SAN JOSE, Calif. — A violent smash-and-grab robbery at a family-run jewelry store in broad daylight left its 88-year-old owner hospitalized and the community outraged.
Surveillance footage captured a gang of masked thieves ramming an SUV through the front window of Kim Hung Jewelry in San Jose around 2:30 p.m. Friday. At least six suspects, dressed in black and armed with hammers and axes, stormed inside and smashed display cases to steal gold and jewelry.
One thief shoved the elderly store owner to the ground. He suffered a stroke and was cut by broken glass, according to family friend Chris Moore. The victim was hospitalized overnight and released Sunday morning after stabilizing.
Police said one suspect had a firearm. The group fled in multiple vehicles after a car outside honked, likely signaling them to escape. No arrests have been made, and all suspects remain at large.
Damage to the store is estimated between $50,000 and $100,000. The value of the stolen jewelry has not been disclosed.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan condemned the attack, calling it “appalling” and demanding harsh consequences for the perpetrators. “Watching this senior get assaulted made my blood boil,” he said in a statement.
During a Sunday press conference, local officials and community leaders rallied behind the victim and called for stronger protections for small businesses. Milpitas Mayor Carmen Montano said the attack struck “the dignity of our elders, the safety of our neighborhoods, and the soul of our community.”
San Jose police continue to investigate the robbery and urge anyone with information to come forward.
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Mathew Alvarez joined Rockland Daily News as a reporter in March 2020, but he’s no stranger to Rockland County. He grew up in New City and graduated from Ball State’s College of Communication, Information, and Media.
