I really hope she's okay."

You can view a video report here; it includes the surveillance clip of the attack.

Scully Company, which manages the property, issued a statement, WPVI said: "Our thoughts and concern are with our resident, and we are hopeful for a quick recovery. Out of respect for their privacy and due to the ongoing investigation, we are unable to provide further details at this time."

An unnamed neighbor told the station she's "disgusted" over the attack and that "I couldn't believe someone would actually do that, and it's coming from behind ... a shallow man."

Kevin Finn, who has lived in the apartment complex for the last six years, told the station that the powers that be should install "camera systems, and a security patrol would probably be good."

Police are warning residents to remain vigilant but said there's no reason to feel at risk due to this incident, WPVI reported.

Those with information about the attack should call 215-855-0903, the station noted.

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Helpless suburban couple obediently hand over valuables — even clothing — to armed males in front of their home: Doorbell cam



A Ring camera caught the moment when a helpless suburban Chicago couple in front of their own home obediently handed over their valuables — and even their clothing — to armed robbers who rushed them Monday night.

Greg Poulos and Angie Beltsos were walking to their front porch in Glenview around 10 p.m. after dinner in the city when a car pulled up, WBBM-TV reported.

'I was always taught by my father just give whatever they want, give what they want, and your life is far more valuable.'

Police said three males approached them, pulled out guns, and demanded their belongings, the station said.

Beltsos told WBBM she saw one male "running at us pointing a gun, screaming at us to give him everything."

The couple did just that.

Video shows one of the robbers telling them to "give me all that s**t," and Poulos and Beltsos immediately tossed their cell phones and keys to the ground; Beltsos also gave up her purse, the station said.

"You got it. You got it. Here, take it. Take it. Take everything. Take everything. Take everything. Take everything. Take everything. Here, you can have it. Honest to God, guys," Poulos was heard on the clip telling the robbers, WBBM reported.

"I started throwing shoes and coats," Beltsos noted to the station in the aftermath; video shows them both removing their jackets for the crooks.

Poulos told WBBM, "I was always taught by my father just give whatever they want, give what they want, and your life is far more valuable."

The nightmare didn't end there, however.

Video doesn't show that the crooks soon "had us lie down on our stomachs, and pointing guns at us, and I thought, 'Oh my gosh, is this how it's going to end today?'" Beltsos recounted to the station, adding that "for a moment, they were standing there, and they ran off."

Police told WBBM the robbers sped out of the neighborhood in a Jaguar SUV, which was later found abandoned and empty in Chicago.

You can view a video report here about the incident.

"People have become much more brazen, and they need to be held accountable," Beltsos added to the station.

Glenview police told WBBM they're talking to other local police departments in an attempt to identify the robbers.

The village of Glenview is about 40 minutes northwest of Chicago and is "one of the best places to live in Illinois," according to Niche. It's also a haven for retirees and boasts "a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks" as well as "highly rated" public schools, Niche adds.

Poulos told the station that people nowadays have "to be vigilant and keep their head on a swivel."

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Washington State U. punishes instructor, staffer charged with beating up Trump-supporting student of color wearing MAGA hat



Washington State University said it fired a staff member and relieved a graduate student instructor of teaching responsibilities after they were charged with physically attacking an undergraduate student of color who supports President Donald Trump and was wearing a Make American Great Again hat when he was assaulted.

According to a video report from Turning Point USA's Frontlines, WSU junior engineering student Jay Sani said WSU instructor Patrick Mahoney and staff member Gerald Hoff ambushed and physically attacked him outside of the Coug, a campus bar, on Feb. 28. The attack was captured on surveillance video and is included in the Frontlines video report, which you can view here.

In a Facebook post describing the attack, Sani said Mahoney 'crumpled' up his MAGA hat and 'threw it into the street, and yelled ... words to the effect of "go get it bitch."'

Phil Weiler, WSU's vice president for marketing and communications, sent Blaze News the following statement Friday:

Washington State University (WSU) is aware of an off-campus incident that occurred in February involving a WSU staff member, graduate student, and undergraduate student. After an investigation by the Pullman, Washington, police department, the WSU staff member and graduate student were arrested and charged with fourth-degree assault. In accordance with WSU policies, the staff member’s employment was terminated, and the graduate student was relieved of all teaching responsibilities.

