A quick-thinking bystander saved a domestic violence victim after recognizing her distress signals at an Alhambra 7-Eleven, leading to the suspect’s arrest, police said Sunday.
John Palombi of Glendora attempted to flee when officers arrived at the convenience store on Fremont and Montezuma avenues and requested that he stand to be patted down, according to an Alhambra Police Department (APD) statement. The accused was unable to escape the parking lot before police apprehended him, authorities said.
“During further investigation, it was determined that a domestic violence incident had occurred, and the victim was asking for help using hand signals behind her back,” the APD wrote on Facebook.
The unidentified woman allegedly signaled for help while inside the store with Palombi. An observant customer recognized the woman’s gestures and immediately called 911 to claim “suspicious circumstances,” the APD said.
Video posted on the APD’s Facebook shows officers engaging with the suspect and alleged victim inside the store. When an officer asks Palombi to stand for a pat-down in the parking lot, he appears to bolt, according to the footage. His apparent escape attempt ends quickly as an officer can be seen catching him.
Officers arrested and booked Palombi at the Alhambra Police Department Jail, according to the statement. He allegedly carried a stun gun and had an active warrant for his arrest. (RELATED: ‘Home Improvement’ Star Reportedly Arrested For Domestic Violence)
No details were released regrading the allegations of domestic violence or what specific charges authorities would be placing against the accused, according to KTLA5.