Security video captured a dark Nissan Rogue plowing into Classic Jewelers in Anaheim on Jan. 23 as masked suspects grabbed merchandise and a business handgun. Officers tracked the suspects to two separate multi-vehicle crashes in Anaheim and Fullerton, recovering some jewelry and a handgun. Police say roughly $1 million in gold and jewelry was stolen; eight people—seven adults and one juvenile—have been identified and arrested or detained while the investigation continues.
Security Video Shows Nissan Rogue Ram Through Anaheim Jewelry Store in $1M Smash-and-Grab; Eight Arrested
The burglary suspects in Anaheim, Calif.CBS LA/YouTube
Police arrested eight people after a dramatic smash-and-grab burglary at Classic Jewelers in Anaheim, California, on Friday, Jan. 23. Security footage shows a dark-colored Nissan Rogue crashing through the store’s front as masked suspects rushed inside, grabbed jewelry and a business-owned handgun, and fled in two separate vehicles.
According to an AP news release shared by the Anaheim Police Department, employees reported that the group intentionally rammed the vehicle into the storefront before looting display cases. Video obtained by ABC7 and KTLA captures the vehicle impact, suspects smashing showcases and quickly removing merchandise.
A short time later, officers located one getaway vehicle near Orangethorpe Avenue; that car became involved in a multi-vehicle crash. The driver and three passengers ran from the scene, but the driver was detained and three additional suspects were later arrested in connection with the burglary. A police helicopter located the second getaway vehicle in Fullerton, which also collided with other cars near Euclid Street and Malvern Avenue. Although officers said they were not in active pursuit, they arrested two people after arriving at that crash scene.
Authorities recovered a handgun at the Fullerton crash site and recovered some of the stolen jewelry at both crash locations. Several uninvolved motorists sustained minor injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals.
Classic Jewelers owner Ramzy Tabello told KTLA the thieves took roughly $1 million in gold and other jewelry. “They started smashing my showcases…they ran to me and grabbed my gun,” Tabello said. “My life flashed before my eyes.”
“They started smashing my showcases…they ran to me and grabbed my gun. My life flashed before my eyes.”
— Ramzy Tabello, Classic Jewelers owner
Police identified the suspects as: 24-year-old Jose Andres Martinez-Colindres (Inglewood); 23-year-old Leontrey Gipson and 23-year-old Deondre Jones (both of Los Angeles); 20-year-old Tylaind Brown (Compton); 20-year-old Khilen Toles and 20-year-old Khamari Toles (both of Inglewood); 19-year-old Latrell Mathews (Los Angeles); and a 17-year-old male juvenile from Los Angeles.
All adult suspects were booked on multiple felony charges, which are under review by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. The juvenile was released to a guardian while proceedings continue. Police described the investigation as active and asked anyone with information to contact the Anaheim Police Department at (714) 765-1900. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS or online at www.occrimestoppers.org.
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