A routine day in Glendale turned into chaos when two men stole $50,000 in cash from a man who had just cashed a settlement check. The incident escalated into a dramatic high-speed chase and ended with arrests and cash scattered across the streets. This unusual series of events, dubbed by police as “The Italian Job,” left bystanders stunned and investigators piecing together the wild sequence of events.
The Initial Theft
The victim, who had recently cashed a $50,000 settlement check, intended to use the funds to purchase a truck. On November 7, after withdrawing the money, the man left the cash in his car while heading to meet the seller of the truck. Unfortunately, he failed to lock his vehicle, and the opportunity was seized by two suspects, later identified as Raymond Pouncey and Reginald Chapman. According to the victim, a passerby alerted him that someone had taken something from his car. By the time he realized what had happened, the suspects had already fled the scene with the cash.
The Chase Begins
Determined to recover his stolen money, the victim, along with his son, jumped into their car and began pursuing the suspects. The chase quickly became a dangerous high-speed pursuit through Glendale streets. As the suspects tried to evade capture, they ran a red light at the intersection of 67th Avenue and Olive, resulting in a crash with another vehicle. Traffic cameras from Glendale’s Real Time Crime Center captured the dramatic collision. Despite the crash, the suspects attempted to flee on foot, further escalating the situation.
The Suspects’ Desperate Escape Attempt
After the crash, one of the suspects ran with the bag of stolen money. The victim continued to pursue him on foot, recounting how he chased the man through a nearby complex before losing sight of him temporarily. Eventually, the suspect stopped and claimed innocence, allegedly telling the victim he would wait for the police because he had “done nothing wrong.” However, when Glendale police arrived, they arrested both Pouncey and Chapman.
Recovery of the Cash
During the suspects’ arrest, officers discovered $47,205 in cash inside their vehicle. Although a portion of the stolen money was recovered, it remained unclear what happened to the missing $2,795. Police collected the evidence, and the victim expressed his desire for the strongest possible prosecution against the suspects.
Ongoing Investigation
The Glendale Police Department is now investigating the incident, which highlights not only the brazen theft but also the potential dangers of carrying large sums of money and leaving it unsecured. Law enforcement officials commended the victim for his quick thinking in notifying authorities during the pursuit, though they emphasized the risks of engaging in such high-speed chases without police involvement.
Community Reaction
The dramatic nature of the incident captured the attention of Glendale residents. Eyewitnesses expressed shock at the sight of cash scattered across the street and the dangerous pursuit that unfolded. The event serves as a cautionary tale for others, underlining the importance of securing valuables and remaining vigilant when handling large sums of money.
Conclusion
This chaotic incident, which began with an unlocked car and ended in dramatic arrests, showcased both the risks of criminal opportunism and the lengths to which victims will go to protect their property. The suspects, now in police custody, face charges for their involvement in the theft and the dangerous chase that followed. Glendale police continue to investigate the case, ensuring that justice is served for this brazen act of theft.
