Two California Smash and Grab Robberies, Two Very Different Outcomes
On a Friday afternoon in San Jose, security video captured an SUV plowing straight through the storefront of Kim Hưng Jewelry. Within seconds, more than a dozen masked suspects in hoodies poured into the shop, armed with tools. They began smashing display cases and grabbing whatever they could reach.
Amid the chaos, the store’s 88 year old owner was violently shoved to the ground. He suffered cuts from broken glass and was later hospitalized. While under medical care, doctors also discovered he had suffered a stroke. His family has said they do not believe he will ever return to work at the store.
San Jose police reported that at least one suspect was armed with a gun. The group fled in multiple vehicles before officers arrived, and as of this writing, they remain unidentified and at large.
This case underscores the vulnerability of business owners when faced with overwhelming force. Outnumbered and unarmed, the elderly store owner had little chance to defend himself.
Just days later, another robbery attempt played out in nearby Milpitas at Fine Jewelry inside the Seasons Shopping Center. Surveillance footage shows eight suspects rushing toward the store entrance. One was armed with a pickaxe, another with a sledgehammer. They began smashing at the glass doors, preparing to storm inside.
But in this case, the store owner was armed.
Only eleven seconds after the first strike on the glass, the sound of gunfire sent the suspects scrambling. Police later confirmed the owner discharged a legally owned firearm. No one was injured, and the mob fled the scene before officers arrived.
The surveillance video does not show bullet strikes through the glass, leaving it unclear whether the shots were fired through the doors or into the air. But the effect was immediate. The robbery attempt ended in seconds.
Facing eight suspects with heavy tools, the store owner had every reason to believe he was in imminent danger of great bodily harm. Under California law, his decision to fire appears consistent with lawful self defense.
Amid the chaos, the store’s 88 year old owner was violently shoved to the ground. He suffered cuts from broken glass and was later hospitalized. While under medical care, doctors also discovered he had suffered a stroke. His family has said they do not believe he will ever return to work at the store.
San Jose police reported that at least one suspect was armed with a gun. The group fled in multiple vehicles before officers arrived, and as of this writing, they remain unidentified and at large.
This case underscores the vulnerability of business owners when faced with overwhelming force. Outnumbered and unarmed, the elderly store owner had little chance to defend himself.
Just days later, another robbery attempt played out in nearby Milpitas at Fine Jewelry inside the Seasons Shopping Center. Surveillance footage shows eight suspects rushing toward the store entrance. One was armed with a pickaxe, another with a sledgehammer. They began smashing at the glass doors, preparing to storm inside.
But in this case, the store owner was armed.
Only eleven seconds after the first strike on the glass, the sound of gunfire sent the suspects scrambling. Police later confirmed the owner discharged a legally owned firearm. No one was injured, and the mob fled the scene before officers arrived.
The surveillance video does not show bullet strikes through the glass, leaving it unclear whether the shots were fired through the doors or into the air. But the effect was immediate. The robbery attempt ended in seconds.
Facing eight suspects with heavy tools, the store owner had every reason to believe he was in imminent danger of great bodily harm. Under California law, his decision to fire appears consistent with lawful self defense.
70-79, M
