Robbers crash getaway cars after Anaheim jewelry store heist

A group of smash-and-grab robbers purposefully crashed an SUV into an Anaheim jewelry store before crashing their getaway cars during a police pursuit on Friday afternoon.

The Anaheim Police Department said the suspects crashed into the Classic Jewelers store in the 5700 block of Santa Ana Canyon Road and immediately began stealing merchandise.

Ramzy Tabello, the owner of the store, said the suspect tossed between $750,000-$1 million worth of jewelry into trash cans. Tabello tried to scare off the suspects.

"I always keep my gun right here behind me," Tabello said. 

However, the robbers stole his gun. 

"So they took my gun, and at that point I was scared for my life," Tabello said. "Lesson learned, I should always carry my gun on me."

They quickly got into two getaway cars and led Anaheim officers on a pursuit into the nearby city of Fullerton just before 2:40 p.m. 

The first car crashed at Lemon Street and E. Orangethorpe Avenue. The second crashed near Euclid Street and W. Malvern Avenue at 2:43 p.m. 

The suspects crashed into other innocent drivers. Police closed the two intersections for their investigation.

The eight suspects initially escaped police following the collisions. However, throughout the day, officers located the suspects in nearby yards and properties. Police later said that one of the suspects was released to their parents as they were a minor.