Thieves took donation jars off a diner’s counter. Customers gave chase, until shots rang

Customers at a Visalia eatery were shot at Saturday morning while chasing after thieves who stole fundraising containers from the counter, said Visalia police Sgt. Damon Maurice.

Police say two suspects entered the Dimples Diner at 1823 Main St. around 11:45 a.m. Saturday and bolted with several fundraising containers.

The two then fled to a nearby vehicle and were chased by customers. As they drove away, one fired a pistol in the direction of the customers, but no one was injured.

The vehicle was found a short time later with help from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department, Maurice said.

This story was originally published October 29, 2017 at 1:02 PM with the headline "Thieves took donation jars off a diner’s counter. Customers gave chase, until shots rang."