$1 Million Jewelry Heist in Anaheim: A Chaotic Smash-and-Grab

On January 23, 2026, a group of eight masked thieves executed a violent smash-and-grab robbery at Classic Jewelers in Anaheim Hills, California. The suspects rammed a stolen black Nissan Rogue through the store's front doors around 2:30 PM, immediately causing chaos as they smashed display cases and stole approximately $1 million worth of jewelry. Store owner Ramzy Tabello described the incident as “the scariest thing of my life,” noting that the thieves used hammers and crowbars to break into the showcases. During the robbery, the suspects also stole a firearm from the store.

Violent smash-and-grab robbery at Orange County jewelry store leads to crashes, arrests

Following the heist, the suspects fled the scene in two Dodge Chargers. Their escape was short-lived; Anaheim police quickly spotted the getaway vehicles, leading to a high-speed pursuit. The first vehicle crashed into multiple other cars at the intersection of Orangethorpe Avenue and Lemon Street, while the second vehicle crashed near Euclid Street and Malvern Avenue shortly thereafter. In total, several innocent drivers sustained minor to moderate injuries from the collisions. Police apprehended all eight suspects, who ranged in age from 17 to 24, shortly after the crashes.

Stolen SUV rams into Anaheim Hills store in $1M jewelry heist; suspects crash in getaway cars

Authorities recovered some of the stolen jewelry scattered at the crash sites. Additionally, a firearm was found at the scene of the second crash, although it has not been confirmed whether it was the gun taken from Classic Jewelers. The suspects were arrested on multiple felony charges, while the minor was released to a guardian pending further investigation.

Stolen SUV rams into Anaheim Hills store in $1M jewelry heist; suspects crash in getaway carsViolent smash-and-grab robbery at Orange County jewelry store leads to crashes, arrestsRobbers crash getaway cars after Anaheim jewelry store heist

Anaheim police Sgt. Eric Anderson commented on the incident, stating, “This is not their first time doing it. By the looks of the video I've seen, this is someone who had a plan.” Ramzy Tabello expressed gratitude that no customers were inside the store during the robbery, emphasizing the terror he felt during the ordeal.

Violent smash-and-grab robbery at Orange County jewelry store leads to crashes, arrests

While the police response was praised for its effectiveness, some community members have raised concerns about the increasing frequency of such violent robberies in the area. The methods employed by the thieves suggest a level of planning that has alarmed local business owners.

Violent smash-and-grab robbery at Orange County jewelry store leads to crashes, arrests

There are discrepancies regarding the total value of the stolen jewelry, with estimates ranging from $750,000 to $1 million. Additionally, while all suspects were apprehended, the exact number of injuries among innocent bystanders remains unclear, with reports indicating that several individuals were hurt but not specifying the total.

Stolen SUV rams into Anaheim Hills store in $1M jewelry heist; suspects crash in getaway cars

• “They grabbed the gun from the table. At that point, I thought I was gonna get shot.” — Ramzy Tabello, Owner of Classic Jewelers

Stolen SUV rams into Anaheim Hills store in $1M jewelry heist; suspects crash in getaway cars

• “It was chaos. I thought I was going to get shot or hit by a hammer.” — Ramzy Tabello, Owner of Classic Jewelers

Violent smash-and-grab robbery at Orange County jewelry store leads to crashes, arrests

• “By the looks of the video I've seen, this is someone who had a plan. They attempted that plan, but the outstanding police work from the Anaheim Police Department was definitely not going to let that plan go through.” — Sgt. Eric Anderson, Anaheim Police Department

Violent smash-and-grab robbery at Orange County jewelry store leads to crashes, arrests

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and local businesses in combating organized crime and ensuring public safety.

Violent smash-and-grab robbery at Orange County jewelry store leads to crashes, arrests