Wild Video Shows Robbers Pulling Off a $1 Million Jewelry Heist

Surveillance footage shows the moment a group of thieves crashed their SUV through the window of a Southern California jewelry store before pulling off a $1 million heist.

Thieves Ransack California Jewelry Store

The terrifying episode took place on the afternoon of Friday, Jan. 23, at Classic Jewelers in Anaheim Hills, per the Orange County Register. Thieves used a stolen Nissan Rogue to smash their way into the store, crashing through the large plate glass window at the front of the shop as the store’s owner, Ramzy Tabello, and his co-worker looked on in shock. As Tabello took cover, the other, unidentified employee watched with his mouth agape as the thieves used hammers to shatter jewelry cases and steal the merchandise within.

Tabello, who called the event “the scariest thing of my life,” estimated that the thieves stole between $750,000 and $1 million in merchandise, using large trash cans to stash the illicit loot. The thieves even seemed aware of the owner’s security precautions. “I always keep my gun right here behind me,” Tabello said. "So they took my gun, and at that point I was scared for my life," he continued. "Lesson learned, I should always carry my gun on me."

All Suspects Were Apprehended After a Chase

Despite the public nature of the crime, it took law enforcement the best part of a day to locate each of the eight suspects. After abandoning the Nissan at the scene, all of the suspects escaped using two other stolen SUVs. As police officers descended on the group, a pursuit commenced at around 2:40 p.m. local time through the city of Fullerton, during which time authorities closed two intersections on the main thoroughfare to prevent civilian injuries or casualties.

Unfortunately, the closures didn’t prevent both suspect cars from crashing into civilian motorists. The driver was apprehended at the scene, but the seven other suspects managed to escape on foot. However, as the day turned to night, officers were inevitably able to locate each of them. Officials confirmed that all were found hiding on separate private properties. The identities of the suspects have not yet been released; but authorities reported that one of the suspects was released to their parents following the arrest, as they are a minor.

Investigations into the robbery and the car crashes are ongoing. The civilians involved in the car accidents were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.