Four individuals believed to be part of a robbery crew have been arrested and charged in federal court following a smash-and-grab jewelry heist at Heller Jewelers in San Ramon. The incident, which occurred last March, was captured on surveillance cameras as the suspects swiftly escaped with over a million dollars worth of jewelry.
The brazen robbery, completed within a minute, prompted swift action from law enforcement. The San Ramon Police Department, led by Chief Denton Carlson, spearheaded the investigation into the case.
The stolen loot included an array of items, notably 38 watches, among which was a Rolex watch fitted with a GPS chip—a crucial detail that would prove instrumental in the crew’s eventual apprehension.
Utilizing the GPS technology embedded in the Rolex watch, investigators were able to track the movements of the suspects. The watch’s signals indicated their presence in the Oakland and San Leandro areas. The device ultimately settled in a stationary location, providing law enforcement with invaluable information.
Chief Carlson emphasized the significance of the GPS tracker, revealing that it led them to pivotal leads. The subsequent investigation involved the execution of multiple search warrants, during which crucial evidence was discovered. Two suspects were found to have visited a casino, allegedly with the intention of laundering the stolen jewelry’s proceeds.
The case took an unexpected turn as evidence suggested that one of the suspects was receiving insider information about the ongoing investigation from a law enforcement source. A text message obtained by investigators indicated a demand for information in exchange for payment.
While acknowledging the success in capturing and charging a portion of the alleged robbery crew, Chief Carlson stressed that the investigation remains ongoing. Some participants involved in the robbery are yet to be identified.
Local shoppers expressed their relief at the news of arrests, applauding law enforcement’s efforts to curb such criminal activities and safeguard their community. This development marks a step forward in the pursuit of justice and the protection of public safety.
