In January 2020, an unusual and concerning story emerged involving a 29-year-old Navy sailor, Savannah Grillot, and her 25-year-old boyfriend, Corey Curnutt.
The couple, living in Visalia, California, became the center of attention after their plan to stop bike thefts went wrong. They decided to leave bicycles unattended in their front yard as bait to lure potential thieves. The idea was simple: attract the thieves, then confront them with aluminum baseball bats.
They even filmed these encounters and shared the videos on YouTube, turning their vigilante actions into public spectacle. But their efforts soon caught the attention of the Visalia Police Department, who began an investigation into their activities.
Curnutt and Grillot were arrested at their home on East Dove, facing serious charges like assault with a deadly weapon and conspiracy. The investigation revealed that this pattern of baiting and assaulting started in July 2019 and continued until November 2019.
The couple’s videos showed them confronting would-be thieves who tried to steal the bikes, only to be chased down and hit with the baseball bats. Fortunately, none of the victims were seriously injured, but police identified at least four victims.
Initially, some neighbors supported the couple’s actions, thinking they were taking a stand against bike theft. However, as the assaults continued and injuries occurred, the community’s attitude changed. People began to see it as a dangerous and harmful approach, not a legitimate form of neighborhood watch.
A surprising detail came to light when it was revealed that Savannah Grillot was an active Navy sailor stationed at the Lemoore Navy Base, adding another layer to the story.
This incident raised questions about the limits of self-defense and the consequences of taking the law into your own hands. It served as a reminder of the legal and ethical lines that should not be crossed, even when trying to protect property. The case continues to spark debate in the community and beyond.
