West Hollywood Robbery Incident Involving Retired Wrestler

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported an armed robbery incident that occurred shortly before 1 p.m. on Wednesday in the 900 block of North Sweetzer Avenue, West Hollywood.

According to authorities, a dark sedan approached the victim at a high speed and then halted next to him.

Interestingly, the driver didn’t seem to require any directions.

A masked black male exited the vehicle brandishing a semi-automatic handgun and demanded the victim’s Rolex watch, but, well, the situation took an unexpected turn when the victim, rather than complying, engaged in a physical struggle.

Patrick McCloskey, who was inside his home at the time, recounted hearing a woman’s screams from outside. “It was chaotic, and I couldn’t see what was happening. I rushed to the door and then heard her yelling, ‘Get the gun! Get the gun!'” he told KTLA-TV.

McCloskey noted that it seemed the victim had no major issue in subduing the gunman because, apparently, the robber didn’t know the man was a retired wrestler. The victim managed to grab the gun and tackle him to the ground.

In footage captured shortly after the incident, the victim, who opted not to be identified, explained to a deputy that he had seized the gunman’s wrist and forced him down before disarming him, as reported by KTLA.

Meanwhile, the victim’s girlfriend reportedly threw the gun over a fence and restrained the suspect until law enforcement arrived.

The sheriff’s department indicated that another male accomplice exited the vehicle during the altercation but fled in the same dark sedan before officers appeared.

When officers arrived, they successfully retrieved a firearm and took one suspect into custody without any issues.

“I heard the gun was loaded,” McCloskey stated. “The supposed hero of the day told me that he actually saw bullets in the chamber.”

He added that the retired wrestler showed no hesitation in the fight against the robber, even stating, “At one point, the guy’s arm got dislocated, and he just kept him pinned down.”

Video evidence from the scene captures the arrest of the suspect along with the weapon that was allegedly used in the incident.

Authorities encouraged anyone who witnessed the event or has additional information about the investigation to contact the LASD’s West Hollywood Station.

Commenters on KTLA’s Facebook post expressed their thoughts about the ordeal:

• “Best reaction ever. Kudos!” commented one person.
• “California really needs open carry like Texas!” another user remarked.
• “We need more people to fight back like this hero!” said another.
• Someone else added, “You never know who you’re dealing with.”
• “This news made my day!” another commenter exclaimed.

The sheriff’s department has not released information regarding the suspect’s identity, age, charges, or any prior criminal history.