STOCKTON, Calif. (KTXL) — A Stockton couple of their 70s is talking out after 1000’s of {dollars} in jewellery had been taken from them in a violent theft.
“It simply makes me very offended, very, very offended,” mentioned Betty Garcia, co-owner of the jewellery retailer.
Betty and Guillermo Garcia have owned their downtown Stockton jewellery store for 32 years.
“We’re 76 and we’re nonetheless working,” Guillermo Garcia mentioned.
After a few break-ins, they determined to take a few of their dearer jewellery house. Whereas unloading their automobile, a person with a gun swooped in, grabbed the case containing the jewellery and ran away.
“In three seconds, it was like a nightmare,” Betty Garcia mentioned.
Guillermo Garcia tried to cease the thief and received pistol-whipped.
“They reduce his face up with a gun. They hit him with a gun,” Betty Garcia mentioned.
All of it occurred on Jan. 25 within the Lincoln Village space of Stockton.
“Our detectives have been engaged on this case, however thus far, no leads,” mentioned Officer Joe Silva. “No ideas have been coming into the police division. In order that they needed us to launch that video at present on our social media.”
Other than the emotional and bodily scars, the lack of $300,000 value of knickknack is a serious setback for the couple.
“The factor is, they received us. I do know we’re not going to get something again. I imply, it’s gone,” Betty Garcia mentioned.
On the retailer, they take many precautions. The shop stays locked. Clients must get buzzed in. They’ve additionally added many surveillance cameras there and at their house.
The Garcias now must work even tougher throughout their golden years to recoup their losses.
“We stand right here eight hours a day, promoting batteries, making an attempt to make a sale. At this age, we ought to be retired,” Betty Garcia mentioned.
They mentioned, from previous expertise, insurance coverage is little assist.
“They needed to offer us peanuts,” Betty Garcia mentioned.
The Garcias want thieves would perceive the devastating impression against the law akin to that leaves behind.
“They may at some point get as previous as we’re, and so they’ll be weak additionally. So, let’s repair this earlier than one thing occurs. Subsequent time, they’re going to kill the jeweler,” Betty Garcia mentioned.
The robber is described as a person in his mid-20s. Silva mentioned he would love individuals to take a very good have a look at the thief’s automobile. It has harm to the rear door on the driving force’s facet.
“Somebody on the market is aware of who this individual is. They’re going to acknowledge the automobile. They’re going to acknowledge the suspect,” Silva mentioned.
“I need them caught. I need justice,” Betty Garcia mentioned.
Stockton Crime Stoppers is providing a $10,000 reward for ideas that result in an arrest.