A would-be smash-and-grab thief targeted a family-owned jewelry store in El Monte, California over the weekend. Surveillance cameras captured the alleged burglar dressed in all black with a face mask and a cardboard box in hand. The suspect sprayed bear repellent on 70-year-old Arturo, causing him intense pain. Despite the attack, Arturo and his family members fought back, attempting to restrain the intruder as he smashed the display case. The suspect fled the store empty-handed after being hit with a stick by co-owner Miguel. The family expressed devastation over the violent attack on their livelihood.
This attempted smash-and-grab robbery is part of a series of similar crimes in the Southland region. Last week, another jewelry store in Pasadena was targeted, resulting in the theft of over $500,000 worth of merchandise. The owner of that store was also pepper-sprayed during the incident.
Rossana, a co-owner of the El Monte jewelry store, highlighted the vulnerability of family-owned businesses like theirs to such robberies. She expressed concerns about the safety of running a business in the area.
The suspect, who fled the scene in a gray Dodge Charger, remains at large. The El Monte Police Department is urging anyone with information about the suspect to come forward.
