SUNNYVALE, CA – Five suspects have been arrested following a dramatic smash-and-grab robbery at a jewelry store in Sunnyvale, California, which was captured on video, authorities said.
The incident occurred just before 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12, when officers from the Sunnyvale Police Department responded to a burglary in progress at PNG Jewelers USA. According to police, approximately 20 individuals used hammers and other tools to shatter display cases, seize the jewelry inside, and flee the scene.
As the suspects made their escape, officers managed to identify two getaway vehicles. Both vehicles attempted to evade capture, leading to a high-speed pursuit. One vehicle successfully eluded police, while the other was tracked down. During the chase, the suspects discarded stolen jewelry from the car.
The pursuit ended when five suspects abandoned their vehicle and fled on foot across a nearby freeway. Officers quickly apprehended all five individuals. The suspects were identified as Tonga Latu, Tavake Esafe, Ofa Ahomana, Kilifi Leaaetoa, and Afuhia Lavakeiaho.
The five suspects were taken to Santa Clara County Jail and booked on multiple charges, including armed robbery, felony vehicle evasion, resisting arrest, burglary, conspiracy to commit a crime, vandalism, possession of burglary tools, and outstanding warrants. Authorities have recovered some of the stolen jewelry, but the total value of the stolen items remains unknown.
No injuries were reported during the robbery. Investigators are now examining whether this incident is connected to a similar robbery at another Sunnyvale jewelry store in May, which also involved multiple suspects.