Off-Duty NYPD Captain Jumps Into Action After Thief Grabs Tip Jar From Chelsea Coffee Shop
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - An off-duty police officer took on a thief who grabbed a tip jar from a Chelsea coffee shop Friday.
The coffee shop's name, Matto, is Italian for crazy, and customers say there is no better word to describe the robbery.
Police say a suspect went inside the store on Seventh Avenue to use the bathroom and, on the way out, swiped the tip jar from the counter. Also inside the business was off-duty NYPD captain Arsenio Camilo, who tried to prevent the robber from running off with the stolen money.
Camilo refused to let go of the jar in the struggle with the suspect. He was dragged several feet down the pavement before falling to the ground, but the robber took a tumble too as he struggled to break free from Camilo.
Eventually, two accomplices helped pry the suspect from Camilo's grasp.
Frequent customers say the coffee shop is known for their great deals -- a sign outside says "everything $2" -- and friendly staff. Many say they would have stepped in to help too.
"I mean, listen, everything's for $2, so what are you going to steal?" one man told CBS2's Christina Fan.
"People are so nice here behind the counter that you always want to protect them," Chelsea resident John Langfore said.
Camilo was able to save the tip jar, but some of the money may have been removed.
Police are asking for the public's help in identifying the suspects.
