Smash-and-grab robbers turn tail and run when jewelry store employee pulls out gun, starts shooting

Smash-and-grab robbers likely got a little more than they bargained for when an employee of a southern California jewelry store they were stealing from over the weekend grabbed a gun and opened fire on them.

What are the details?

Investigators said five robbers used hammers to break display cases at Prestige Jewelers in Manhattan Beach shortly after 12:30 p.m. Saturday, KABC-TV reported.

The robbers wore hoodies, KTTV-TV said.

"An employee of the store responded by using a firearm to shoot toward the suspects," according to a statement from the Manhattan Beach Police Department, KCAL-TV noted.

After the employee opened fire, police said the suspects were seen fleeing southbound on Sepulveda Boulevard in vehicles that had been waiting outside the store, KCAL added.

No injuries were reported, KCAL said, adding that it was unclear how much jewelry was taken during the robbery.

Anyone with information should contact Detective Hartnell at 310-802-5127 or the Manhattan Beach Police Department Tip Line at 310-802-5171, KABC said, adding that those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or www.lacrimestoppers.org.

Far from the first time

It was far from the first time someone working at a California jewelry store fought back with a gun against crooks:

• In February 2022, the owner of a jewelry store in Menlo Park thwarted an armed robbery and protected his family by opening fire at a masked trio.
• A month earlier, the owner of a jewelry store in San Bruno fought a crowbar-wielding robber who smashed a display case; but when the owner pulled a gun, the suspect took off running.
• In late December 2021, a jewelry store owner in Upland stopped a smash-and-grab robbery after pulling a gun and threatening to shoot the four suspects.
• In May 2018, a pair of smash-and-grab thieves stormed a jewelry store in Studio City armed with hammers and pepper spray — but the owner pulled her gun and fired off a shot, after which the crooks escaped empty-handed.

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