7 Jewel Robbery Suspects Arrested, Roughly 18 Remain At-Large: Police

SAN RAMON, CA — Six adults and one minor are in custody following an armed robbery at Heller Jewelers Monday, according to the San Ramon Police Department:

• Michael Gray, 31, Oakland
• Jimmy Ray, 27, Oakland
• Ira Austin, 19, Oakland
• Jahkeal McGolthin, 18, Oakland
• Deandre Demisse, 19, Oakland
• Jacques Samuel, 18, Oakland

A 17-year-old was also taken into custody, police said.

Approximately 25 masked people performed a takeover-style armed robbery at Heller Jewelers Monday, according to the San Ramon Police Department. The remaining 18 suspects are at-large as of Tuesday afternoon.

"San Ramon detectives will tirelessly continue their investigation into the incident and ask anyone who may have witnessed the robbery to contact Detective Corporal Kevin Tjahjadi at 925-733-7316," SRPD said in a news release.

The robbery began at around 1:50 p.m. Monday at Heller Jewelers at City Center, according to police. Approximately 20 masked individuals entered the store and began smashing display cases, taking numerous items. Several suspects were armed with handguns, and at least one suspect fired rounds through the front entrance to the store.

No one was injured, and there is no ongoing danger to the community, police said.

A witness reported on Facebook that she was located in a nearby Pottery Barn, and she and all other customers in the store were directed inside in an inventory closet for about an hour until receiving the all clear.

Suspects fled the scene in cars waiting in the City Center valet parking area. San Ramon officers pursued some of the vehicles, but stopped because the chase became too dangerous, and air support was able to continue tracking the suspect vehicle. Suspects were detained at two locations in Oakland and one in Dublin.

This is the second time that Heller Jewelers have been the target of a violent smash and grab. In March 2023, at least seven masked robbers ran into the store with guns at around 2:45 p.m., in front of dozens of shoppers, then fleeing with about $1.1 million worth of jewelry. The suspects were later apprehended thanks to a GPS tracking device inside one of the stolen Rolexes, and sentenced from three to 3.5 years in prison.

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