Violent Jewelry Store Heist Ends in Chaos and Arrests: Police Describe 'Chaotic' Getaway
A brazen smash-and-grab robbery at a jewelry store in Orange County on Friday turned into a violent rampage that included high-speed chases and crashes, ultimately leading to the arrest of several suspects. The chaos began when thieves crashed an SUV through the front door of Classic Jewelers in Anaheim Hills, prompting them to rush inside and start smashing glass cases, grabbing valuables, and making off with custom jewels worth over $750,000.
Witnesses described the scene as "chaotic" and "terrifying," with owner Ramzy Tabello recounting how he allegedly stood up to the suspects, brandishing a gun and saying, "I have a gun, get out. I have a gun." The thieves promptly grabbed the gun and made their escape.
However, the getaway was short-lived. Anaheim police spotted the suspects a few miles away and gave chase, leading to a multi-vehicle crash that injured several innocent drivers. Four of the suspects were arrested on the scene, with diamonds and jewels scattered among the debris.
The second getaway car crashed into another driver just a few miles later, prompting SWAT officers to swarm the surrounding neighborhood in search of three more suspects. Detectives believe the thieves' methods and disguises suggest they've likely committed similar heists in the past.
"This is not their first time doing it," Anaheim police Sgt. Eric Anderson said, citing the "clear plan" that was foiled by outstanding police work. Owner Tabello expressed gratitude that no customers were inside the store at the time, but described the incident as his "scariest moment of life."
In total, about half a dozen people were hurt in the two collisions, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate. The arrests marked the end of a chaotic and violent getaway that left a trail of destruction and debris in its wake.
A brazen smash-and-grab robbery at a jewelry store in Orange County on Friday turned into a violent rampage that included high-speed chases and crashes, ultimately leading to the arrest of several suspects. The chaos began when thieves crashed an SUV through the front door of Classic Jewelers in Anaheim Hills, prompting them to rush inside and start smashing glass cases, grabbing valuables, and making off with custom jewels worth over $750,000.
Witnesses described the scene as "chaotic" and "terrifying," with owner Ramzy Tabello recounting how he allegedly stood up to the suspects, brandishing a gun and saying, "I have a gun, get out. I have a gun." The thieves promptly grabbed the gun and made their escape.
However, the getaway was short-lived. Anaheim police spotted the suspects a few miles away and gave chase, leading to a multi-vehicle crash that injured several innocent drivers. Four of the suspects were arrested on the scene, with diamonds and jewels scattered among the debris.
The second getaway car crashed into another driver just a few miles later, prompting SWAT officers to swarm the surrounding neighborhood in search of three more suspects. Detectives believe the thieves' methods and disguises suggest they've likely committed similar heists in the past.
"This is not their first time doing it," Anaheim police Sgt. Eric Anderson said, citing the "clear plan" that was foiled by outstanding police work. Owner Tabello expressed gratitude that no customers were inside the store at the time, but described the incident as his "scariest moment of life."
In total, about half a dozen people were hurt in the two collisions, with injuries ranging from minor to moderate. The arrests marked the end of a chaotic and violent getaway that left a trail of destruction and debris in its wake.
. I mean, smashing up a jewelry store like it's no big deal? It's like something straight outta an action movie, but you know, not cool 
. And the owner, Ramzy Tabello, standing up to them with a gun? Respect for that dude 
. But at the same time, I can imagine how terrifying that must've been for him and all those innocent bystanders 
.
. It's like they're trying to outdo each other in some twisted game of thievery. And it always ends up causing chaos and destruction, not to mention hurting people 
.
. But I guess that's just not how the world works anymore 
.
like, have you seen the movies? that's not how it works 
anyway, i think the cop who confronted the thief was pretty cool for standing up to them with his gun...but at the same time, i'm kinda impressed that they were able to pull off a getaway car crash 
what if someone got hurt tho?! shouldn't we just call in the authorities before things get out of hand? 
Are they trying to get their own diamond-encrusted prison cell? 
It's like they thought the police would just be, like, "Meh, sure, go ahead and try that." 
Anyway, glad no one was seriously hurt (except for maybe their pride) and kudos to Ramzy Tabello for standing up (literally) to those thieves! 
. Brandishing a gun to scare them off? Yeah right 
. And then the getaway gets even more chaotic with a multi-vehicle crash and innocent drivers getting hurt 
. Four people arrested, but I'm sure there are three more on the loose still 
. Just so frustrating when crime doesn't pay and innocent lives get affected 
! I mean, what's the point of stealing all that cash if you're just gonna end up with injuries or worse? 
It's crazy how one store robbery can turn into a full-blown chaos situation. On the other hand, I'm glad the owner stood up for himself and showed those thieves who's boss 
. I don't think anyone deserves to be treated that way, especially not when they're just trying to do their job 
.
Do you think the police got most of it recovered? The fact that they foiled this "clear plan" with their hard work is super impressive 
. I'm just glad no customers were inside when it went down – that would've been a nightmare 
and now they're causin chaos on the road too? 
it's not like they didn't see this coming but still you gotta respect the cops who work hard to keep us safe 
they smash up the store & grab all those expensive jewels & diamonds... but like, what's the plan B? 
and those getaway car crashes are just insane 
gotta give props to the police for stopping them tho, they're literally heroes 
- smash, grab, crash, repeat 
That's just crazy talk. And poor Ramzy Tabello, he's got more guts than most people, standing up to these thieves with a gun in his hand 
The police catch one car, and then they just go find another one...it's like they expect some kind of reward for causing all that chaos 
anyway i guess its not the first time these thieves have done something like this, they seem pretty slick 
.
. And them SUV crashes? Unbelievable! Glad no customers were inside, but still, that owner's bravery 
.