Good Samaritan stops Starbucks thief

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Customers who were looking for a midday pick-me-up at a downtown Starbucks got more than a caffeine rush.

Austin police said around 3:45 p.m. a woman came into the Starbucks in the 600 block of Congress Avenue looking for some easy cash to steal.

Richard Chambers was at the counter getting some change when the female came rushing into the store.

“She knocked my money out of my hand, grabbed the tip jar, and turned around and hit a lady in the face and stole her wallet,” said Chambers.

As the female suspect tried to make a run for it, Chambers said he wasn’t going to let her get away with the money that she stole.

“I cornered her outside the shop, pulled her down and held her until police came,” said Chambers.

Tonya Miller, who was standing outside, said it all happened so fast.

“The man ran out, jumped down the stairs and jumped on her [suspect] and the money flew everywhere," said Miller.

Chambers said he knew he could handle her because she wasn’t [the size] of “a bear.”

Police said no one was injured and with the help of Chambers' fast actions, they were able to apprehend the suspect.