75-Year-Old Defeats Armed Robbers with a Broom in Chile

Lota, Chile: 75-Year-Old Store Owner Fights Off Armed Robbers with a Broom A dramatic incident unfolded in Lota, Chile, on May 16, 2025, when a 75-year-old store owner, Aroldo Fuentealba, single-handedly repelled an armed robbery attempt using nothing but a broom. Security camera footage shows four young individuals entering Mr. Fuentealba's store, armed with a pistol and a knife. They aggressively confronted the owner and his wife. "They came in with a lot of violence," explains the news reporter in the video. "Attacking the owner directly." Mr. Fuentealba, however, was not intimidated. Despite being outnumbered and facing armed assailants, he grabbed his broom and began striking the robbers. The footage shows him hitting the robbers repeatedly until they fled the scene. His wife, Alicia Carrillo, recounted the terrifying experience. "It's logical, in desperation, one does anything. One defends oneself, however one can," she stated, emphasizing the fear and desperation of the situation. The incident has garnered significant attention in the community, highlighting the growing concerns about safety and security in the area. While no arrests have been made yet, a police investigation is underway. The incident serves as a testament to the resilience and bravery of ordinary people in the face of adversity.