A brazen smash-and-grab robbery in broad daylight left a small business and its workers shaken, and police say they’ve now arrested several suspects. The attack happened at a jewelry store in San Jose on Sept. 5 and was captured on surveillance video that spread quickly online. What follows is a clear look at what investigators found and how the community is reacting.
The suspects reportedly used a vehicle to ram the store’s front door, then poured inside as a chaotic crowd. More than 10 people participated, according to police accounts, and one suspect reportedly pointed a gun at an adult inside the shop. The group made off with thousands of dollars in merchandise before fleeing in multiple vehicles.
During the robbery, an 88-year-old man who was working in the store was violently assaulted and later hospitalized. Police say he suffered injuries and, according to news reports, also experienced a stroke afterward. Those close to him describe the aftermath as a traumatic, ongoing ordeal for the victim.
A niece of the 88-year-old assault victim told KNTV she is ‘very, very happy’ about the arrests — although her uncle won’t be returning to the store for the foreseeable future as the robbery remains a ‘mental crisis for him.’
Detectives moved quickly and identified seven individuals they believe were involved in the raid. Arrest warrants and search warrants were obtained for the suspects and their residences, and investigators executed those orders with a focus on securing evidence. Police say that effort turned up weapons and drugs tied to the case.
Authorities named the suspects as Angel Herrera, Toddisha Mayfield, Zakhari Blue-Gordon, Tom Donegan, Jacques Samuel, Cisco Lutu, and Amari Green, with ages ranging from late teens to early 30s. One suspect was arrested in a neighboring county and the rest were detained in multiple cities. Several have been booked into the county jail on robbery charges while other process steps are pending.
A video report from local television showed the violence and the chaotic aftermath, and the footage contributed to public outrage. That footage also helped investigators identify participants and piece together the sequence of events. For many local business owners the clip was a blunt reminder of how quickly a quiet afternoon can turn dangerous.
During the searches tied to the arrests, police say officers recovered a firearm, a loaded magazine, rounds of ammunition, and quantities of suspected cocaine. That evidence formed part of the probable cause for multiple felony charges and helped justify the arrests. Detectives told reporters they are continuing to follow leads and analyze the haul.
Dublin police arrested one suspect on Sept. 22, with the remaining arrests occurring over the following week in several different cities. Locations mentioned by investigators included Pacifica, San Leandro, San Jose, Manteca, and Antioch. The coordinated effort reflects how suspects dispersed after the incident and how investigators tracked them down.
Five of the defendants were booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail on robbery charges, and authorities said one additional suspect will be extradited later. Court dates and formal charging details will be handled by the county prosecutor as the case proceeds. Expect more arrests or charging decisions as the investigation unfolds.
Community reactions were immediate and strong, with neighbors and fellow merchants describing fear and frustration. Business owners in the area noted that smash-and-grab tactics are a growing threat and called for better prevention strategies. Many residents said they want more patrols and faster responses for commercial corridors in their neighborhoods.
A niece of the 88-year-old assault victim told KNTV she is “very, very happy” about the arrests — although her uncle won’t be returning to the store for the foreseeable future as the robbery remains a “mental crisis for him.”
Investigators have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward and provide tips to help close any remaining gaps in the case. Detective Hernandez of the San Jose Police Department Robbery Unit is handling leads and can be reached by email at 4392@sanjoseca.gov or by phone at 408-277-4166. Authorities also accept anonymous tips through the local tips app, a dedicated tip line at 408-947-STOP, and via the regional crime stoppers program.
Police stress that tipsters who help secure arrests may be eligible for cash rewards through the crime stoppers program, an incentive that has helped solve other cases. Officials say even small pieces of information can be the missing link investigators need. The department continues to review surveillance footage and digital data tied to the case.
For small businesses, the incident is a warning to reassess security measures and emergency plans. Owners are urged to invest in visible deterrents, reinforced entrances, and high-quality video systems that can capture identifying details. Training staff on how to respond under duress can also reduce risk and improve outcomes if crime occurs.
Victim advocates point out that physical injuries aren’t the only consequence; emotional trauma and long-term mental health effects are common after violent robberies. The 88-year-old’s family has spoken about the incident’s ongoing impact on his wellbeing and ability to return to work. Local support services and counseling can be crucial for recovery after such an event.
The arrests send a message that coordinated law enforcement work can disrupt organized theft crews, but officials acknowledge preventing these crimes requires broader community cooperation. Neighbors, business owners, and city leaders must work together to share information and support public safety strategies. Investment in community policing and targeted enforcement are among the suggested steps.
As the legal process unfolds, the focus will shift to charges, court appearances, and whether prosecutors pursue enhanced penalties tied to the use of weapons and organized group activity. The presence of a firearm and the level of violence could influence charging decisions and potential sentencing recommendations. Defense attorneys and prosecutors will both present evidence as the case moves through the system.
This robbery and the subsequent arrests are a stark reminder that violent property crime can have lasting effects on victims and communities. For the store owners and the elderly worker, recovery will take time and community support. For investigators, the arrests are a milestone but not the end of the work to hold those responsible accountable.
Authorities continue to encourage the public to check local surveillance footage and share any relevant clips with detectives, especially if they capture suspicious vehicles or movements around the time of the crime. Even seemingly minor details can help link suspects to specific roles during the robbery. The investigation remains active as law enforcement pursues all viable leads.
Local merchants are watching closely as the case progresses, and many are adopting extra precautions to protect staff and customers. The hope from business owners and residents alike is that a visible law enforcement response, combined with community vigilance, will deter future attacks. For now, the community is left to heal and to push for steps that make streets and storefronts safer for everyone.
Image source: San Jose (Calif.) Police
