by Anaheim, CA – Eight suspects, all under the age of 24, have been arrested following a violent jewelry store burglary that resulted in two separate crashes in Anaheim and Fullerton, police said. The incident occurred Friday afternoon at Classic Jewelers on East Santa Ana Canyon Road, where thieves rammed a stolen vehicle into the storefront to steal jewelry and a firearm.
Incident Overview
According to the Anaheim Police Department (APD), officers responded to the commercial burglary call around 2:30 p.m. Friday. Employees reported that multiple suspects had intentionally rammed a dark-colored Nissan Rogue into the store to gain entry and stole jewelry, as well as a firearm from behind the counter.
The suspects fled in two Dodge Charger sedans, leaving the stolen Nissan behind at the scene.
“Employees reported that multiple suspects intentionally rammed a dark-colored Nissan Rogue into the front of the business to gain entry and steal jewelry,” Anaheim police said. “During the burglary, the suspects also stole a firearm from behind the counter that belonged to the business.”
Timeline of Events
- Friday, 2:30 p.m.: Burglary occurs at Classic Jewelers; suspects steal jewelry and a firearm.
- Shortly after: An APD officer observes a vehicle matching the description of one suspect car near East Street and the 91 Freeway, following it as it exits at Lemon Street.
- The vehicle is later involved in a multi-vehicle crash near Orangethorpe Avenue. All four occupants fled but were later located and arrested.
- Meanwhile: A second suspect vehicle is spotted near Harbor and Brea boulevards in Fullerton and crashes at Euclid Street and Malvern Avenue. Two men are arrested immediately; another two are taken into custody hours later at separate residences.
Authorities confirmed that no police pursuit was underway during either crash, and officers responded once the collisions occurred. A handgun was recovered at the Fullerton crash scene, and detectives are investigating whether it matches the firearm stolen during the burglary.
Suspect Details
The Anaheim Police Department identified the eight suspects as:
- Jose Andres Martinez-Colindres, 24, Inglewood
- Leontrey Gipson, 23, Los Angeles
- Deondre Jones, 23, Los Angeles
- Tylaind Brown, 20, Compton
- Khilen Toles, 20, Inglewood
- Khamari Toles, 20, Inglewood
- Latrell Mathews, 19, Los Angeles
- Unnamed 17-year-old male, Los Angeles
All seven adults were booked on suspicion of multiple felonies, pending review by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, while the juvenile was released to a guardian.
Victim and Public Statements
Classic Jewelers owner Ramzy Tabello told KTLA that the group stole about $1 million worth of jewelry and gold, in addition to his firearm.
“They started smashing my showcases…they ran to me and grabbed my gun. My life flashed before my eyes,” Tabello said.
Several uninvolved motorists were hospitalized from injuries sustained in the two crashes, though authorities confirmed their injuries were non-life-threatening.
Public Safety and Law Enforcement Response
Police are continuing their investigation to determine if the recovered firearm and stolen jewelry are connected to the suspects involved in the burglary. Authorities emphasized that community vigilance and quick reporting by witnesses were instrumental in apprehending all eight suspects.
Conclusion
Eight young suspects, aged 17 to 24, were arrested after a brazen jewelry store burglary in Anaheim led to two separate crashes in Anaheim and Fullerton. Authorities recovered a firearm, and the stolen goods are estimated at $1 million. Investigations are ongoing as the suspects face multiple felony charges.
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