While WSU remains committed to the freedom of speech and expression for all members of our university community, it will not tolerate acts of violence or hate speech. The university continues to review all complaints with the utmost of seriousness.

Sani said he was wearing a red Make America Great Again hat at the time of the attack and that Mahoney "ripped the hat off my head." In a Facebook post describing the attack, Sani said Mahoney "crumpled" up his MAGA hat and "threw it into the street, and yelled ... words to the effect of 'go get it bitch.'"

Sani said he threw his food at Mahoney's face but that Mahoney and Hoff ganged up on him, saying Mahoney "grabbed my chest and slammed it on the concrete as I was falling" and "punched me a bunch of times on the back" and that Hoff "kicked me a bunch of times too."

The Frontlines report includes images of Sani's "multiple scrapes and bruises" resulting from the two-on-one beatdown.

The video report also shows Pullman police catching up with Mahoney and Hoff on bodycam video timestamped in the early morning hours of March 1, just hours after the attack.

"I seen this guy f**king on campus before," Mahoney says on police bodycam video in reference to Sani. "I know he's, like, [a] f**king right-wing dude."

Mahoney also tells police, "I, like, grabbed his hat, threw it, and said, like, 'Go get it.'" Hoff admits to police that "we did grab him and bring him to the ground."

However, Mahoney is heard actually telling cops that he didn't hit Sani and that "I don't think I did f**king something illegal, right?"

A voice — presumably an officer — is heard saying on the bodycam clip that "it's unwanted touching," after which Mahoney says, "It's unwanted touching. I don't know what that is, right?"

Mahoney adds on the bodycam clip that Sani "wanted to fight" and "f**king got what was coming to him, right?"

You can view the complete police bodycam video here of officers interviewing and arresting Mahoney.

The Frontlines video report said Mahoney is a WSU graduate student and instructor who teaches a freshman-level political science class — and is a "notorious far-left activist who hates conservative values and is a regular at pro-Hamas protests in the city."

Mahoney also "has strong ties to the Democratic Socialists of America, progressive pro-labor groups, and is someone who publicly touts his admiration for the communist party," the video report adds, citing Sani. The video also points out a hammer and sickle pin seen on Mahoney's jacket lapel in his WSU headshot:

Patrick MahoneyPatrick Mahoney (Image source: Washington State University website)

In reference to Sani's skin color, he added in his Facebook post, "To make it clear, I hate to say this, but I'm brown, but forget it. I'm an engineering student that wants to get the degree and move on. So what if I like someone that you don't like. We have the 1st Amendment, and it's not okay that just because you don't like that person, I should be attacked for it. You had a chance in November to oust [Trump], but you didn't."

A Frontlines reporter knocked on Mahoney's door to inquire if he wanted to comment on the assault but that he replied, "No, go away," from behind the closed door.

The Frontlines video report added that "we were unable to reach Hoff to get his side of the story, but found his LinkedIn account indicating that he's employed at WSU. Again, the school would not comment on Hoff's status, either."

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Video: University instructor, staffer charged with assaulting MAGA hat-wearing student of color in 2-on-1 beatdown



Police charged a Washington State University instructor as well as a college staff member with assaulting a MAGA hat-wearing student of color on Feb. 28, according to a video report from Turning Point USA's Frontlines.

WSU junior engineering student Jay Sani — a conservative and big supporter of President Donald Trump — said in the clip that WSU instructor Patrick Mahoney and staff member Gerald Hoff ambushed and physically attacked him outside of the Coug, a campus bar. The attack was captured on surveillance video and is included in the Frontlines video report, which you can view here.

'To make it clear, I hate to say this, but I'm brown, but forget it. I'm an engineering student that wants to get the degree and move on. So what if I like someone that you don't like. We have the 1st Amendment, and it's not okay that just because you don't like that person, I should be attacked for it. You had a chance in November to oust [Trump], but you didn't.'

