Bystander wrestles man to ground after robbery attempt

A 31-year-old Fresno gang member was arrested Thursday after a bystander wrestled him to the ground during an armed robbery attempt at the Dollar Tree store just east of downtown, police say.

Sgt. Ritchie O’Dell said Tyrece Jefferson, 31, is on parole and is a Diamond Crip gang member. Jefferson was booked into the Fresno County Jail on armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, and several other weapons charges.

Fresno police said officers were dispatched to the Dollar Tree store on Tulare Avenue. Prior to their arrival, the officers were told that a citizen was fighting with Jefferson and a gunshot had been fired. When officers arrived, they saw the citizen holding Jefferson down on the ground just outside the store.

Witnesses told police that Jefferson entered the store and pointed a silver handgun at the clerk and demanded money. The citizen, who was paying for items at the register, saw the suspect with the gun. Fearing for the safety of both his wife and 5-month-old baby, he grabbed the suspect and began fighting with him.

The two men continued to fight as they went out the front door. Once outside, the citizen was able to force Jefferson to the ground. During the struggle, police said Jefferson fired one round from the pistol, which did not injure anyone. The pistol was knocked out of Jefferson’s hand and was picked up by a bystander.

Police did not identify the citizen.

This story was originally published November 26, 2015 at 5:56 PM with the headline "Bystander wrestles man to ground after robbery attempt."