Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety Press Release Re: PNG Jewelers Robbery
ROBBERY AT PNG JEWELERS
SUNNYVALE, California – On Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at approximately 1:27 p.m., Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (DPS) Officers responded to PNG Jewelers, located at 791 E. El Camino Real on the report of a robbery in progress. Approximately 20 suspects used hammers and tools to break the jewelry display cases.
The suspects fled the store in multiples vehicles before officers arrived on scene. Officers located two suspect vehicles as they were attempting to flee the area. Officers attempted vehicle enforcement stops, but both vehicles evaded, leading to pursuits. Officers pursued the vehicles from Sunnyvale and ultimately onto Highway 101 towards the peninsula. Officers discontinued the pursuit of the first vehicle after losing sight of it. During the pursuit of the second vehicle, the suspects discarded stolen jewelry from the moving vehicle. Officers discontinued the pursuit of the second vehicle after losing sight of it. That vehicle was located a short time later by allied agency officers.
The suspects abandoned the vehicle on Highway 101 near Whipple Ave. Five suspects that were in the vehicle attempted to flee on foot by running across the freeway and into the nearby industrial area. Four of the suspects were taken into custody near Industrial Rd. and Britan Ave., in San Carlos. The last suspect was located nearby and taken into custody by a DPS Police Service Dog after he tried to escape. Some of the stolen jewelry has been recovered. The total value for the jewelry stolen is unknown at this time. No victims were injured during the robbery.
The suspects were identified as Tonga Latu, Tavake Esafe, Ofa Ahomana, Kilifi Leaaetoa, and Afuhia Lavakeiaho. The suspects were booked into the Santa Clara County jail for various offenses, including armed robbery, felony vehicle evasion, resisting arrest, burglary, conspiracy to commit a crime, vandalism, possession of burglary tools, and outstanding warrants.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the California Highway Patrol, Palo Alto Police Department, Belmont Police Department, South San Francisco Police Department, and the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.
This incident remains under investigation. Investigators are trying to determine if this incident is related to the robbery of a jewelry store in Sunnyvale that occurred in May which involved multiple suspects.
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ADDITIONAL ARRESTS MADE IN HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION
SUNNYVALE, California – On Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at approximately 12:07 a.m., Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (DPS) Officers responded to the 100 block of S. Bernardo Avenue. on the report of several gunshots heard. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male victim inside a vehicle, suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers immediately provided medical aid to the victim, who was then transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment. He was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.
On Tuesday, June 11, 2024, a second juvenile male was arrested by DPS detectives and SWAT team members in connection with the homicide. He was arrested without incident in San Jose and is currently in custody at the Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall.
On Thursday, June 13, 2024, a third juvenile male was arrested by DPS detectives in connection with the homicide. He was arrested at the Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall where he was already in custody for an unrelated offense.
This incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Detective Tiffany Shillito at (408) 730-7110.
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