Editor's note: This story contains mentions of possible domestic violence. Those facing domestic abuse can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit its website for a virtual chat.
A domestic violence suspect was arrested after his victim used a social media-driven hand gesture asking for help at a 7-Eleven store in Southern California, authorities said.
Officers responded to a 911 call "regarding suspicious circumstances" at a 7-Eleven store in Alhambra, California, a city about 10 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, the Alhambra Police Department said in a social media post on Aug. 31. Online inmate records indicate the incident occurred on Aug. 19.
Further investigation revealed that there had been a domestic violence incident, and the female victim was asking for help by using hand signals behind her back, according to police. The suspect, identified as John Palombi, 38, of Glendora, California, was captured on an officer's body camera attempting to flee the scene after police asked to speak to him and the victim outside the store.
The body camera footage showed police asking Palombi to stand up for a pat down, when he then discarded his Big Bite box and plastic bags and sprinted away from the officers. Palombi was immediately caught and arrested.
