Video captures officer walking into 7-Eleven during armed robbery

Cameras capture the moment a police officer unknowingly walks into a 7-Eleven as an armed robbery is taking place. The incident happened on Jan. 17 at a 7-Eleven convenience store near the corner of a busy intersection in West Covina.

West Covina Sergeant Abel Hernandez, who is a frequent customer of that 7-Eleven, is seen walking in to buy some water and to say hello to the clerk. Little did he know, he was walking straight into an active robbery.

KTLA's Chris Wolfe reports on Jan. 19, 2024.

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[DP-fqiy]

The fact you can threaten someone with a gun and even GET bail is insanity.

[vrkonstrukt]

Kudos to Sergeant Abel Hernandez. He serves and protects.

[casperskestrel]

Policing done properly. Great job sir.

[TheDJEnrique]

i’m glad the clerk and officer are both safe .

[skudzer]

Now that's a good cop. No embellishment, no false bravado, humble and honest to the core. We need more men like him on the force.

[ebuzone]

Thank you, Officer Abel Hernandez, for your service to our country, and your continuing service to the community.😎

[ScamNewton]

His heart dropped into the bottom of his stomach when the law walked in.

[patsygroves]

That Sergeant Deserves an Award and a Pay Raise !! Great Work, Sir !!!

[nelsonvanvickle]

17 years on the force. He’s seen a lot. Recognized all the signs and instantly sprung into cop mode. Well done officer !!

[DamaniDanDadar]

Former marine, served in Iraq, 17 years as a police officer. Wow. The thief really chose a bad day!

[buckeyechuck]

48 years old and robbing stores, what a sad life.

[jacquelinerussell]

HE didnt hesitate to jump into action once he realized what was going on THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

[haveaniceday]

Thank you for your great work Sergeant

[gitane]

That cop is a guardian angel. The clerk was really lucky to have his friend who arrived at the right moment to catch the robber.

[KP]

Officer Abel seems like such a genuine person who takes pride in protecting our community. He even is friends with the clerk and stopped in to say Hello. Such a wholesome scenario, in a world getting crazier everyday.

[jbug]

That was perfect timing, good thing he knows the clerk so well. Right on Sgt!

[katw.]

This man seems very humble and not comfortable with too much praise...what a police officer, friend, veteran. Thank you, sir, for helping the world - even a little. It goes a long way.

[shamusmenzies]

As an ex 7 eleven employee of 4 years I commend this officer, the amount of tomes we get robbed and don't get saved is ridiculous

[trevorjensen]

Now, will the judge and prosecutors actually punish this suspect, or will they let him out so the subject can be a danger to the community once again?

[paulhouser]

What a great cop!!! Fast thinking, totally courageous, does his job beautifully.