California has seen a wave of smash and grab robberies in recent years. These are not petty thefts. They are organized, often violent, and they put store owners directly in harm’s way. Two recent incidents highlight just how different the outcomes can be depending on whether or not the victim is able to defend themselves.
San Jose – Kim Hưng Jewelry
On a Friday afternoon in San Jose, security video captured an SUV plowing straight through the storefront of Kim Hưng Jewelry. Within seconds, more than a dozen masked suspects in hoodies poured into the shop, armed with tools. They began smashing display cases and grabbing whatever they could reach.
Amid the chaos, the store’s 88 year old owner was violently shoved to the ground. He suffered cuts from broken glass and was later hospitalized. While under medical care, doctors also discovered he had suffered a stroke. His family has said they do not believe he will ever return to work at the store.
San Jose police reported that at least one suspect was armed with a gun. The group fled in multiple vehicles before officers arrived, and as of this writing, they remain unidentified and at large.
This case underscores the vulnerability of business owners when faced with overwhelming force. Outnumbered and unarmed, the elderly store owner had little chance to defend himself.
Milpitas – Fine Jewelry
Just days later, another robbery attempt played out in nearby Milpitas at Fine Jewelry inside the Seasons Shopping Center. Surveillance footage shows eight suspects rushing toward the store entrance. One was armed with a pickaxe, another with a sledgehammer. They began smashing at the glass doors, preparing to storm inside.
But in this case, the store owner was armed.
Only eleven seconds after the first strike on the glass, the sound of gunfire sent the suspects scrambling. Police later confirmed the owner discharged a legally owned firearm. No one was injured, and the mob fled the scene before officers arrived.
The surveillance video does not show bullet strikes through the glass, leaving it unclear whether the shots were fired through the doors or into the air. But the effect was immediate. The robbery attempt ended in seconds.
Facing eight suspects with heavy tools, the store owner had every reason to believe he was in imminent danger of great bodily harm. Under California law, his decision to fire appears consistent with lawful self defense.
Two Crimes, Two Outcomes
Both incidents involved large, coordinated groups of suspects armed with tools and at least one firearm. Both ended before police could arrive. But the difference in outcomes was stark.
In San Jose, an unarmed 88 year old was injured and hospitalized. In Milpitas, an armed store owner took defensive action, and the suspects immediately fled.
These cases highlight what many gun owners already understand. Smash and grab robberies are not just property crimes. They carry a very real risk of violence against anyone caught inside.
Takeaways for Armed Citizens
For those who carry concealed or own a business, there are a few important lessons here:
- Mob style robberies are unpredictable and dangerous. The sheer number of suspects can overwhelm victims in seconds.
- Law enforcement cannot respond in time. In both incidents, the suspects were gone before officers arrived.
- Being armed may be the only chance to stop the threat. In Milpitas, a single armed defender changed the outcome of a crime involving at least eight suspects.
- Know your state’s laws. California law allows the use of deadly force when someone reasonably believes they face imminent danger of death or great bodily injury. That standard applied clearly in both incidents.
Final Thoughts
These two robberies show opposite ends of the spectrum. One store owner was assaulted and may never return to his livelihood. Another store owner, facing similar odds, was able to defend himself and prevent injury.
Carrying a firearm is not a guarantee of safety, but it can mean the difference between being a victim and surviving to fight another day. For responsible gun owners, these cases are a reminder of why training, situational awareness, and a clear understanding of self defense law are critical.
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