A high-end jewelry store in Fremont, California, was transformed into a scene of shattered glass and empty display cases after a coordinated smash-and-grab robbery that authorities say netted roughly $1.7 million in merchandise in just over a minute.
Newly released surveillance footage from the U.S. Department of Justice captures the stunning speed and coordination of the June 18, 2025 heist at Kumar Jewelers. Investigators described the operation as a “mob-style takeover,” carried out by nearly two dozen masked suspects who stormed the store with striking precision.
The video shows several vehicles screeching to a stop outside the storefront before a large group of individuals wearing dark hoodies and masks rushed toward the entrance. Within moments, the suspects poured inside the jewelry store armed with picks, hammers, and backpacks.
Once inside, the group spread out rapidly, smashing display cases and grabbing valuable items. Investigators say the suspects moved with methodical efficiency, scooping gold chains, diamonds, and other luxury jewelry into bags as glass shattered across the showroom floor.
Authorities estimate that the group cleared out roughly 75% to 80% of the store’s inventory during the brief raid. The entire operation lasted approximately 70 seconds before the suspects fled.
After the robbery, the suspects ran back outside and jumped into multiple waiting vehicles that sped away in different directions. Officials later determined that the getaway cars had been stolen, complicating efforts by investigators to track the suspects through automated license plate reader systems.
Police attempted to pursue one of the vehicles, a black Acura, but the chase quickly became dangerous. According to federal court filings, the driver led officers through residential neighborhoods while driving recklessly.
During the pursuit, the vehicle reportedly passed other cars on the wrong side of the road, ran multiple stop signs, and reached speeds of nearly 80 miles per hour while weaving between lanes.
Authorities have since arrested four suspects believed to be connected to the robbery: Afatupetaiki Faasisila, Jose Herrada-Aragon, Andres Palestino, and Tom Parker Donegan. The suspects were approximately 19 or 20 years old at the time of the alleged crime.
However, records reviewed by the East Bay Times indicate that two of those suspects, Faasisila and Palestino, were released while the case remains pending.
Law enforcement officials say the investigation is ongoing, and many of the individuals believed to be involved in the robbery remain unidentified and at large.
The brazen nature of the heist — carried out in broad daylight with military-like coordination — has highlighted the growing challenge facing authorities as organized smash-and-grab crews increasingly target high-end retailers across California. Investigators continue working to identify additional suspects and recover the stolen jewelry, though officials acknowledge that a significant portion of the merchandise may already have been quickly resold or broken down into raw materials.
