Man Arrested After Armed Robbery Attempt at Greenville Costco

Police have taken a 24-year-old man into custody following an armed robbery attempt at a Costco in Greenville, South Carolina. The suspect, identified as Jose Alejandro Giraldo, allegedly smashed through jewelry display cases wielding both a machete and a pickaxe before customers and staff managed to hold him down until officers arrived.

Greenville police responded to the scene on Woodruff Road Thursday after receiving reports of an active robbery. WSPA 7News relayed details from the Greenville Police Department stating that Giraldo entered the store, broke into cases at the jewelry counter, and claimed he had a firearm when confronted. FOX Carolina noted that initial calls described the weapon as looking like a hammer, but police later confirmed the presence of the machete and pickaxe.

The situation turned dangerous quickly inside the warehouse-style store. Customers detained Giraldo until law enforcement could secure him, while employees reportedly assisted in restraining the suspect during the struggle. One person was injured while helping to subdue the attacker, forcing emergency medical personnel to respond. Reports did not specify how severe the customer's injuries were immediately after the incident.

Giraldo now faces charges for armed robbery and third-degree assault and battery, according to both news outlets covering the story. A mugshot of the suspect was released by the Greenville County Detention Center shortly after his arrest. FOX Business has contacted the Greenville Police Department seeking further comment on what happened.