Community raises almost $100K for LA man whose work truck was stolen on live TV

Good Samaritans crowdfunded just short of $100,000 for the family of a California man whose truck was stolen from him on live TV during a wild police chase through Southern California.

Andrews Benitez, who runs a landscaping businesses, had been home for less than 10 minutes on Thursday evening when Johnny Anchondo, a 32-year-old being pursued by police, barged in through the back door of his Whittier home brandishing a pair of scissors and swiped the keys to his new white work truck, reports Fox 11 Los Angeles.

"I was in the kitchen drinking an energy drink, my mom was on the couch and we were talking. And we see the back door open, and that back door is never suppose to open, no matter what. So when I saw it open, my first reaction was someone is trying to get into the house," Benitez told FOX 11.

Anchondo had been leading officers on a pursuit through parts of Orange and Los Angeles counties before hitting a parked car near the Benitez residence. Thousands were watching on live TV, with helicopters over the scene, as Benitez chased Anchondo out of the house with a kitchen knife.

Benitez’s mother can be seen holding him back from attacking the stranger, which gave Anchondo an opportunity to jump into and start the truck.

"Once I saw him start up the truck, I kind of already knew it was over. Because just from looking at him, I can tell he didn't care about living no more," Benitez said, explaining how he only recently been able to afford the truck.

"He took all the equipment we use, and we still have to work tomorrow. And I don’t know how we are going to do it."

The community rallied to Benitez’s GoFundMe, hitting $80,000 in 24 hours. As of Saturday morning, a little over $99,353 towards his new truck.

Benitez showed his appreciation on Instagram, thanking God and his contributors for helping him through his “nightmare tragedy.”

“This truly was a Nightmare tragedy turned into a big blessing always keep god in mind no matter what’s going on”, he wrote with a smattering of heart and prayer emojis. “Seriously thank you all, much love to every single one of you.”