From the Office of the District Attorney:
Martinez, California – Three Bay Area men are facing serious felony charges after orchestrating a brazen armed robbery at a San Ramon jewelry store, stealing more than one million dollars in merchandise.
The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office announced charges today against Michael Lamont Ray, Jr., 31, and Ira Raheem Austin, 19, both of San Francisco, along with Jimmy Mack Ray, 27, of Vallejo, in connection with the September 22nd robbery at the City Center Bishop Ranch mall.
The trio executed a scheme that began with stealing vehicles and culminated in an escape that involved gunfire. Each defendant now faces 13 counts of second-degree robbery and one count of conspiracy to commit a crime, with special enhancements under Proposition 36 due to the value of the stolen property.
The conspiracy charges detail 11 overt criminal acts that involved a coordinated operation. The individuals stole vehicles to use in the crime, forcibly entered the jewelry store, smashed display cases to access and steal valuable merchandise, and fired a weapon to shatter a glass door during their getaway. The suspects then fled the scene in the stolen vehicles and evaded pursuing San Ramon Police officers until officers with Oakland Police were able to apprehend the suspects after they were seen leaving a building on the 9900 block of International Boulevard in Oakland.
“Our communities deserve safety from conduct like the audacious daylight robbery in San Ramon,” said Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton. “Thanks to the excellent investigative work by the San Ramon Police Department, these defendants will face significant punishment for the offenses they committed.”
DA Becton emphasized her office’s commitment to prosecuting theft crimes, stating: “My Office will continue to work with San Ramon PD and other law enforcement partners to identify other perpetrators who participated in this brazen robbery and charge them accordingly.”
Jimmy Ray will be arraigned on September 29th at 1:30 pm in Contra Costa Superior Court in Martinez. The other suspects will be arraigned on a future date set by the court.
Good, appears the brains of the operation were among those arrested. I use “brains” loosely. Let the snitching begin!
A good start.
Thank you for compiling this information and reporting to us. I’m sure the research was time consuming and methodical.
This was the best photographed robbery in history!!!!
These idiots never get away with this crap. They think they can come to San Ramon and get away with stuff like this, but they ALWAYS get caught. Now lock these fools up for a long time! Great job San Ramon PD, once again!
Here’s your update:
Of the three above listed, only Jimmy is still in custody. Have fun out there fellow citizens.
Firestone 11R