Police arrested eight suspects after a smash-and-grab burglary at a California jewelry store — an incident that was captured on security video.
Employees at Classic Jewelers in Anaheim told officers that a group “intentionally rammed a dark-colored Nissan Rogue into the front of the business” before stealing merchandise on Friday afternoon, Jan. 23, according to a press release shared by the Anaheim Police Department.
Footage obtained by ABC 7 and KTLA shows the SUV crashing into the storefront as masked thieves rush inside, grab items from display cases, and then escape in two separate vehicles.
Police said that during the burglary, the suspects also took a firearm from behind the counter that belonged to the business.
A short time later, officers spotted one of the suspected getaway vehicles, which ultimately became involved in a multi-car crash near Orangethorpe Avenue. The driver and three passengers ran from the scene, but police quickly detained the driver and later arrested three more people believed to be connected to the burglary.
A police helicopter later located the second vehicle in Fullerton. That vehicle was also involved in a multi-car crash near Euclid Street and Malvern Avenue. Police said officers were not actively pursuing the car, but when they arrived at the crash scene, they arrested two people believed to be involved.
A handgun was recovered at the second crash site, and some stolen jewelry was found at both locations. Hours later, police said they located and arrested two additional suspects at separate homes. Several motorists not connected to the incident were taken to local hospitals with minor injuries.
Ramzy Tabello, the owner of Classic Jewelers, told KTLA that the thieves made off with about $1 million worth of gold and jewelry.
“They started smashing my showcases…they ran to me and grabbed my gun,” Tabello recalled. “My life flashed before my eyes.”
Police identified the suspects as 24-year-old Jose Andres Martinez-Colindres of Inglewood; 23-year-old Leontrey Gipson and 23-year-old Deondre Jones, both of Los Angeles; 20-year-old Tylaind Brown of Compton; 20-year-olds Khilen Toles and Khamari Toles, both of Inglewood; 19-year-old Latrell Mathews of Los Angeles; and a 17-year-old male juvenile from Los Angeles.
All adult suspects were booked on multiple felony charges, police said, and the case is under review by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. The juvenile was released to a guardian while further proceedings are pending.
“This remains an active and ongoing investigation,” police said. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Anaheim Police Department at (714) 765-1900. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS or online at www.occrimestoppers.org.
