Restaurant Owner Subdues Assailant Who Attacked Senior Citizen
Dangerous Incidents in Los Angeles: Restaurant Owner Subdues Criminal Who Attacked Elderly Man
Los Angeles can be a perilous environment, not only for tourists but also for its own residents. Disturbingly, the most vulnerable individuals often become frequent targets of petty theft and physical assaults. So, when Tim Ratcliff, a restaurant owner, witnessed one of his customers being attacked, he took it upon himself to stop the culprit.
While patrons were enjoying their meals at Rafallo’s Pizza in Hollywood, California, a young man entered the restaurant’s terrace and started roaming around the tables. Spotting an elderly customer sitting alone, he saw an opportunity to rob him.
Surveillance footage captured the assailant, a man in his twenties, repeatedly punching the victim in the head. He then grabbed the elderly man’s wallet and phone before fleeing towards a nearby intersection.
That’s when Tim Ratcliff, owner of the neighboring Japanese restaurant called Shin, took immediate action. Ratcliff chased after the suspect, who turned to see the determined owner sprinting towards him. The thief had no chance of escape, and Ratcliff tackled him on the street corner.
“I took him down and just waited there until the police arrived,” recalled Tim Ratcliff. “I won’t lie, the adrenaline was overwhelming at that point, and afterwards, it felt like I had quite a workout the next day.”
Ratcliff managed to pin the thief to the ground, despite the suspect throwing punches. His girlfriend also joined in, picking up dropped items before giving the suspect a kick and standing on his leg. Ratcliff held the assailant down until the police arrived.
These types of assaults have left residents weary in Los Angeles. Police officers are unable to respond quickly enough, leaving citizens to take matters into their own hands.
“Even one of the officers and I talked about it… they’re tired of it… a lot of people like myself are tired of this type of thing happening… we’re seeing more and more people just not putting up with it and taking it into their own hands… which I’m glad for… and I’d happily do it again,” stated Ratcliff.
Residents and law enforcement are frustrated with the city’s policies that seem to embolden criminals. Despite efforts to address rising crime rates, citizens have little hope for significant improvement.
Facing terrible policies and legislation, law-abiding citizens are left at the mercy of brazen criminals. They have realized that relying on the government for protection is not enough. As a result, citizens are taking matters into their own hands to ensure justice is served.