Three individuals reportedly committed a smash-and-grab robbery at a Macy's store in Westfield Valley Fair, San Jose, on Sunday afternoon. The suspects, wearing black ski masks and hoodies, broke a glass display case containing Rolex watches.
Civilian Intervention
Two shoppers intervened during the incident. One unidentified male shopper reportedly wrestled with a suspect. Another shopper, 65-year-old Rod Simpson, grabbed a suspect's backpack. This occurred after a suspect attempted to punch a woman, believed to be a Macy's employee, who had also tried to grab the backpack. Simpson successfully retrieved the backpack, causing the suspect to fall before fleeing.
Outcome and Investigation
The suspects escaped in a red Honda, taking some merchandise. San Jose police responded to the scene within minutes of the 1 p.m. robbery but the individuals had already departed. A gold watch was found in the backpack recovered by Simpson near the broken display case.
Background
This incident follows a shooting that occurred inside the same mall six weeks prior on Black Friday. In that event, three shoppers were injured by a 17-year-old suspect targeting a perceived gang rival. A preliminary hearing for three adult accomplices in the shooting case is scheduled.