NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
June 14, 2024: A group of about 20 masked, hooded people robbed PNG Jewelers, an Indian jewelry store in Sunnyvale, California on Wednesday. They used hammers to smash the glass entry doors and were inside the store within seconds, breaking display cases and cleaning out the jewelry racks.
This happened around 1:27 p.m. at the store located at 791 East El Camino Real.
The robbers escaped in multiple cars before the police arrived. However, officers spotted two of the cars and tried to stop them, but the drivers did not stop. This led to police chases through Sunnyvale and onto Highway 101.
One of the cars got away, but during the chase, police saw the suspects throwing stolen jewelry out of the car. The police lost sight of the second car but later found it abandoned on Highway 101 near Whipple Avenue in Redwood City.
Five suspects ran across the freeway and into an industrial area. Police caught four of them near Industrial Road and Britan Avenue in San Carlos. The fifth suspect was found nearby. The arrested suspects are Tonga Latu, Tavake Esafe, Ofa Ahomana, Kilifi Leaaetoa, and Afuhia Lavakeiaho. They are facing charges including armed robbery, fleeing from police, resisting arrest, burglary, and vandalism.
Some of the stolen jewelry was recovered. Fortunately, no one was injured during the robbery. The total value of the stolen jewelry is still unknown. The investigation continues, and anyone with information is asked to call Detective Thomas McKenzie at 408-730-7110.
Two weeks ago, 17 men stormed Bhindi Jewelers in Fremont, California, again on a Wednesday afternoon. They smashed display cases at gunpoint and cleared the store of its gold and diamond jewelry.
In daring daylight heist, 15 people raid Bhindi Jewelers in Fremont | NRI Pulse
