Close to $1 million worth of luxury merchandise was stolen from Heller Jewelers at the City Center Bishop Ranch shopping center in San Ramon, California, on Monday, September 22. Authorities say a “mob” of masked suspects stormed the high-end jewelry store, brandishing guns and pickaxes in a brazen daylight robbery.
Seven Arrests and Felony Charges
Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton confirmed on Thursday that seven suspects, including one minor, have been arrested in connection with the heist. Among them are 31-year-old Michael Lamont Ray, Jr. of San Francisco, 19-year-old Ira Raheem Austin of San Francisco, and 27-year-old Jimmy Mack Ray of Vallejo.
“The trio executed a scheme that began with stealing vehicles and culminated in an escape that involved gunfire,” the DA’s office said. Each defendant faces 13 counts of second-degree robbery, one count of conspiracy, and enhanced charges under Proposition 36 due to the high value of the stolen goods.
Becton emphasized the seriousness of the crime:
