Currently jewelry store worker is forced to SHOOT on five smash-and-grab thieves as they try to raid a California store that lost $250,000 worth of jewelry and Rolex watches in 2014 robbery
- Five hit-and-run thieves smashed jewelery displays with hammers
- An employee responded by using a firearm to shoot at the suspects
- One suspect was arrested and no one was injured during the incident
Shocking surveillance footage shows five smash-and-grab thieves hitting a jewelry store in Manhattan Beach, California, before a store worker was forced to let loose on them.
Suspects can be seen smashing jewelry displays with hammers in front of customers and store workers at Prestige Jewelers on Friday.
“An employee of the store responded by using a firearm to shoot at the suspects,” Manhattan Beach police said in a news release.
The brutes broke into the store around 12:40 with hooded sweatshirts and masks on, ran in with empty bags and fled within minutes.
They escaped in waiting vehicles that were last seen heading southbound on Sepulveda Boulevard.
The Gardena Police Department has arrested one suspect involved in the robbery and is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the other.
The same store was targeted nine years ago in August 2014 when another group of smash-and-grab thieves made off with about $250,000 worth of merchandise.
Five hit-and-run thieves smashed jewelry displays with hammers at Prestige Jewelers in Manhattan Beach, California on Friday
An employee of the store was forced to pull out a gun and shoot at the robbers
The same store was targeted nine years ago in August 2014 when another group of smash-and-grab thieves got away with about $250,000 worth of goods
No one was injured during the incident, police said. The suspects were able to get away with some of the jewelry they stole from the store.
“We commend the swift and decisive action taken by our police force today,” Chief Rachel Johnson said in a statement.
‘Their commitment to public safety and their quick response is testament to the dedication and professionalism of our police force. We will continue to work diligently to ensure that justice is done.’
In 2014, the crooks, also wearing hooded sweatshirts, broke through display windows and took just 49 seconds to smash glass with hammers in the store in the Manhattan Village shopping center.
They took 20 Rolex watches ranging from $5,000 to $34,000 each and diamonds. Two men were arrested in the previous robbery.
No one was injured during the incident, and police arrested one suspect
They escaped in waiting vehicles that were last seen heading south on Sepulveda Boulevard
In a joint release, Gardena Police and Manhattan Beach Police said: ‘After an intensive investigation, law enforcement officers successfully apprehended one of the suspects involved in the crime.
“This quick arrest should reassure the community that we have the most dedicated law enforcement agency and partners ensuring the safety of our community,” said Mayor Richard Montgomery.
‘We must remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Together, we will continue to work to keep Manhattan Beach a safe and thriving place for everyone.’
Detectives are asking community members who have any information applicable to this incident to contact Detective Hartnell at (310) 802-5127, or the MBPD tip line (310) 802-5171 if they wish to remain anonymous.