Good Samaritan helps police stop ShopRite thieves

BROOKLAWN, N.J. (WPVI) -- Sixty-six-year-old John Koch of Gloucester city went to the ShopRite in Brooklawn last Wednesday to pick up a few things.

That's where he ran into Conwell Becton and Anthony Marchione.

Police say Marchione had just shoplifted some items from the supermarket and Becton was in a getaway car outside.

"This guy's running out, eyes as big as saucers, and he had three or four boxes. They kept telling him to stop," Koch said.

A police officer chased Marchione down and was struggling to subdue him.

"I think the guy was grabbing for his gun and that's when I jumped on top of him and held him down," Koch said.

Soon after, Becton allegedly put the car in reverse almost hitting the officer and a ShopRite security guard. He then put it in drive and headed toward Koch.

"He put it in gear and as I'm running over, he headed for me. I ended up on the hood and off the side of the car and out into the driveway," Koch said.

Koch is a retired employee of Philadelphia Electric who's raised nine kids and has eight grandchildren. He cares full-time for his 88-year-old mother who has Alzheimer's.

He was at the ShopRite picking up food for her when this all happened.

Brooklawn police posted a thank you to John koch on their Facebook page for being a good Samaritan. It says, "Although he didn't have to, he chose to assist an officer he felt was in need and we cannot thank him enough for that."

His run to the store turned out to be way more excitement than he anticipated, but Koch says jumping on the suspect was the right thing to do

"I would do it again. I mean, you can't predict things, you don't know how things are going to be, but you have to do what's right," Koch said.

Becton and Marchione are facing numerous charges including robbery and aggravated assault with a vehicle.

Koch is still nursing some bruises.

The Brooklawn police chief says city council will honor Koch soon for his actions.

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