In Shocking Smash And Grab, 20 Thieves Rob PNG Jewellers In Sunnyvale, CA; 5 Arrested

Photo: Saurabh Gadgil tweeted this image in August 2023 marking the company’s 15th year in the US

India-West News Desk

SUNNYVALE, CA – Five suspects were arrested on June 13 after a bold, daytime smash-and-grab robbery at the Indian American owned Sunnyvale store, PNG Jewellers which involved nearly two dozen individuals and a subsequent police chase, public safety officials here said.

The Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (DPS) said the robbery took place on June 13 afternoon just before 1:30 p.m. at the showroom located in the Hacienda Shopping Center on the 700 block of E. El Camino Real. Approximately 20 suspects used hammers and other tools to break into jewelry display cases and steal merchandise, fleeing in multiple vehicles before officers could arrive.

Officers identified two suspect vehicles and attempted to stop them, but both fled, leading to two separate chases on northbound U.S. Highway 101. One pursuit ended when officers lost sight of the vehicle. During the chase of the second vehicle, suspects were seen discarding stolen jewelry out of the window. This chase also ended when officers lost sight of the vehicle, which was later found abandoned on Highway 101 near Whipple Avenue in Redwood City.

Five suspects from the abandoned vehicle fled across the freeway into a nearby industrial area. Four were arrested near Industrial Road and Brittan Avenue in San Carlos. The fifth suspect was found nearby and apprehended by a police K-9 as he tried to escape.

The suspects were identified as Tonga Latu, Tavake Esafe, Ofa Ahomana, Kilifi Leaaetoa, and Afuhia Lavakeiaho. Their ages and hometowns were not disclosed. They were booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail on charges including armed robbery, felony vehicle evasion, resisting arrest, burglary, conspiracy to commit a crime, vandalism, possession of burglary tools, and outstanding warrants.

Some of the stolen jewelry has been recovered, although the total value of the stolen items is not yet known. No injuries were reported during the robbery and police chase.

P.N. Gadgil Jewellers Limited, also known as Purshottam Narayan Gadgil Jewellers, was founded by Ganesh Gadgil in Sangli in 1832. It’s one of the oldest jewelry companies in India, known for its production of jewelry distinctive to the Maharashtra region.

The 5000 sq. ft. large Sunnyvale showroom showcases an extensive and exquisite collection of hallmarked gold, silver, and diamond jewelry. Bollywood actress Nargis Fakhri inaugurated the showroom in 2018 in the presence of Saurabh Gadgil, Chairman & Managing Director of PNG Jewelers, and Parag Gadgil, Executive Director.