Man who intervened during Starbucks robbery may be sued by robber

FRESNO, Calif. (WPVI) -- A Northern California man who stepped in to stop an armed robbery could face legal troubles of his own.

Video of the confrontation went viral.

It shows 58-year-old Cregg Jerri enjoying his drink inside a Fresno Starbucks last July when the suspect, 30-year-old Ryan Flores, tried to rob the store by demanding money from the barista.

Surveillance video shows Jerri jumping into action and hitting Flores with a chair.

Investigators say Flores first stabbed Jerri in the neck during the struggle, but that Jerri managed to wrestle the knife away and stab Flores several times.

Now, Flores' mother, Pamela Chimienti, says her son is a victim too and she's planning to sue Jerri for using excessive force.

"The guy in my opinion went from a good Samaritan to a vigilante, stabbing somebody that many times. It doesn't take that many stab wounds to get somebody to succumb to you," she said.

The Fresno police chief is calling the lawsuit "ludicrous." He says Jerri was obviously fearing for his life and will not face any criminal charges.

----------

Send a breaking news alert
Report a correction or typo
Learn more about the 6abc apps