Air Force Veteran Heroically Thwarts Jewelry Heist

U.S. Air Force veteran Garrett Peddicord's military training came in handy on Saturday evening, when he bravely confronted and chased away a would-be robber who broke into his Omaha jewelry store.

U.S. Air Force veteran Garrett Peddicord is being hailed as a hero after he courageously thwarted an attempted jewelry heist at his Omaha, Nebraska, store.

In a heart-stopping incident captured by security cameras, a black-clad robber is seen smashing one of the store's glass windows with a rock and entering the premises.

Unbeknownst to the intruder, Peddicord was inside the store, working in a back room. Hearing the commotion, he calmly retrieved his handgun and confronted the robber.

Surveillance footage shows Peddicord entering the main area of the store, leveling his pistol at the suspect. "Hey motherf*!" he shouts.

The would-be thief, startled by the sudden appearance of an armed individual, raises his hands and turns tail, fleeing back through the broken window.

"I typically carry a firearm on my waist, even after hours," Peddicord told local news outlet KETV. "It's just one of those things: keys, wallet, firearm."

Peddicord, who spent three years deployed, including a year in Afghanistan, credited his military training for his quick response.

"I thank my lucky stars that I put so much thought and time and repetitive training and practice into how to responsibly carry a firearm," he said.

The owner expressed pride in his ability to defend his business, emphasizing that he would have been prepared to do so even without a gun.

"My use of one is the same as any of the other tools I have back here," he said, referring to a table of drills, cutters, and pliers. "They all serve a purpose. But this," he added, referring to the pistol, "is the one tool that I hope to never have to use."

Despite the suspect fleeing the scene, Peddicord remained calm and collected throughout the encounter. He said his military training had instilled in him the ability to remain composed under pressure.

The Omaha Police Department is currently investigating the incident and has yet to identify or arrest the suspect.

Peddicord's heroic actions have drawn praise from the community and underscore the importance of responsible gun ownership and the value of military training in civilian life.