Two would-be robbers looking to score some high-end cosmetics and skincare products were forced to abandon their scheme and leave empty-handed after two good Samaritans got involved.
Around 12:30 p.m. Nov. 9, an African-American woman was at the Ulta store at 2841 Countryside Dr. The woman was carrying around a basket filled with mounds and mounds of expensive cosmetics and skincare products. As she perused the store, an African-American man came up to her and she handed off her basket to him and left the store, said Turlock Police spokesperson Officer Mayra Lewis.
The man continued to add more items to the basket and then suddenly bolted for the door, Lewis said.
A store employee tried to stop the man from leaving the store, but he pushed by her easily and made off with the stolen merchandise. She was not injured, Lewis said.
Two individuals saw the man running away from the store with the basket in his arms and tried to stop him. The effort was unsuccessful, but they did cause him to drop all of the stolen goods he was trying to take, Lewis said.
All the stolen merchandise was returned to the store.
The duo may have lost all their purloined products, but they were able to flee the scene before law enforcement arrived and are being sought by the Turlock Police Department. The man was last seen getting into what was described as a white sedan. A search for the vehicle in the area turned up no results.
The male suspect was described as having a muscular build and weighing around 280 to 300 pounds. He had dreadlocks and was wearing a beanie and a striped shirt. He was thought to be in his 30s.
The woman was described as having a heavy build with a short boy style hair cut. She was wearing a striped shirt and dark pants.
Anyone with information about the pair is asked to contact Officer Michael Parmley at 668-5550 ext. 6767.