A daring robbery took place on Wednesday afternoon at a Sunnyvale jewelry store, leaving authorities searching for answers. Around 20 suspects stormed into PNG Jewelers on East El Camino Real, smashing display cases with hammers and making off with an undisclosed amount of jewelry.

According to the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (DPS), responding officers managed to spot two of the fleeing vehicles. They attempted to pull them over, but the drivers refused to comply, resulting in car chases that stretched through Sunnyvale and onto Highway 101 towards the Peninsula.

During the pursuit of the second vehicle, officers witnessed the suspects throwing stolen jewelry out of the moving car. Eventually, the officers lost sight of the vehicle, and it was found abandoned near Whipple Avenue in Redwood City.

Five suspects, identified as Tonga Latu, Tavake Esafe, Ofa Ahomana, Kilifi Leaaetoa, and Afuhia Lavakeiaho, were apprehended after they ran across the freeway and sought shelter in a nearby industrial area. Four of them were taken into custody near Industrial Road and Britan Avenue in San Carlos, while the fifth suspect was located and arrested nearby.

All five suspects face a range of charges, including armed robbery, felony vehicle evasion, resisting arrest, burglary, and vandalism. They have been booked into the Santa Clara County Jail as the investigation continues. Some of the stolen jewelry was recovered, although the total value of the haul remains unknown.

Thankfully, no injuries were reported during the robbery. Police are urging anyone with information about the case to contact Detective Thomas McKenzie at 408-730-7110.

This brazen incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to combat crime and ensure the safety of our communities.