Masked Crew Armed with Hammers and Axes Targets Zales at Stoneridge Shopping Center

PLEASANTON, California — The Pleasanton Police Department is actively investigating a daring and violent smash-and-grab robbery that targeted the Zales Jewelers location inside the Stoneridge Shopping Center. The incident, which unfolded in broad daylight on Monday, May 4, 2026, has prompted a coordinated law enforcement response to identify and apprehend the four suspect perpetrators.

According to police dispatch logs and initial incident reports, the heist occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. A group of four masked individuals entered the Zales store with premeditated precision. The suspects were armed with heavy hand tools, specifically hammers and pickaxes, which they immediately used to shatter several glass display cases containing high-value jewelry. Witnesses reported hearing the loud impact of metal on glass, followed by the rapid clearing of the displays.

During the course of the robbery, the situation escalated when one of the suspects discharged a canister of pepper spray into the air, directing the chemical irritant toward store employees and nearby customers. This tactic was apparently intended to incapacitate the staff and deter any immediate intervention or pursuit. The suspects managed to gather an undisclosed quantity of jewelry and flee the establishment in less than two minutes, escaping to a waiting vehicle parked outside the mall perimeter.

Pleasanton Police officers arrived on the scene at approximately 11:37 a.m., just minutes after receiving the emergency call, but the suspects had already fled the area. While the release of pepper spray caused significant discomfort and minor respiratory irritation for several individuals in the immediate vicinity, medical personnel confirmed that no physical injuries requiring hospitalization were reported. Detective units are currently reviewing mall surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to trace the getaway vehicle and determine the path of escape.

The four suspects are described as males in their late teens or early 20s, all wearing dark clothing, hoodies, and face masks. Investigators are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident, captured mobile phone footage of the suspects fleeing, or has information regarding the getaway vehicle to contact the Pleasanton Police Department at 925-931-5100.