Video Captures Thieves Crashing Car Through Jewelry Store Door in Smash-and-Grab

Police arrested eight suspects after a brazen smash-and-grab burglary at a Southern California jewelry store — a chaotic crime that was caught on security cameras and ended with multiple crashes across two cities.

According to a press release from the Anaheim Police Department, employees at Classic Jewelers reported that a group of suspects deliberately rammed a dark-colored Nissan Rogue through the front of the store Friday afternoon, January 23, before rushing inside and stealing merchandise.

Security footage obtained by local outlets shows the SUV smashing through the storefront as masked suspects pour into the shop, shattering display cases and grabbing jewelry. Police said the group fled the scene in two separate vehicles moments later.

During the burglary, investigators say the suspects also stole a firearm from behind the counter that belonged to the business.

Not long after the robbery, officers spotted one of the getaway vehicles, which ultimately crashed into multiple cars near Orangethorpe Avenue. The driver and three passengers tried to run, but police quickly apprehended the driver and arrested three additional suspects believed to be involved.

A police helicopter later located the second vehicle in Fullerton. That car was also involved in a multi-vehicle crash near Euclid Street and Malvern Avenue. Police said they were not actively pursuing the vehicle at the time, but when officers arrived at the crash scene, they arrested two people connected to the burglary.

Authorities recovered a handgun from the second crash site and retrieved stolen jewelry from both locations. Hours later, investigators tracked down and arrested two more suspects at separate residences. Several uninvolved motorists were taken to local hospitals with minor injuries.

Classic Jewelers owner Ramzy Tabello told KTLA that the thieves made off with an estimated $1 million worth of gold and jewelry.

“They started smashing my showcases… they ran to me and grabbed my gun,” Tabello said. “My life flashed before my eyes.”

Police identified the adult 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 of Inglewood; and 19-year-old Latrell Mathews of Los Angeles. A 17-year-old male juvenile from Los Angeles was also detained.

All adult suspects were booked on multiple felony charges that are currently under review by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. The juvenile was released to a guardian while further proceedings are pending.

Police said the investigation remains active and urged anyone with information to contact the Anaheim Police Department. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Orange County Crime Stoppers.