Jewelry Store Employee Opens Fire On Smash-And-Grab Suspects In California

MANHATTAN BEACH, CALIFORNIA — A Manhattan Beach jewelry store, Prestige Jewelers, experienced a sudden robbery attempt at around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday. Surveillance footage from the scene reveals five suspects storming the store while an apparent sixth accomplice holds the door open for them.

As they began smashing glass displays with hammers and grabbing merchandise to store in black bins, a store employee responded by firing at least one gunshot in their direction. The robbers promptly fled the scene, escaping in vehicles parked outside.

Descriptions of the culprits are scarce, but they were predominantly seen wearing hoodies, gloves, and masks. It remains uncertain whether any suspect sustained gunshot injuries. Fortunately, no store employees or customers were harmed during the incident.

This is not the first time the store has faced such an incident; a similar robbery took place in 2014. The store owners are hopeful that the surveillance footage will assist the police in identifying and capturing the suspects.

The Manhattan Beach Police Department is requesting anyone with information to come forward. Individuals can contact Detective Hartnell at 310-802-5127, the department’s tip line at 310-802-5171, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or www.lacrimestoppers.org.