On January 23, 2025, Anaheim police seized five suspects after a robbery that involved a vehicle crash and multiple getaway cars. The theft occurred at a jewelry store in the Canyon Plaza shopping mall, and the stolen goods were valued at $1 million. Authorities are still pursuing two suspects who remain at large.
At a Glance
- $1 million in stolen jewelry
- Five suspects detained
- Two suspects still missing
- Incident occurred at 2:30 p.m. in Anaheim
Context
The robbery was reported to Anaheim police at about 2:30 p.m. by the jewelry store owner. A vehicle crashed into the building, damaging the storefront and creating a chaotic scene. The owner claimed the crash was deliberate to facilitate the theft.
The shop owner reported that the vehicle struck the front of the store, shattering windows and causing a fire alarm to trigger. The impact forced the thieves to act quickly, and they seized a large inventory of high-value pieces.
After the crash, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and moved on foot, leaving behind a trail of broken glass and shattered storefront. They then boarded multiple cars, using them to escape the scene and disperse across the area.
Timeline of Events
The first crash was reported at 2:40 p.m. near S. Lemon Street and E. Orangethrope Avenue, where four suspects fled on foot from the wrecked vehicles. The second collision occurred at 2:43 p.m. close to N. Euclid Street and W. Malvern Avenue.
| Time | Location | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 2:30 p.m. | Jewelry store, Canyon Plaza | Vehicle crashed into building |
| 2:40 p.m. | S. Lemon St & E. Orangethrope Ave | First multi-vehicle crash, suspects fled on foot |
| 2:43 p.m. | N. Euclid St & W. Malvern Ave | Second collision, suspects fled |
The crashes were chaotic, with debris scattered across the intersections and traffic temporarily halted. Police were unable to confirm whether they were in pursuit during the incidents, as the timeline of events is still under investigation.
Police Response
Following the reports, Anaheim police mobilized units to the mall and surrounding streets. Officers secured the scene, collected evidence, and began interviewing witnesses to reconstruct the sequence of events.
The investigation also involved coordination with the Fullerton Police Department, which managed the two crash sites and provided support to Anaheim units. The Fullerton officers identified the suspect footprints and vehicle descriptions.
Through surveillance footage and on-scene evidence, officers identified five individuals who matched the suspect descriptions. These individuals were taken into custody, and their identities are pending release pending court proceedings.
Current Status
At least 5 people have been detained, according to Anaheim PD, and 2 outstanding suspects remain at large. Police are continuing to track leads and request public assistance.
The two suspects are believed to have fled in separate vehicles that were later abandoned near residential streets. The vehicles were found abandoned with broken windows and evidence of forced entry.
Police are also examining the financial records of the jewelry store to assess the full scope of the loss. Preliminary estimates place the value of the stolen items at $1 million.
Key Takeaways
- The robbery involved a vehicle crash and multiple getaway cars.
- Five suspects were detained; two remain at large.
- Stolen merchandise is valued at $1 million.
- The incident occurred at 2:30 p.m. in the afternoon.
- Police are coordinating with Fullerton PD and seeking public assistance.
Additional Details
The shop owner said the vehicle slammed into the building’s front façade, shattering windows and setting off the fire alarm. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the thieves rushed to the floor.
After the crash, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and moved on foot, leaving a trail of broken glass. They then boarded several cars, using them to disperse into the surrounding streets.
Police units secured the mall perimeter and began collecting forensic evidence. They photographed the damage, collected fingerprints, and catalogued the stolen items for later analysis.
The Fullerton Police Department supplied additional officers to manage the crash sites. Their officers gathered witness statements and helped identify suspect footprints at the intersections.
Authorities have requested the public’s assistance in locating the two suspects. Anyone with information is urged to contact Anaheim Police by phone or online.
