Good Samaritans chase down alleged thief

A group of Good Samaritans witnessed a man smash a car window, steal a purse on the front seat and run away with it on Friday afternoon in the Canyon Lake Town Center parking lot. The group gave chase and eventually caught him and restrained him until Canyon Lake Police officers could place the man under arrest.

Chief Stallion Johnson, 18, was charged with Second Degree Felony Burglary and taken to Southwest Detention Center. He was released on $10,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on May 11.

The group of individuals who pursued the suspect gave an account of the events that led up to Johnson’s arrest, but requested their names not be used.

A man and his wife were parked next to a car whose owner was in Not Just 4 Paws Animal Hospital with her pet. The couple noticed a man walking back and forth on the sidewalk in front of the veterinarian’s office. He also had been in Village Lights asking about antiques. It was then that the couple saw the man approach the parked car next to theirs as he “within seconds” smashed the car window and removed the purse from the front seat.

“A group of us ran after the suspect and lost him in the parking lot,” the man next to the victim’s car said. “I escorted the victim around the building and parking lot hoping to find her purse, but to no avail. She then spotted the suspect near Pepe’s Restaurant and I gave chase along with five others, who joined me.”

He said the man ran across the golf course, but they lost sight of him after he ran into Canyon Lake Fairway Estates, the mobile home community on the opposite side of the golf course.

“All of us, however, did not give up and we continued the chase him into the mobile home park,” he said. “Others joined in and eventually the man was apprehended by a group of us.

“Wow, you talk about Canyon Lake family and caring about supreme justice! A young man recovered the lady’s purse and all her belongings which included credit cards, substantial cash, etc. As the suspect lay there, he kept yelling and trying to escape as a number of credit cards and other cards flew out of the purse.”

The City of Canyon Lake police department was called and witnesses said officers showed up “in less than two minutes.” The man who was tackled by the Good Samaritans was identified as Johnson and was immediately taken into custody on Chip Way inside Fairway Estates.

“There are lots of people to sincerely thank including people directly and indirectly involved,” the man who started the chase said. “I’ll never forget the lady who gave me a ride as we were chasing the guy with her car. What an angel! So many Good Samaritans! Justice prevailed!”

Those who participated in the apprehension of the suspect, were quick to point out how the crime occurred in the light of day while people were milling about.

“Extreme words of caution to all,” one Samaritan said. “Be vigilant and always keep your eyes open. Never ever take anything for granted because these things happen in a second and the ramification can be so serious.”

Another concern those who chased the suspect down said they had was a worry that others might do the same and put themselves into danger.

“What heroes we have and I’m so grateful to all who made a difference in getting involved and going the extra mile,” the man said. “What all of us did was admirable, but as citizens, be extremely careful when chasing and trying to apprehend a suspect. You don’t know if they are carrying a weapon and innocent people could be hurt. So use extreme caution. Leave it up to law enforcement as they are doing a fantastic job. We give them much thanks for all of their efforts and the care they have for our community.”