A restaurant owner in Melbourne, Australia, confronted an attempted thief armed with a machete, using a chair to defend himself and his property. The incident occurred Tuesday night outside Hari Soni's Spice Mix Restaurant in Brunswick East.
Soni observed the man attempting to break into his hatchback parked in the rear of the restaurant shortly before 8 p.m. He then grabbed a chair and went outside to confront the individual. Employees of the restaurant also emerged to assist.
CCTV footage shows the suspect stepping back from the car upon seeing Soni with the chair. According to Soni, the suspect then produced a large machete and attempted to stab him. "I was scared. I had a thought of my family because if something happens to me, who's going to look after them?" Soni told Nine News.
The offender fled the scene on foot without taking anything. Soni reported no physical injuries but described feeling traumatized and unable to sleep following the event.
Soni, who has owned the restaurant for eight years, stated that he has noticed an increase in local crime recently, making the area feel unsafe. He called for increased police patrols to prevent similar incidents.
Victoria Police confirmed an investigation is underway, stating that an altercation occurred after the victim confronted the offender, who then brandished a machete. The suspect has not been apprehended, and the investigation remains active. Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.