CLOVIS, Calif. (KMPH) -
For the second time this week, a pair of crooks steals from a local fireworks stand.
But this time they nearly run over a woman in the process.
A man and a woman stole from a fireworks stand run by volunteers with the Clovis High girl's basketball program.
The stand is located in the parking lot right outside the Clovis Wal-Mart along Shaw Avenue.
Julie Tavares' left knee was bruised by the car as it took off.
Julie Tavares says, "I said 'what are you doing,' and I was able to look down and look at the license plate, as they were leaving they pushed the car and kind of grazed my knee."
The theft happened around 9:30 Tuesday morning. Thankfully Julie was able to move before the woman driver hit the gas.
Steve Perkovich who runs the fireworks stand is upset.
Steve says, "Julie is fine, but it's nerve–racking to think someone would want to do that and potentially hurt somebody badly just for a 500 dollar box of fireworks."
Clovis resident, James Reyes couldn't believe someone would steal money from a group of kids.
He decided to buy extra fireworks, just to help out the Clovis girl's basketball program.
Others hope the crooks get what they deserve, a one way ticket to jail.
Jerry Stidham says, "People just have a sense of entitlement or something, if I can get it I can have it, and that's too bad."
Clovis Police are investigating, and have already tracked down where the crooks live, thanks to the license plate.
But so far no one has been arrested.
Meanwhile, Julie and other volunteers hope they can make up the loss.
Police say when they catch the man and woman involved in the robbery, they will face felony hit–and–run charges.
