By Jim Emerson
SAN RAMON, CA — About half the suspects involved in a recent jewelry store heist have been arrested.
Police arrested 10 persons who allegedly participated in an organized mob robbery at Heller Jewelers in San Ramon. The retail
value of jewelry stolen on September 22 exceeds $1 million.
More than 20 thieves forcibly entered the store at City Center Bishop Ranch Mall, 6000 Bollinger Canyon Road.
The perpetrators used crow bars and hammers to smash display cabinets, and stole merchandise.
Several suspects were armed with handguns. When the suspects were temporarily trapped by automatic closing
doors, gunshots were fired to shatter the glass doors. The perpetrators fled in five waiting getaway cars,
including two vehicles reported stolen.
Aerial support units were deployed during a pursuit. San Ramon officers pursued suspects who fled to Oakland,
where Oakland PD arrested some of them on the 9900 block of International Boulevard.
Additional suspects were taken into custody following a multi-agency investigation, which included Milpitas and
San Jose police. Arrest and search warrants were served days later.
The FBI and federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also assisted in the investigation.
The following suspects have been arrested thus far —
· Ira R. Austin, 19, of Richmond
· Zakhari Blue-Gorden, 23, of East Palo Alto
· Deandre D. Demisse Jr., 19, of Richmond
· Angel Herrera, 21 of Pacifica
· Toddisha J. Mayfield, 31, of Oakland
· Jahkeal McGolthin, 18, of Richmond
· Jimmy M. Ray, 27, of Fremont
· Michael L Ray, 31, of Richmond
· Jacques Samuel, 18, of Suisun City
· Unidentified Juvenile, 17, of Oakland
The investigation remains ongoing. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office said in a prepared
statement.
“We will continue to work with San Ramon PD, and other law enforcement partners to identify other
perpetrators who participated, and charge them accordingly.”
