Masked Hammer-Wielding Robbers Raid Concord Mall Jewelry Kiosk

CONCORD, CA — Four hammer-wielding suspects tore through a shopping center jewelry kiosk, sprayed an employee with pepper spray, and vanished with stolen jewelry before police reached the scene of a mid-day robbery.

The Concord Police Department said dispatchers received calls around 12:16 p.m. on Wednesday from shoppers inside the Sunvalley Shopping Center reporting possible shots fired inside the mall in the upper-level Piercing Pagoda kiosk.

The suspects fled in a dark-colored SUV. Police said the four unidentified suspects wore hoodies and gloves and carried hammers.

Investigators suspect the group smashed a jewelry display case and grabbed merchandise before running through a nearby mall exit toward Sunvalley Boulevard.

During the robbery, the kiosk employee was hit with pepper spray but was not injured, according to Concord police.

Despite alarming reports from inside the shopping center, police said they believe the suspects fired no shots.

Detectives are now working to identify the suspects and find their vehicle. No arrests have been announced.