HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA (BRAIN) — Neighbors and store employees helped fend off rioters looking to loot the Easyrider bike shop after the U.S. Open of Surfing ended here Sunday night.
According to the LA Times and other local media, a mob swarmed down the town's Main Street after police officers moved them away from the surf event.
"We are truly humbled by the support of our community. Local HB residents put themselves in harms way to help us defend our store. Our town, our shop.... Glad the circus has finally left!!!" — Easyrider Bike Shop Facebook post Monday morning.
Employees at Easyrider were ready.
Ryan Hartzog, a store manager, told the Times that rioters used a stop sign to smash through the store's front window. They stole one bike and tried to tried to take a second. "Employees managed to hang onto the second bike in a tug-of-war with a looter," the Times said.
According to the Huntington Beach Independent, shop employee Bert Etheredge wrestled a $5,000 custom bike away from would-be looters.
The store was open for business Monday.
