An alert 7-Eleven employee in Alhambra helped police arrest a man suspected of domestic violence after recognizing a discreet signal for help. The incident occurred on August 19, when a woman used a hand gesture, tucking her thumb under her four fingers, to silently indicate she needed assistance. This signal, developed by the Canadian Women’s Foundation, is intended to alert others to potential danger.
Body camera footage released by Alhambra police shows officers approaching the couple inside the store. The officers asked the woman if she was okay and requested to speak with her privately. During their investigation, police identified the man as John Glenn Palombi, 38, of Glendora. Palombi attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended by officers. According to the police, Palombi had an active warrant for his arrest and was carrying a stun gun at the time of the incident.
Shamsher Singh, an employee at the 7-Eleven, praised his colleague’s quick thinking. “He did a great job because she needed help and that was a good time he did it,” Singh said. Palombi is currently being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court on September 11.
The Canadian Women’s Foundation introduced the help signal in April 2020 as a discreet way for individuals experiencing gender-based violence to seek assistance, especially during video calls in isolation. The gesture has since become a recognized tool for those in need of help in various situations.
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