Violent Robbery at San Jose Jewelry Store Sends 88-Year-Old Owner to Hospital
Smash-and-Grab Leaves Community Shocked
San Jose residents were shaken Friday afternoon when a violent smash-and-grab robbery targeted Kim Hung Jewelry, located in the 1900 block of Aborn Road. The attack left the 88-year-old store owner injured and hospitalized, drawing widespread attention and condemnation from local leaders and the community.
How the Robbery Unfolded
The robbery occurred just before 2:10 p.m. Investigators reported that the suspects used a vehicle to crash through the store’s front entrance. A group of masked individuals, at least one armed with a gun, rushed inside, smashed display cases, seized jewelry, and fled in multiple vehicles. Surveillance footage circulated online shows the car striking the storefront followed by the group of masked suspects dressed in black, and workers inside struggling before being knocked to the ground.
Community Response and Rally
On Sunday, a rally was held outside the boarded-up storefront to condemn the attack and call for stronger measures against organized retail crime. Community leaders, local elected officials, and members of the store owner’s family addressed the crowd, urging immediate action and policy changes.
“Imagine if this happened to your family or the business you spent a lifetime building,” said one local official. “We cannot accept this as normal. Change is needed now.”
Injuries and Impact
The store owner suffered a stroke during the ordeal and sustained injuries from broken glass. He was hospitalized overnight but was reported stable Sunday morning and has since been released. The damage to the store is estimated between $50,000 and $100,000. While the exact value of stolen jewelry was not disclosed, family members confirmed that much of the inventory had been secured in a time-delay safe.
Calls for Stronger Measures
Community leaders are advocating for expanded use of tracking technologies such as Flock Safety cameras to locate stolen vehicles and for increased law enforcement presence in high-risk retail areas across the Bay Area. The incident has renewed conversations about retail security and the protection of small businesses.
Investigation and Public Appeal
As of Sunday, no arrests had been made. Authorities continue to investigate and urge anyone with information to contact the San Jose Police Department’s Robbery Unit. The community hopes that swift action will lead to the identification and prosecution of those responsible for this shocking crime.