SJPD Investigates Organized Retail Crime Incident

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

On December 18, 2021, at approximately 6:10 PM, Patrol Officers responded to the Oakridge Mall Macy’s for a call of an in-progress organized retail crime incident. Macy’s loss prevention employees called to report that a group of up to 15 suspects, both male and female, were stealing merchandise and attempting to flee from the store.

Two female loss prevention Officers were attempting to detain at least one of the suspects. During the attempted arrest, part of the group returned and physically assaulted one of the employees, pulling her hair, knocking her to the ground, and kicking her in the head. These violent acts during the commission of a theft now classified it as a strong-armed robbery, a felony. 

As the loss prevention Officers were attempting to handcuff the suspect, the first San José Police Officer arrived on scene. The Officer immediately assisted the loss prevention Officer with handcuffing the suspect. During the handcuffing of the suspect, a previously uninvolved adult female, later identified as suspect Hamed, approached the Officer and Macy’s employee at a very close distance. The Officer ordered her to stay back, remain a safe distance away and not to interfere with the arrest. When she refused, the Officer initiated an arrest of Hamed for interfering or delaying an Officer. As the Officer attempted to place Hamed under arrest, she physically resisted by swinging her arm at the Officer.

As officers arrested Hamed for interfering, the robbery suspect was able to flee and has not yet been located. Additional Officers arrived and assisted with the investigation. Over $1000.00 of merchandise was recovered. The Macy’s employee sustained minor to moderate injuries and was treated at the scene by paramedics. A photo of her injuries during this incident has been released with her permission.

This incident illustrates the challenges for police departments across the state responding to large groups of suspects during organized retail theft incidents. Law enforcement continues to see these organized groups become more brazen, willing to use violence and carry firearms.

Hamed was booked into the Santa Clara County Jail for resisting arrest by delaying an Officer in the scope of his duties, assault on a Police Officer, and assisting the escape of a person in lawful custody of an Officer. At this time, it is unknown if Hamed has any connection to the robbery suspects.

Organized robbery incidents and smash and grab thefts have been plaguing not only our city, but the entire Bay Area. Our Department is using all available resources to curtail this activity. This organized theft and strong armed robbery is an active ongoing investigation. Detectives will be following up on leads to identify the groups of suspects involved.

We are asking for the publics assistance in identifying this group of persons involved in this organized crime and assault of the Macy’s employee.

Submit crime tips and remain anonymous by using the P3TIPS mobile app, calling the tip line at (408) 947-STOP, or on www.svcrimestoppers.org