Three Newport men use helmet to stop robbery

Three Newport Beach roommates thwarted a robbery attempt Friday by

sending a bloodied would-be robber running after hitting him over the

head with a football helmet, police said.

The suspected thief, whose name was not released, was reportedly

invited to watch a basketball game at the apartment in the 7300 block of

Seashore Drive, said Newport Beach Police Sgt. Steve Shulman. Victims

told police the man left but later returned with the intent of robbing

the apartment, he said.

Refusing to be victimized, the three Newport Beach men hit the

uninvited guest over the head with a Miami Dolphins football helmet,

causing him to bleed, Shulman said.

No arrests were made and the investigation is ongoing.