The San José Police Department (SJPD) apprehended a suspect involved in a robbery and organized retail theft at Valley Fair Mall on October 5. The SJPD statement identified the suspect as Shawn Pruitt, 27, a resident of Henderson, Nevada, who was also a wanted fugitive in his home state.
Five masked men robbed the Gucci store and approximately $50,000 worth of merchandise was stolen. A responding reserve officer successfully detained one of the suspects, despite being assaulted. Assisted by mall security, two stolen purses were recovered while the remaining suspects managed to escape.
San José Police Department Robbery Unit Detectives are advancing their investigation, utilizing videos and evidence from the scene to identify the remaining suspects. Pruitt was held at Santa Clara County Main Jail, charged with robbery, organized retail theft, possession of burglary tools, assault on an officer, and for his outstanding warrant.
With this recent robbery in San José, investigators are soliciting public assistance in the identification of the remaining suspects. Detective Mendoza, of the San José Police Robbery Unit, urges anyone with relevant information to contact him directly.
