Six San Jose Teens Arrested in Violent Crime Spree Involving Armed Robberies and Carjackings

Six teenagers, all males between the ages of 14 and 16, have been arrested in San Jose for their alleged involvement in a series of armed vehicle thefts, business burglaries, and attempted carjackings that spanned from December 2023 through March 2024.

According to a statement from the San Jose Police Department, the group used stolen vehicles to carry out aggressive smash-and-grab burglaries. Their method included ramming storefronts or using steel chains to tear off doorframes before looting merchandise and fleeing the scene.

The crime spree began on December 24, when four suspects drove a vehicle into a business on Almaden Road, severely damaging the building and stealing goods before police could respond. Similar incidents were reported in the weeks that followed.

On March 25, the suspects escalated their actions around 3 a.m., reportedly stealing two vehicles from a residence. Shortly afterward, they attempted a carjacking, smashing a window and threatening the owner at gunpoint before fleeing in multiple vehicles.

Using automated license plate reader technology, officers located two of the stolen vehicles in downtown San Jose around 3:40 a.m. One was later found abandoned on a U.S. Highway 101 on-ramp. During the pursuit, one suspect allegedly pointed a firearm at an officer.

At approximately 4:10 a.m., a patrol vehicle was rammed before the suspects fled on foot. Three juveniles were taken into custody shortly after.

Investigators also noted similar crimes were under review by the Santa Clara Police Department during the same period. A coordinated, multi-agency investigation led detectives to serve search and arrest warrants on June 17.

Three more teenage suspects were arrested in San Jose and Milpitas. Additionally, two adult women, identified as relatives of two of the suspects, were arrested for tampering with evidence and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Searches of the suspects’ residences uncovered a loaded magazine, replica firearms, ski masks, key fobs, an on-board diagnostics reader, ammunition, and steel chains, tools commonly used in car thefts and burglaries.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the San Jose Police Department Robbery Unit via email at 4392@sanjoseca.gov or by phone at (408) 277-4166. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the P3TIPS mobile app, the tip line at (408) 947-STOP, or online at www.siliconvalleycrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward if their information leads to an arrest.