Madera jewelry store owner opens fire on group of masked robbers

The tense moments in the North Valley were captured on security camera as a group of masked robbers entered the Madera jewelry store located in the North Country Club.

Within seconds, the store owner took matters into his own hands and opened fire on the crooks, sending the thieves out the door.

As unsuspecting customers were leaving Olivia’s Fine Jewelry store in Madera around seven o’clock Thursday evening, a group of about five masked men, caught on security camera, entered.

The thieves quickly entered the store, went straight for the glass cases, and sent the employee at the register to search for security.

A suspect stood guard at the door.

Within a few seconds, the owner of the store came out from behind the store, firing 3 to 5 shots with his own gun.

He took off running as the crooks chased them out the door.

“It’s shocking to your conscience. It’s scary to your family because this is a mom-and-pop store where your family is your employees, it’s your own business and your livelihood,” said Sergeant Blake Short of the Madera Police Department.

Authorities say although shots were fired, no one was hit.

The thieves managed to get their hands on approximately $170,000 worth of high-value jewelry.

“I believe the store owner did what he thought was necessary at the time. We don’t always recommend that in this area. Fortunately in this case no one was harmed,” says Sergeant Short.

Madera Police described the robbery as sophisticated, adding that the young adult suspects had a clear plan.

“Preliminary investigation indicates they had been in the area for some time, what we would call acceleration. This was certainly meticulous work. It was thought out. It did not appear to be the first time for these individuals,” Sergeant Short said.

There are bullet holes in the shop windows, there is warning tape outside.

The chaos sent shockwaves through the mall.

“I was scared; it was very scary. We just heard a loud noise. I told the manager I thought it was a gunshot,” says Veronica Casillas, a nearby store employee.

Authorities were able to recover the getaway car, identified as a dark gray Audi. They say the suspects dumped him just outside Madera city limits.

The investigation is ongoing and no additional statements have been made regarding the suspects.

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