A brazen daytime smash-and-grab at Joyeria Angelica in downtown Petaluma on Monday left a shattered display case and stolen jewelry, as a hammer-wielding thief bolted on foot before officers could track him down. Police said the man smashed a glass case at the East Washington Street shop, grabbed jewelry and ran, and they did not immediately release an estimate of the loss in their initial community alert.
Police Description and Investigation
In a community message, the Petaluma Police Department said the unknown suspect used a hammer to break a display case before fleeing the scene. Investigators described him as a thin-built male wearing a brown baseball hat, black sunglasses, a black face covering, blue surgical gloves, blue jeans, white tennis shoes and a sweatshirt with the word “G.O.A.T.” on it. The department said the investigation remains active and posted its notice on the city website via the Petaluma Police Department.
Not the First Smash-and-Grab This Year
The June break-in follows a multi-suspect smash-and-grab in February at Gold Rush Jewelers on North McDowell Boulevard, when suspects used hammers and pepper spray and two people were arrested, as reported by NBC Bay Area. That earlier case drew a broad police response and is part of regional efforts to track mobile crews who target small jewelry shops. Investigators say surveillance footage and neighborhood tips are often key to linking suspects across incidents.
How to Help
Petaluma police asked anyone with information to call Officer N. Libeu at 707-237-2015 or email [email protected]. Tipsters can also text TIP PETPD to 888777 or submit an anonymous web tip through the city site. Officials specifically requested surveillance video or photos from near 610 E. Washington Street on Monday to aid the active investigation, and said even small details can be helpful as they work to identify the suspect.
