A Chinese American family in California praised what they called "perfect" US police system for saving them from further harm after they were victimized by an armed robber.

The armed robber, identified by police as Spanish American Javier Mendez, 35, broke into the home of Dylan Zhang in Walnut, California on February 13, carting away cash and other valuables.

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Zhang recounted that he immediately dialed 911 upon hearing Mendez threaten his mother with a gun as he asked for money.

"I heard someone knocked the front door first. Then, a guy came in and asked if my mother was the one he was looking for. He said the person owed him US$ 30,000. My mom said he found a wrong person. After that, the guy claimed that he had a gun with him and asked for money. I then called 911," said Zhang.

Zhang's mother said she gave the robber cash amounting to US$600, but he still attacked her, grabbed her wallet,  ring, and other items in the house.

Two police patrol cars arrived within 5 minutes of Zhang's call to 911.

"Police did not come in right away. They worry about the suspect would hijack hostage with gun. The guy ran out and drove to crash the patrol cars to run away," Zhang said of the rescue effort.

Zhang's mother thanked the police for their quick response.

"The U.S. police system is perfect, guaranteeing residents lives," Zhang's father said.

Captain Jeff Scroggin of the Walnut / Diamond Bar Station said the robber was a habitual criminal and had been shot dead.

Scroggin advised Chinese Americans who do not know English to just say the words "Help" and "Chinese" when they call 911 and help would be underway.