SACRAMENTO, CA – An Oakland man has been apprehended following a bold daylight robbery at a South Sacramento jewelry store earlier this month. The incident involved a group of nine suspects, but the majority remain at large.
On July 6, the brazen heist unfolded at a busy moment inside Kudaim Jewellers on Stockton Boulevard. The operation began when one person entered the store, posing as a customer, and held the door open for the others. As soon as the group was inside, they used pepper spray on a security guard and shattered display cases, escaping with approximately $1 million in jewelry.
The plan was well-coordinated, with two getaway cars waiting outside. The suspects left the scene swiftly, leaving law enforcement to piece together the crime from the evidence collected. Detectives have been working diligently, analyzing fingerprints, photographs, and video footage from nearby businesses.
Authorities have identified one suspect as 30-year-old Leo Smith of Oakland. He was arrested in Hayward, found in possession of a loaded firearm, and now faces additional charges. However, the search continues for the remaining eight individuals involved.
Sergeant Amar Gandhi of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of public assistance in the investigation. He urged anyone with information to contact law enforcement or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers, which is offering rewards for tips leading to arrests.
The owner of Kudaim Jewellers, Rahat Hossain, has been dealing with the aftermath of the robbery, focusing on repairing the damage. Hossain, who declined to speak on camera, noted that recent thefts across Sacramento have left many jewelry store owners and employees feeling vulnerable.
To enhance security, Sergeant Gandhi recommends that businesses consider hiring armed security and collaborate with local law enforcement to identify and address potential vulnerabilities in their operations.
Gandhi also cautioned the public about the likelihood of stolen goods appearing on online marketplaces like Facebook, Craigslist, and eBay. He advised skepticism towards deals that appear too good to be true, as they often involve stolen merchandise.
The investigation continues as detectives strive to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects involved in the heist.