Sani said he was wearing a red Make America Great Again hat at the time of the attack and that Mahoney "ripped the hat off my head." In a Facebook post describing the attack, Sani said Mahoney "crumpled" up the MAGA hat and "threw it into the street, and yelled ... words to the effect of 'go get it bitch.'"

Sani said he threw his food at Mahoney's face but that Mahoney and Hoff ganged up on him, saying Mahoney "grabbed my chest and slammed it on the concrete as I was falling" and "punched me a bunch of times on the back" and that Hoff "kicked me a bunch of times, too."

The Frontlines report includes images of Sani's "multiple scrapes and bruises" resulting from the two-on-one beatdown.

Caught and cuffed

The video report also shows Pullman police catching up with Mahoney and Hoff on bodycam video timestamped in the early morning hours of March 1, just hours after the attack.

"I seen this guy f**king on campus before," Mahoney says on police bodycam video in reference to Sani. "I know he's, like, [a] f**king right-wing dude."

Mahoney also tells police, "I, like, grabbed his hat, threw it, and said, like, 'go get it.'" Hoff admits to police that "we did grab him and bring him to the ground."

However, Mahoney is heard actually telling cops that he didn't hit Sani and that "I don't think I did f**king something illegal, right?"

A voice — presumably an officer — is heard saying on the bodycam clip that "it's unwanted touching," after which Mahoney says, "It's unwanted touching. I don't know what that is, right?"

Mahoney adds on the bodycam clip that Sani "wanted to fight" and "f**king got what was coming to him, right?"

The video notes that Mahoney and Hoff were arrested and charged with fourth-degree misdemeanor assault. The WSU student newspaper, the Daily Evergreen, confirmed their arrests and charges.

The Frontlines video report said Mahoney is a WSU graduate student and instructor who teaches a freshman-level political science class — and is a "notorious far-left activist who hates conservative values and is a regular at pro-Hamas protests in the city."

Mahoney also "has strong ties to the Democratic Socialists of America, progressive pro-labor groups, and is someone who publicly touts his admiration for the communist party," the video report adds, citing Sani. The video also points out a hammer and sickle pin seen on Mahoney's jacket lapel in his WSU headshot:

Patrick MahoneyImage source: Washington State University website

The Frontlines video report adds that WSU temporarily suspended Mahoney from classes and teaching duties. The Daily Evergreen confirmed Mahoney's suspension.

However, the video report said Sani is speaking up because Mahoney could be reinstated and that his victim doesn't want that to happen. "He shouldn't be teaching here in my opinion, because if you can't tolerate different opinions, then what's the point?" Sani said in the video.

In reference to Sani's skin color, he added in his Facebook post, "To make it clear, I hate to say this, but I'm brown, but forget it. I'm an engineering student that wants to get the degree and move on. So what if I like someone that you don't like. We have the 1st Amendment, and it's not okay that just because you don't like that person, I should be attacked for it. You had a chance in November to oust [Trump], but you didn't."

The Frontlines video report said WSU leaders wouldn't comment on the situation, citing student privacy laws, and that a Frontlines reporter knocked on Mahoney's door to inquire if he wanted to comment on the assault but that he replied, "No, go away," from behind the closed door.

The Frontlines video report added that "we were unable to reach Hoff to get his side of the story, but found his LinkedIn account indicating that he's employed at WSU. Again, the school would not comment on Hoff's status, either."

The video report added that WSU is preparing for a Thursday event featuring TPUSA founder and CEO Charlie Kirk and that the event "is already drawing online chatter from violent militant groups like Antifa and other left-leaning students who are promising to disrupt and cause chaos."

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Trio of thugs wanted in beating death of lone victim at gas station. Video shows several people just watching attack happen.



Three males are wanted in the beating death of a lone victim at a Houston gas station earlier this month.

Police have released surveillance video of the beating as well as still images of the suspects. The video also shows several people just watching the attack happen.

'They're all smiling and laughing and having a good time while they're pouncing on my son.'

The City of Houston said the deadly attack took place at 2900 Westridge Street around 1:10 a.m. March 2 and that "all three suspects are described as black males."

