In a display of courage and community unity, two quick-thinking citizens assisted the Petaluma Police Department in apprehending robbery suspects with pepper spray at the Petaluma Outlets on Thursday, September 28, 2023.
The incident unfolded at approximately 12:33 PM at the Sunglass Hut, where suspects Casey Canion and Keiarra Spencer attempted to flee with over $18,000 worth of merchandise without paying, police said.
According to the police, upon being alerted by a vigilant reporting party, Petaluma Police officers swiftly responded to the scene.
The reporting party had informed dispatchers about the suspects' attempt to evade payment and their subsequent struggle with a security guard as they tried to exit the store.
As Canion and Spencer forced their way past the security guard, two citizens—a father and his adult son—intervened upon realizing a crime was in progress.
The citizens, who were at the Petaluma Outlets shopping, bravely detained the suspects until police arrival.
In the scuffle, one of the citizens was assaulted with pepper spray by Canion.
The assailants were subsequently arrested by the officers without further incident and were identified as Casey Canion, a 20-year-old Antioch resident, and Keiarra Spencer, also a 20-year-old Antioch resident.
Both individuals were taken into custody and transported to Sonoma County Jail, where they were booked for Felony Robbery and Felony Conspiracy to commit Robbery.
Police said Canion faced an additional charge of Felony Illegal Use of a Tear Gas Weapon.
The citizen sprayed with pepper spray was treated for minor injuries by medics from the Petaluma Fire Department at the scene.
The stolen merchandise, valued at over $18,000, was successfully recovered and returned to the store, thwarting a serious crime in the community.
The Petaluma Police Department commended the citizens for their brave actions, emphasizing their role in aiding the arrest of the suspects and preventing a significant crime.
While encouraging citizens to prioritize their safety and act as good witnesses during crimes, the department expressed gratitude for the citizens' actions
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