Bystander Breaks Up Armed Smash-and-Grab Robbery At Petaluma Jewelry Store

PETALUMA, CA — An armed robbery at a Petaluma jeweler was cut short Sunday when a bystander drove the suspects' stolen car into the store, prompting suspects to flee and leading to a chase and the arrest of two 18-year-olds, Petaluma police said.

The incident unfolded at the Gold Rush Jewelers on 385 North McDowell Blvd.

A group of six — armed with hammers, pepper spray, and a firearm —entered the store at about 4:46 p.m., shattered display cases, and began removing jewelry. At the same time, one suspect held employees at gunpoint, police said in a statement.

The robbery unraveled quickly after a man drove the suspects' unattended vehicle into the front of the store, triggering a crash that sent the group running. As they fled, one suspect pepper-sprayed the man, police said.

Four suspects drove away in the vehicle while two ran from the area.

With help from a witness, who flagged down an officer on Coronado Drive, and the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Henry 1 helicopter, police found both of them in separate backyards.
Petaluma police said officers searched the area for two hours with K9 dogs and the helicopter, but found no other suspects or the gun used in the robbery.

Police said they believe the four suspects left the area.

Store employees were shaken but not injured, police said. The bystander was treated for minor injuries.

Police arrested two of the six suspects, both 18-year-olds, one from Pittsburgh and the other from Antioch. They were taken to the Sonoma County jail. They are each being held on $250,000 bail and are scheduled to appear in Sonoma County Superior Court on Tuesday.

Witnesses or anyone with phone or surveillance video should contact Detective Alyssa Hansen at (707) 781-1291 or ahansen@cityofpetaluma.org.