Armed hero saves security guard from violent shoplifters

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA — A couple of shoplifters were detained outside a grocery store in Loomis, California by a good guy with a gun. Here's how it went down.

A man and a woman were caught shoplifting by a security guard in the parking lot of a grocery store, the Placer County Sheriff's Office told local NBC affiliate KCRA.

Brandon Smith, 25, and Elizabeth Almand, 23 walked out of the Raley's grocery store on Horseshoe Bar Road with three bottles of spirits and a DVD. The couple were confronted by a security guard in the parking lot.

During the confrontation, Smith pulled out a knife and attempted to attack the guard. The guard managed to disarm Smith, but the altercation was not over yet.

The knife fell to the ground and the guard and Smith began wrestling.

Smith told Almand to stab the guard. Just as she was approaching the victim an unnamed hero emerged from the shadows with a gun and said,
'Drop it!' Almand immediately complied. Smart move.

The two shoplifters have been taken into custody. Smith was arrested on suspicion of robbery, assault with a deadly weapon and conspiracy. Almand was booked on charges of robbery and conspiracy.

Lt. Andrew Scott told KCRA the hero had a concealed weapons permit. Deputies found $50 worth of stolen items on the suspects.