Four teenagers were arrested after a brazen smash-and-grab robbery at the Shiekhs store in Fresno’s Fashion Fair Mall. The incident occurred around 3 a.m. on a Friday, when the suspects used a stolen Kia to ram open the store’s entrance.
Surveillance footage captured the four individuals, aged 15 to 17, quickly entering the store and grabbing armfuls of clothing. They made off with an estimated $10,000 worth of merchandise in a matter of seconds.
Fresno Police, alerted by Fashion Fair security, broadcast a description of the stolen vehicle. Sheriff’s deputies spotted the car shortly after and attempted a traffic stop, leading to a high-speed chase. During the pursuit, one of the suspects sprayed a fire extinguisher at a pursuing patrol car.
The chase ended when the suspects abandoned the car, filled with stolen clothing, and attempted to flee on foot. A multi-agency perimeter was established, resulting in the apprehension of all four suspects. The stolen merchandise was recovered and returned to Shiekhs.
The crime spree began earlier, with the theft of the Kia from the Villas Del Norte Apartments. The vehicle’s owner is now dealing with the damage to their car. This incident highlights a recent trend of Kia thefts due to vulnerabilities in certain models.
Shiekhs employees reported that the store has experienced at least three break-ins in the past year, highlighting the ongoing security challenges faced by businesses at Fashion Fair Mall. While the store typically keeps its exterior doors locked due to frequent break-ins, the brazen nature of this incident, involving a car crashing through the entrance, underscores the escalating security concerns.
The four suspects are facing multiple felony charges, including burglary, possession of a stolen vehicle, and conspiracy to commit a felony. This incident at Fresno Fashion Fair Mall serves as a reminder of the importance of security measures for businesses and the ongoing challenges of crime prevention in the area.
