At a Glance
- Classic Jewelers was hit by a smash-and-grab burglary on Jan. 23.
- A dark-colored Nissan Rogue rammed the storefront, and thieves stole about $1 million in gold and jewelry.
- Police arrested eight suspects, including a 17-year-old juvenile.
- The incident prompted a multi-vehicle crash and a rapid police response.
The Anaheim Police Department closed a high-profile robbery that unfolded on Jan. 23 when a Nissan Rogue crashed into the front of Classic Jewelers. The masked thieves rifled through merchandise, seized a firearm from the counter, and fled in two vehicles that later crashed in separate incidents. Police now have eight suspects in custody.
The Smash-and-Grab
Employees reported that the vehicle intentionally slammed into the shop’s front façade. Footage captured by local stations ABC 7 and KTLA shows the impact and the thieves’ swift exit. “During the burglary, the suspects also stole a firearm from behind the counter that belonged to the business,” police said.
The robbery took place in the afternoon, with the storefront’s security cameras recording the entire sequence. The thieves moved quickly, smashing displays and grabbing jewelry before leaving.
Getaway and Arrests
The getaway was chaotic. One of the two cars, spotted by a police helicopter, crashed near Orangethorpe Avenue. The driver and three passengers fled, but police caught the driver and arrested three others believed to be connected.
A second vehicle was found in Fullerton, involved in a multi-car crash near Euclid Street and Malvern Avenue. Police did not pursue the car but arrested two people believed to be involved.
A handgun was recovered from the second crash scene, and some stolen jewelry was retrieved from both locations. Hours later, police located and arrested two additional suspects at separate homes.
Suspects and Charges
Police identified the adult suspects as:
- 24-year-old Jose Andres Martinez-Colindres of Inglewood
- 23-year-old Leontrey Gipson of Los Angeles
- 23-year-old Deondre Jones of Los Angeles
- 20-year-old Tylaind Brown of Compton
- 20-year-old Khilen Toles of Inglewood
- 20-year-old Khamari Toles of Inglewood
- 19-year-old Latrell Mathews of Los Angeles
- a 17-year-old male juvenile from Los Angeles
All adult suspects were booked on multiple felony charges, currently under review by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. The minor was released to a guardian while further proceedings are pending.
Police Response and Community Impact
Ramzy Tabello, owner of Classic Jewelers, told KTLA that the thieves stole roughly $1 million in gold and jewelry. “They started smashing my showcases…they ran to me and grabbed my gun,” Tabello recalled. “My life flashed before my eyes.”
Several uninvolved motorists were taken to local hospitals with minor injuries, according to police. “This remains an active and ongoing investigation,” police said. They are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Anaheim Police Department at (714) 765-1900. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS or online at www.occrimestoppers.org.
Key Takeaways
- The incident involved a deliberate vehicle-ramming and a swift theft of high-value jewelry.
- Police response was rapid, resulting in eight arrests and the recovery of stolen items.
- Community members are urged to report any information to local authorities or Crime Stoppers.
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