A suspect who tried to steal a Starbucks customer’s laptop is behind bars after two Good Samaritans helped chase and detain him until police arrived.

San Leandro police responded to the Starbucks in the area of MacArthur Boulevard and Dutton Avenue just after 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 6 after receiving reports that customers were chasing a laptop thief from the coffee shop.

When officers arrived, they found the victim and several Good Samaritans holding down the suspect, later identified as 18-year-old Paris Williams of Oakland, who was trying to escape.

Witnesses say Williams went inside the Starbucks and snatched the computer from the victim, who was sitting at a table. Williams immediately ran outside and was chased by the victim and other customers.

Police say Williams tried to get inside a car waiting for him nearby, but he was unable to open the door. At this time, the victim and others were able to catch up and detain Williams until police arrived.

The second suspect, 18-year-old Roosevelt Curry of Berkeley, was also located and taken into custody.

Williams was charged with Grand Theft and released with a pending court date.

Curry was not charged and released from custody.

Police say this isn’t the first reported laptop theft from a customer at a coffee shop.

“Laptop thefts from coffee shop patrons are becoming very popular amongst criminals,” San Leandro Police Lieutenant Isaac Benabou said in a statement. “We have seen a sharp increase in this type of crime in San Leandro and surrounding areas. We urge everyone to be more aware of your surroundings as these crimes are easily preventable.”

Last week, the San Leandro Police Department released a safety video on Facebook showing what to look out for and how to prevent yourself from becoming a victim.

Police say if you become a victim of this type of crime (or another violent crime), call 911 immediately and do not attempt to confront or chase after the suspect(s).

“These situations can become dangerous and possibly deadly. Be a good witness, take note of suspect(s) descriptions, clothing, a direction of flight, getaway vehicle, and license plate information. Your safety and the safety of others is most important in these circumstances,” police said in a statement. 

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