Dramatic video shows nearly 25 suspects ransacking San Ramon jewelry store in $1 million heist
SAN RAMON, Calif. (KGO) -- Police in San Ramon say seven suspects have been arrested after a group of nearly 25 people ransacked a jewelry store in broad daylight Monday afternoon, stealing an estimated $1 million worth of merchandise.
The robbery happened at Heller Jewelers, located at City Center Bishop Ranch. According to police, the suspects, armed with at least three guns, stormed the store and smashed display cases with crowbars and pickaxes and grabbing whatever jewelry they could.
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"When they went in, they basically took over the store" said Lt. Mike Pistello of the San Ramon Police Department. "Basically taking whatever jewelry was available."
Cellphone video captured the suspects locked inside the store at one point. Police say at least one suspect fired multiple rounds to break open the glass door and escape. The door was part of a security upgrade installed after a previous robbery in 2023, requiring a security guard to press a button to let people out.
"What ended up happening was, once the suspects went in, the door locked behind them," Pistello said.
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Police say the robbery was well-orchestrated and likely planned days in advance. The suspects arrived in six vehicles, parking in the valet area just 100 feet from the store entrance.
San Ramon PD credits a 2023 organized retail theft grant for helping them respond quickly. A drone funded by the grant was first on scene and captured video of the suspects fleeing the store and entering their vehicles.
"It shows all the suspects' vehicles, as well as all the suspects leaving and entering their cars to leave," Pistello said.
Officers initiated a pursuit but called it off when speeds exceeded 100 mph, citing public safety concerns. With help from nearby agencies, drone footage, surveillance cameras, and bystander videos, police arrested seven suspects.
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Three adults and one juvenile were taken into custody in Oakland with assistance from Oakland police. Three other adults were arrested at the Dublin BART station by Alameda County sheriff's deputies.
The suspects range in age from 17 to 31 and are all from Oakland. Police believe they are connected to similar crimes across the Bay Area.
"This is not their first time doing something like this," Pistello said.
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Two firearms and some jewelry were recovered, including items that may have been dropped or discarded during the escape. Police say several of the vehicles used in the robbery were reported stolen.
Detectives are working around the clock to identify and arrest the remaining suspects. Pistello said the investigation could take months but expressed confidence that the department would ultimately solve multiple cases tied to the group.
"This is not something that happens a lot in San Ramon," Pistello said. "We're doing our best to follow up on every lead possible."