The victim has been identified as 24-year-old Gavin Melchor, officials said.

A preliminary investigation indicated the victim possibly was involved in an argument after which the assault took place, officials said.

Video police released shows the victim standing between two parked vehicles and talking to three individuals. At one point, the victim stretches his arms outward, and suddenly, one suspect wearing a white T-shirt lunges at him, slams him backward into one of the parked vehicles, and tackles him to the parking lot surface. The clip shows the same suspect appearing to pull objects from the victim's pockets while another suspect wearing a black sweater with an orange design kicks the victim in the head.

Investigators indeed said the suspect in the white T-shirt robbed the victim. Investigators also said a suspect carrying a pink bag knocked the victim unconscious.

Houston Fire Department paramedics transported the victim to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased, officials said.

Officials said those with information on the identities of the three wanted suspects can call Houston police homicide at 713-308-3600 or speak anonymously with Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

Police said in its video description that a $5,000 reward is available.

Victim's family speaks out: 'They're all a bunch of cowards to me'

KTRK-TV interviewed members of Melchor's family, and they urged people to come forward with information about the suspects.

"They're all a bunch of cowards to me," Melchor's father, Chris, told the station.

Chris Melchor noted to KTRK that his son had just left the rodeo and had stopped at a Valero gas station to withdraw money from an ATM.

In regard to those seen on surveillance video just watching the beating take place, Melchor told the station the sight left him feeling "helpless as a dad."

KTRK pointed out that the still image of the suspect who slammed the victim into a vehicle and tackled him to the ground shows him smiling.

That's too much for Melchor's father to take.

"That alone angers me," Chris Melchor told the station. "They're all smiling and laughing and having a good time while they're pouncing on my son."

The victim's older sister Christa told KTRK she hasn't been able to bear looking at the clip of the attack: "I haven't brought myself to watch it yet."

You can view the station's video report here.

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Video: Thug attacks elderly church member sweeping in front of neighborhood house of worship, steals his wallet



Surveillance video caught the moment a male physically attacked and stole the wallet of an elderly church member who was sweeping in front of the neighborhood house of worship in Atlanta over the weekend.

The robbery took place in front of River of Life Christian Center on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW before 5:30 p.m. Saturday, WSB-TV reported, citing Atlanta police. The church is located in the Adamsville neighborhood, the station said.

'I feel for the deacon. I’m so sad it happened.'

The 79-year-old church member said an individual walked up to him, demanded his wallet, pushed him down, reached into his pocket, and took his wallet, WSB said, citing the police report.

Investigators shared a video that shows an individual pushing the victim to the ground, and the force of the shove and fall knocks off the victim's shoes and glasses, the station said.

You can view a video report here about the incident, which includes clips of the attack and images of the attacker's face.

Police told WSB the victim suffered multiple cuts and bruises as a result of the attack.

“I feel for the deacon,” nearby ice cream shop owner Janay Boucan told the station in a subsequent interview. “I’m so sad it happened.”

WSB said surveillance video of the attack shows six cars passing by — and one of the drivers stopped to contact police.

What's more, the station said the attack happened in a busy section of the neighborhood — right next to the Adamsville Library, just feet from the Old Adamsville Emergency Shelter, and adjacent to Boucan’s ice cream shop.

“I would literally be right here on the sidewalk with my sign telling people to come to the ice cream shop, telling people to come get some ice cream on a beautiful warm day,” Boucan noted to WSB.

Boucan's surveillance video shows an individual walking past two of her customers and then walking around to the front of the church where the assault took place, the station said.

WSB said the area is blanketed with camera coverage, and families in the neighborhood hope those videos can lead to the suspect's capture and the restoration of some peace of mind.

“I’ll be on the lookout, telling other people to look out for it as well,” Boucan noted to the station.

Those with information about this case can submit tips anonymously to the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at 404-577-TIPS (8477), online at www.StopCrimeAtl.org, or by texting CSGA and the tip to CRIMES (738477), WSB said, adding that tipsters are eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 for the arrest and indictment of the suspect.

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