California, June 15: In a daring daylight heist at an Indian-owned jewellery store in US, nearly 20 suspects stormed into PNG Jewellers in Sunnyvale, California, wielding sledgehammers and smashing display cases. The video of the incident is going viral on social media platforms. The incident unfolded on June 12 at the jewelry store located on El Camino Real. Earlier, similar incident took place at other Indian-owned jewellery stores like Nitin Jewellers in Sunnyvale on May 4 and Bhindi Jewellers in Newark on May 29.

Within a mere two minutes and fifteen seconds, the robbers made off with armfuls of jewellery, leaving behind a trail of shattered glass, reported IndiaCurrents. Fortunately, no one was injured during the robbery. US: Girl From Punjab's Jalandhar Shot Dead, Her Sister Injured in Shooting in New Jersey; Indian Consulate in Touch With Authorities.

Jewellery Store Robbed in California

The suspects fled the scene in multiple vehicles, leading police on a high-speed chase along Highway 101. During the pursuit, the robbers discarded stolen jewelry from their moving vehicle.

Ultimately, five suspects—Tonga Latu, Tavake Esafe, Ofa Ahomana, Kilifi Leaaetoa, and Afuhia Lavakeiaho—abandoned their car and attempted to escape on foot. Thanks to the assistance of a police dog, officers apprehended all five individuals. US Shocker: Indian-Origin Man Shoots Brother Dead, Injures Mother Before Turning Gun on Self in New York; Investigation Underway.

This brazen robbery follows similar incidents at Nitin Jewelers in Sunnyvale on May 4 and Bhindi Jewelers in Newark on May 29. The common modus operandi—multiple suspects using hammers to break display cases and fleeing in multiple cars—has raised suspicions of a connection between the three heists.

Captain Dzanh Le of the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety stated that investigators are currently examining any potential links among the robberies.

In response to these crimes, Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein, Vice Mayor Murali Srinivasan, and Department of Public Safety Officers convened with Indian American business and community leaders at City Hall on June 14 to discuss the security situation in Sunnyvale. The authorities remain vigilant as they work to ensure the safety of residents and businesses in the area.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 15, 2024 05:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).