On October 7, 2017 at approximately 7:22 p.m., a male subject entered the Aldi store on Laporte Ave in Valparaiso and attempted to rob the store. The male subject approached a cashier and demanded cash. A short time later six customers physically restrained the male subject until police arrived.
Those six customers were recognized in a ceremony at the Valparaiso Police Department on Thursday night for their brave actions. Those individuals Harry Prassas, Kais Yehyawi, Richard Orelup, Terry Jordan, Chuck Collins and Russell Capellari all received a Valparaiso Citizen Community Service Award. Chief of Police Jeff Balon presented the awards.
Chief of Police, Jeff Balon explained, “due to the courageous actions taken by these six citizens, Aldi incurred no monetary loss, no one was injured and a violent felon was arrested. Their actions are an excellent example of the public and police working together to keep our community safe”.