An elderly businessman suffered a stroke after he was assaulted during a violent heist at his jewellery store in San Jose, California. Over a dozen robbers stormed the Kim Hung Jewellery store on Aborn Road on Friday after crashing a vehicle into the establishment.
Surveillance video captured the dramatic moment when a vehicle ploughed into the shopfront. The robbers took over the store within seconds, smashing display cases and grabbing merchandise. Amid the chaos, the 88-year-old owner was pushed to the ground, where broken glass injured him. While on the ground, the elderly man also suffered a stroke. Reports say he is currently recovering from his injuries.
However, there is uncertainty regarding the future of his store, which has been in operation for nearly four decades. A close family friend, who rushed to the scene after the robbery, said the physical injuries may heal, but the damage to the business is staggering. “He is OK; business is not OK. Everyone knows that situation right now. Every business is in danger,” she explained.
Estimates put the financial losses and property damage between $50,000 and $100,000, not including medical costs the owner now faces. It is unclear if the owner will be able to reopen his business after the devastating loss.
Community leaders view the San Jose robbery as part of a wider pattern of crimes that are increasingly targeting small businesses. Leaders have called for stronger law enforcement presence, stricter prosecution of offenders, and better security measures, such as surveillance systems, in response to the robberies. Reports say that there have been similar smash-and-grab attacks involving ATMs and other local businesses in neighbouring areas.
Following the incident, Friends, neighbours, and fellow business owners say the attack has left them feeling shaken and unsafe, worried that any store could be the next target.
