Thief Gets Away After Being Tackled By Member Of Air Force At Evesham T.J.Maxx
EVESHAM TOWNSHIP, NJ (CBS) -- A thief remains on the loose after attempting to steal approximately $26,000 in watches from a department store in South Jersey.
The thief was tackled by a member of the Air Force while trying to leave the store, but he was able to escape.
The entire incident, which happened on January 19th, was captured on surveillance tape at the T.J.Maxx on Route 73 in Evesham Township.
A man wearing a ski mask entered the store and walked to the high-end watch counter. He then threw a large landscaping rock through the glass case and put $25,797 worth of watches inside a bag and began to run out of the store.
As the suspect was attempting to run out of the store, an active member of the U.S. Air Force, who witnessed the robbery, tackled the suspect to the ground, which resulted in a struggle between the two.
The suspect was able to break free from the Air Force member and ran out of the store, leaving behind the stolen merchandise.
The suspect is described as a light-skinned black male with light facial hair in his late 20s.
While police appreciate the Good Samaritan's actions, they say they would prefer anyone involved in a similar situation to take the criminal's description and not get involved.
"It's definitely something we do not recommend. It's not worth getting hurt, it's not worth risking your life or someone else's life for property," Lt. Joseph Friel of the Evesham Township Police Department said.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Evesham Township Police Department.