Alarming surveillance footage captured a group of masked thieves ransacking a California jewelry store, making away with about $1 million in stolen goods before fleeing in six getaway cars. Police later arrested seven suspects, though the investigation to find the rest of the crew is still ongoing.
According to The Daily Caller, nearly 20 masked suspects stormed Heller Jewelers at City Center Bishop Ranch in San Ramon on Monday. The thieves, using crowbars and pickaxes, smashed display cases, fired shots to breach a security door, and then bolted toward vehicles staged in a valet area outside the high-end retail location.
San Ramon Police said about 25 individuals may have been involved in the crime. The department confirmed that seven suspects—three adults and a juvenile in Oakland, as well as three others at the Dublin BART station—have been apprehended. Detectives are now working to track down the remaining suspects.
Smash-and-grab chaos unfolds
The mob entered the store in a coordinated rush, shattering display cases within moments of arrival. Authorities said suspects carried out the heist with efficiency, scooping up jewelry before the door locked behind them.
“They went in and the door locked behind them,” Lt. Mike Pistello of the San Ramon Police Department said in a briefing. The group then fired rounds to gain exit access, which allowed them to reach their planned getaway vehicles.
The suspects fled into six cars positioned near the store’s valet area. Police attempted to follow, but the chase was halted after speeds topped 100 mph, with law enforcement citing public safety concerns.
Police drone leads the way
A recently deployed police drone was the first on the scene above City Center Bishop Ranch. It captured visuals of the vehicles and suspects as they left the area, allowing police to track them before other units arrived.
Air support later followed the suspects into Contra Costa and Alameda counties, giving officers critical evidence of their movements. Authorities confirmed that many of the getaway cars had previously been reported stolen.
“This is not something that happens a lot in San Ramon,” Pistello said, emphasizing the unusual nature of such a large-scale robbery in the community. He added that police are aggressively pursuing every lead available.
Arrests made in two counties
Three suspects, including a juvenile, were captured by San Ramon police in Oakland after fleeing the scene. Another three were apprehended by Alameda County deputies hours later at the Dublin BART station.
The multiple arrests highlight law enforcement’s rapid response and coordination across different agencies. Officers credit the use of advanced technology and quick communication with preventing more of the suspects from escaping.
Detectives continue searching for the remaining individuals believed to be involved in the robbery. Authorities said given the scope of the operation, the number of active participants is likely larger than those already detained.
Community shaken but cooperating
Local residents have expressed shock after learning about the scale of the robbery, which unfolded at a busy shopping complex. Witnesses were able to provide initial descriptions to investigators, supporting the ongoing investigation.
Police have asked for additional tips from the public, particularly anyone who saw suspicious vehicles near City Center Bishop Ranch around the time of the crime. Authorities believe more evidence from bystanders could help track down the remaining suspects.
Despite the arrests, Heller Jewelers faces significant losses estimated at $1 million in merchandise. Insurance representatives and company officials are now assisting police in documenting the extent of the damages.
