Store employees apprehend their own burglars
After a man and woman attempted to steal from a local jewelry store Saturday, employees took matters into their own hands and apprehended their would-be burglars. Businesses in the area are mixed in terms of how they would handle the situation.
Jeff Clark, manager at Molinelli’s Jewelers, has been working in jewelry for decades and he says this is the first time anything like this has happened to him.
“It was just a gut instinct just to take off after them because I figured they had some jewelry and we needed to catch them,” Clark said.
The two burglars took two screws out of a case holding items like rings. With the screws off, they were able to reach inside and grab several pieces of jewelry. After Clark asked what they were doing, they ran out of the store through the back door. Not before dropping jewelry on the floor.
That’s when Clark and assistant manager Craig Simpson ran after the pair. Clark apprehended the woman while Simpson apprehended the man. They remained in the jewelers’ custody until authorities arrived.
“In hindsight, probably wasn’t the best decision because if they had guns or knives it could’ve turned bad,” Clark said.
The Pocatello Police Department says that the actions of the two employees weren’t wrong, but safety should be the top priority. Old Town Mercantile and Antique, Molinelli’s neighbor, agrees safety comes first.
“I would just look out for everyone,” said Michelle Rasmussen, employee at Old Town Mercantile and Antique. “Not worry so much about things because they can be replaced, where people can’t.”
Down the street at Portneuf River Outfitters, owner Roger Thompson isn’t afraid to chase a thief either. However, he says it just depends on the situation.
“It’s always a question of good judgment and what’s going on at the time, the other circumstances,” said Thompson. “If I’ve got trustworthy people in the store that would watch the store for me – I’ll give chase. I won’t want them to, but I will.”
Michael Borchert was arrested for burglary Saturday following the theft attempt. The unnamed female suspect is expected to be arrested soon, according to police.
