Oakland’s Chinatown witnessed a shocking spectacle of crime as eight armed suspects stormed into Phuong Jewelry, one of the oldest jewelry establishments in the city. The brazen robbery, occurring on Wednesday around 12:30 p.m., marked a harrowing ordeal for the family-owned business, surpassing any previous incidents in its four decades of operation.
Tony Trinh, a member of the family that runs Phuong Jewelry, expressed the gravity of the situation, describing it as unprecedented in its audacity. “We’ve been robbed a few times before, but not at this level of brazen magnitude. Eight individuals and two getaway cars and guns drawn,” Trinh recounted, his thoughts consumed with concern for his loved ones and staff. The surveillance footage captured the chaos as the suspects systematically smashed display cases and looted the store, leaving devastation in their wake.
Diane, the 69-year-old matriarch, found herself ducking for cover amidst the turmoil, while her 76-year-old husband bravely intervened, brandishing a firearm that ultimately forced the assailants to flee. Trinh credited his father’s courageous act with preventing further loss, though the damage was substantial, with an estimated 85 to 90% of the store’s inventory plundered in a matter of minutes.
The emotional toll on the family was profound. “My mom was devastated and my dad was broken,” Trinh revealed, underscoring the personal impact of the robbery. Compounding their distress, the family had recently let their business insurance lapse due to escalating premiums, leaving them vulnerable to such a catastrophic event.
Despite the adversity, Trinh remained resolute, citing his commitment to the Oakland Chinatown community. As the executive director of the Oakland Chinatown Improvement Council, he emphasized the progress made in enhancing safety and security, even amidst challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. However, the future of Phuong Jewelry hangs in uncertainty, as Trinh admitted, “We would love to [stay in business], but with the environment and how tough it’s been, we don’t know yet.”
Diane’s determination to return to work, slated for Friday, symbolizes resilience in the face of adversity. “We can’t let our fear overcome us! The only way to reduce crime is to have more traffic, events, people to get more resources. A strong Oakland Chinatown is strong for every community in Oakland,” Trinh declared, echoing his family’s unwavering commitment to their community.
In response to the staggering loss, the Oakland Chinatown Improvement Council initiated a GoFundMe campaign to aid in recovery efforts. Meanwhile, the Oakland Police continue their investigation, urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice.