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.
More on Crime
The Latest
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
Weekly QuizFeb 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
SourcingFeb 12, 2026
‘Cotton Candy’ Necklace, 35-Carat Kunzite Win 2025 ‘Buyer’s Choice’ AwardsThe AGTA Spectrum and Cutting Edge “Buyer’s Choice” award winners were announced at the Spectrum Awards Gala last week.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being FinalizedThe White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsEntries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped FlagshipThe Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s DayFrom heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
