Yuba City, California – Yuba City police are continuing to search for two suspects after a violent daytime robbery at a local jewelry store that left the owner injured and resulted in the theft of nearly $1 million in gold jewelry. Two suspects, including an adult and a juvenile, have already been arrested as the investigation remains active.
Incident Overview
The robbery occurred on Sunday afternoon when multiple masked suspects stormed a jewelry store in Yuba City, using hammers to smash display cases and steal large quantities of gold jewelry. The crime unfolded quickly and prompted several emergency calls from the public.
According to authorities, the incident not only caused significant financial loss but also resulted in physical harm to the store owner, escalating the seriousness of the case.
Timeline of Events
At approximately 1:02 p.m., officers from the Yuba City Police Department responded to the 400 block of Palora Avenue after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting a robbery in progress. Witnesses reported seeing masked individuals enter the store armed with hammers.
Police say three suspects entered the store while a fourth accomplice waited outside in a vehicle believed to be intended for a quick escape. Within minutes, the suspects fled the scene with stolen jewelry.
Details From Police and Officials
During the robbery, the jewelry store owner was struck in the chest with a hammer, suffering minor injuries. Despite the violence of the attack, the owner did not require life-threatening medical treatment.
A critical break in the case came when a witness followed the suspects’ vehicle, providing real-time updates to police dispatchers. This information allowed officers to track the suspects as they drove away from the scene.
Police later located the abandoned getaway vehicle near Richland Road and Estates Drive, where the suspects fled on foot into a nearby residential area.
Suspect Arrests and Charges
Using ground units and a police drone, officers conducted a coordinated search of the surrounding neighborhood. Two suspects were located hiding in a residential yard and taken into custody.
One of the suspects was identified as Maurice Lee Jackson, 32, of Oakland. Jackson was arrested and booked into the Sutter County Jail on charges of robbery and assault.
The second suspect arrested was a juvenile, who was transported and booked into the Tri-County Youth Development Center in connection with the robbery.
“The use of witness information and drone technology played a key role in locating two of the suspects,” police said during the investigation.
Suspects Still at Large
Authorities confirmed that two additional suspects involved in the robbery were not located and are believed to have fled the area. Police have not released descriptions of the remaining suspects, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials are continuing to follow leads and review evidence, including surveillance footage and recovered property.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Location: 400 block of Palora Avenue, Yuba City
- Time: Approximately 1:02 p.m., Sunday
- Suspects: Four total, two arrested, two outstanding
- Weapons Used: Hammers
- Injuries: Jewelry store owner struck in chest, minor injuries
- Stolen Property: Approximately $1 million in gold jewelry
- Getaway Vehicle: Reported stolen from Oakland earlier the same day
Additional Context and Public Safety
Smash-and-grab jewelry robberies have become increasingly common across California, often involving multiple suspects, stolen vehicles, and coordinated escape plans. Police emphasize that these crimes pose serious risks to business owners, employees, and customers.
Authorities urge the public not to confront suspects involved in violent crimes and instead to report suspicious activity immediately to law enforcement.
Conclusion
The investigation into the Yuba City jewelry store robbery remains ongoing as police continue efforts to locate the two remaining suspects. With significant evidence recovered and two arrests already made, authorities remain hopeful that additional arrests will follow.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Yuba City Police Department Investigations Unit at 530-822-4675. Share your experiences in the comments below.
