Fremont Jewelry Store Robbed of $1.7 Million in Just Over a Minute
A brazen group of robbers from Northern California turned a luxury jewelry store in Fremont into a chaotic scene, making off with an astonishing $1.7 million worth of jewelry in just over a minute.
Recently released surveillance footage by the U.S. Department of Justice captures the bizarre robbery at Kumar Jewelers, which took place on June 18, 2025. Authorities have referred to it as a “mob-style takeover.” The video reveals numerous vehicles halting abruptly in front of the store, while nearly 20 masked individuals in black hoodies charged in, resembling a tactical unit.
With pickaxes, hammers, and backpacks in hand, the chaos that followed was executed with uncanny precision. In a whirlwind, the thieves smashed glass cases, quickly stuffed gold and diamonds into their bags, and managed to seize about 75 to 80 percent of the store’s stock.
According to authorities, the whole incident spanned around 70 seconds, after which the group vanished in a waiting vehicle with an estimated $2 million worth of jewelry. This footage was initially reported by East Bay Times.
After the robbery, the masked thieves hopped into several stolen getaway cars and sped off in various directions. Due to the vehicles being stolen, automatic license plate readers weren’t able to assist in tracing the suspects to the crime.
In a dramatic pursuit of one of the getaway cars, a black Acura, officers struggled with the decision of which vehicle to follow. Federal prosecutors noted in a court filing that the Acura reached speeds of about 130 mph through residential areas, overtaking other vehicles on the wrong side of the road, running stop signs, and zigzagging across lanes.
Authorities have since apprehended four individuals believed to be involved in the heist. Afatupetaiki Faasila, Jose Herrada-Aragon, Andres Palestino, and Tom Parker Donegan, all around 19 or 20 years old, were arrested.
Records reveal that Mr. Faasila and Mr. Palestino were released while awaiting further legal proceedings. Meanwhile, many of the other suspects are still unaccounted for.
