Robbery Reported at Don Roberto Jewelers in Palm Desert
Timothy Foster
PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – A terrifying robbery unfolded Saturday afternoon at The Shops at Palm Desert, leaving shoppers rattled and store owners reeling after masked suspects stormed a jewelry store and made off with thousands of dollars in merchandise.
The incident happened around 2:20 p.m. when multiple suspects entered the businesses wearing masks and carrying hammers. Authorities said the suspects smashed display cases, stole merchandise, and fled the scene in a vehicle.
No injuries were reported, but the chaos left many shaken.
One witness said they heard a loud noise and immediately grabbed a family member and began running. As the suspects carried out the brazen daylight theft, nearby stores quickly closed their doors, and panicked shoppers tried to escape the area. The sound of shattering glass and frightened screams echoed through the mall.
Another shopper described the mall as being crowded at the time. People were running and screaming, with one woman struggling to gather her children who had been riding on mall attractions. In the panic, she collided with other fleeing shoppers. One elderly woman reportedly fell and injured her knee and hip.
Though no one was seriously hurt, the emotional impact on witnesses and business owners is clear. Don Roberto Jewelers declined to speak on camera but shared that they are frightened and still assessing the extent of the loss.
The suspects remain at large. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the Palm Desert Police Department continues to investigate.
The Shops at Palm Desert issued a statement calling the incident isolated and confirmed that it is under active investigation.
Store owners and shoppers alike expressed gratitude that no one was injured and hope that the suspects will be caught. One shopper said they were thankful everyone was safe and hoped the store would recover quickly.