WATCH THIS: Terrifying moment gang raids jewelry store for $1.7M in one minute
A bold smash-and-grab robbery at a jewelry store in Fremont, California left the business nearly emptied of its inventory in just over a minute, with thieves making off with about $1.7 million worth of merchandise.
Surveillance footage released by the U.S. Department of Justice shows the dramatic robbery that took place on June 18, 2025, at Kumar Jewelers. Investigators described the incident as a coordinated takeover. The video shows several vehicles pulling up quickly outside the store before roughly two dozen masked suspects wearing dark hooded clothing rushed inside together.
Once inside, the group immediately began smashing display cases using tools such as hammers and picks. Carrying backpacks, the suspects rapidly scooped up gold and diamond jewelry. Authorities say the thieves worked quickly and methodically, stripping the store of an estimated 75 to 80 percent of its merchandise in the process.
The entire robbery lasted about 70 seconds before the suspects fled the scene in multiple waiting vehicles, taking nearly $2 million in jewelry with them. The footage was first obtained by the East Bay Times.
After the robbery, the suspects escaped in several stolen cars that split up and drove in different directions. Because the vehicles had been reported stolen, automated license plate reader systems were unable to help investigators immediately identify the people involved.
Police chose to pursue a black Acura seen leaving the scene. According to federal prosecutors, the vehicle led officers on a chase through several residential neighborhoods in Fremont. During the pursuit, the driver reportedly passed other vehicles on the wrong side of the road, ignored multiple stop signs, and reached speeds of about 80 miles per hour while weaving between lanes.
Authorities later arrested four people believed to be connected to the robbery: Afatupetaiki Faasisila, Jose Herrada-Aragon, Andres Palestino, and Tom Parker Donegan. Each was about 19 or 20 years old at the time of the crime.
Court records reviewed by the East Bay Times show that Faasisila and Palestino have since been released while the case moves forward. Investigators say many of the suspects involved in the robbery have not yet been identified or captured.
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