A jewelry store in Sunnyvale, California, was the target of a shocking smash-and-grab robbery on Wednesday afternoon, with five suspects now in custody. The incident, caught on video, involved approximately 20 suspects who shattered display cases and made off with a large amount of jewelry before fleeing the scene.
Sunnyvale Police Department officers responded to a burglary in progress report at PNG Jewelers USA shortly before 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12. Authorities reported that around 20 suspects armed with hammers and other tools targeted the jewelry cases, smashing them and grabbing everything within reach before fleeing the scene.
Bay Area Jewelry Store Robbed in Shocking Smash-and-Grab
Police officers swiftly located two suspect vehicles as the suspects escaped the store, initiating a pursuit. One vehicle evaded capture, while the occupants of the other discarded the stolen jewelry out the window during the chase. Five suspects abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot across a nearby freeway, but officers were able to apprehend all of them.
Tonga Latu, Tavake Esafe, Ofa Ahomana, Kilifi Leaaetoa, and Afuhia Lavakeiaho were identified as the apprehended suspects. They were subsequently booked into Santa Clara County Jail on charges of armed robbery, felony vehicle evasion, resisting arrest, burglary, conspiracy to commit a crime, vandalism, possession of burglary tools, and outstanding warrants.
Bay Area Jewelry Store Robbed in Shocking Smash-and-Grab
A portion of the stolen jewelry was recovered by police, but the total value of the stolen items remains unknown. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the robbery.
Authorities are exploring a possible connection between this incident and another jewelry store robbery in Sunnyvale in May, which also involved multiple suspects.
Bay Area Jewelry Store Robbed in Shocking Smash-and-Grab
The investigation into the smash-and-grab robbery is ongoing, with police seeking the remaining suspects. Anyone with information regarding the incident or the whereabouts of the other suspects is urged to contact the Sunnyvale Police Department.
