CrimeSep 16, 2025
2 Robbery Suspects Killed in California Pawn Shop ShootoutCrimeOct 02, 2025
$1M in Jewelry Stolen in Northern California Smash and Grab
Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.
The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has filed charges against four individuals—three adults and one juvenile—in connection with the Sept. 22 smash-and-grab robbery at Heller Jewelers in San Ramon, California.
San Ramon, Calif.—Officials in Contra Costa County, California, have filed charges against four individuals in connection with a violent smash-and-grab that happened late last month in Northern California.
According to the San Ramon Police Department, the “takeover-style” robbery happened before 2 p.m. on Sept. 22 at Heller Jewelers, located in the City Center Bishop Ranch shopping center.
About 20 individuals entered the store and began smashing the display cases, ultimately stealing more than $1 million in merchandise.
Police said several of the suspects were armed with handguns. At least one suspect fired a round through the store’s front entrance so the mob could escape after being locked inside the store by a security door.
No one was injured during the robbery, police said.
The suspects fled the scene in cars they had left in the center’s valet parking area.
San Ramon police said officers chased some of the individuals involved but ultimately ended the pursuit because of the “inherent danger to the public,” and because they had police helicopters and drones overhead.
The helicopters and drones tracked one suspect’s vehicle through Contra Costa County south into Alameda County, eventually arresting several suspects in the cities of Oakland and Dublin, California.
In a news release issued Sept. 25, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office named three individuals who have been charged in the robbery: 31-year-old Michael Lamont Ray Jr. of San Francisco, 19-year-old Ira Raheem Austin of San Francisco, and 27-year-old Jimmy Mack Ray of Vallejo, California.
Ted Asregadoo, the public information officer for the DA’s office, confirmed that a juvenile has been charged in the case as well.
He said the office expects San Ramon police to refer three more individuals for prosecution.
Each defendant faces 13 counts of second-degree robbery and one count of conspiracy to commit a crime, with special enhancements possible under California’s Proposition 36 due to the value of the stolen property, the DA’s office said.
The conspiracy charges detail 11 overt criminal acts that involved a coordinated operation, the DA’s office said, an operation that allegedly involved the group stealing vehicles to use in the smash and grab.
Jimmy Ray was arraigned Sept. 29. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and the judge denied his request to be released on his own recognizance, setting bail at $8 million, Asregadoo said.
Austin made bail after being booked into the jail in Martinez, California, but the court has since issued a bench warrant for his arrest, with bail set at $3.5 million.
According to Asregadoo, Michael Ray Jr. was booked into a jail in Alameda County, where he’s facing charges unrelated to the smash-and-grab robbery at Heller Jewelers.
The San Ramon Police Department said in its Sept. 22 release that the investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to call Detective Corporal Kevin Tjahjadi at 925-733-7316.
The police did not return a call seeking additional comment on the case.
Related stories will be right here …
According to the San Ramon Police Department, the “takeover-style” robbery happened before 2 p.m. on Sept. 22 at Heller Jewelers, located in the City Center Bishop Ranch shopping center.
About 20 individuals entered the store and began smashing the display cases, ultimately stealing more than $1 million in merchandise.
Police said several of the suspects were armed with handguns. At least one suspect fired a round through the store’s front entrance so the mob could escape after being locked inside the store by a security door.
No one was injured during the robbery, police said.
The suspects fled the scene in cars they had left in the center’s valet parking area.
San Ramon police said officers chased some of the individuals involved but ultimately ended the pursuit because of the “inherent danger to the public,” and because they had police helicopters and drones overhead.
The helicopters and drones tracked one suspect’s vehicle through Contra Costa County south into Alameda County, eventually arresting several suspects in the cities of Oakland and Dublin, California.
In a news release issued Sept. 25, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office named three individuals who have been charged in the robbery: 31-year-old Michael Lamont Ray Jr. of San Francisco, 19-year-old Ira Raheem Austin of San Francisco, and 27-year-old Jimmy Mack Ray of Vallejo, California.
Ted Asregadoo, the public information officer for the DA’s office, confirmed that a juvenile has been charged in the case as well.
He said the office expects San Ramon police to refer three more individuals for prosecution.
Each defendant faces 13 counts of second-degree robbery and one count of conspiracy to commit a crime, with special enhancements possible under California’s Proposition 36 due to the value of the stolen property, the DA’s office said.
The conspiracy charges detail 11 overt criminal acts that involved a coordinated operation, the DA’s office said, an operation that allegedly involved the group stealing vehicles to use in the smash and grab.
Jimmy Ray was arraigned Sept. 29. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and the judge denied his request to be released on his own recognizance, setting bail at $8 million, Asregadoo said.
Austin made bail after being booked into the jail in Martinez, California, but the court has since issued a bench warrant for his arrest, with bail set at $3.5 million.
According to Asregadoo, Michael Ray Jr. was booked into a jail in Alameda County, where he’s facing charges unrelated to the smash-and-grab robbery at Heller Jewelers.
The San Ramon Police Department said in its Sept. 22 release that the investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to call Detective Corporal Kevin Tjahjadi at 925-733-7316.
The police did not return a call seeking additional comment on the case.
Heller Jewelers was closed for nearly a week following the robbery but posted a message of thanks to the San Ramon community on its Instagram page.
It reads in part, “Heller Jewelers has been part of this community for nearly thirty years, and we’ve always believed in the strength of the relationships we’ve built with you.
“Your support in the days since means more to us than we can express.”
The Sept. 22 robbery at Heller Jewelers is one in a string of violent smash-and-grabs in California this year involving large groups of individuals storming the jewelry store.
Though it was not the case in the Heller Jewelers robbery, some of these crimes have involved the robbers ramming through the storefront with a car or truck.
“In all my years doing this, I’ve never seen this many vehicles being driven [into jewelry stores] and this many groups bum-rushing jewelry stores,” Jewelers’ Security Alliance Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky said in a July interview with National Jeweler.
He shared a number of tips to help prevent or mitigate losses from these violent smash-and-grab robberies.
They include notifying local law enforcement about this pattern and requesting extra patrol coverage; placing flowerpots, stanchions, or bollards in front of the store as a barrier to stop, or at least slow down, vehicles; and having an insurance policy that adequately covers the value of all of the store’s inventory.
Jewelry store owners also need to train staff not to resist in the event of any type of robbery.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
