In a dramatic turn of events, nine individuals, including a 16-year-old, were arrested in connection with a shocking smash-and-grab robbery at an El Rancho Supermercado in Fort Worth, Texas. The robbery took place on February 9th, when the group of suspects targeted the store, pepper-spraying employees before smashing display cases to steal valuable jewelry.
Around 4:55 p.m., four of the suspects acted as lookouts while the others used a hammer-like tool to break into the store’s jewelry section. Shoppers, including Lourdes Torres, were caught off guard by the sudden chaos. “It was really terrible… It was scary,” Torres said, describing the horrifying moment when she and others struggled to breathe due to the pepper spray.
A witness captured the robbery on cellphone video, showing the suspect using a tool to smash the jewelry display and make off with the merchandise. Fort Worth Police swiftly shared information with the Real Time Crime Center, which led them to track the suspects to McKinney. With assistance from McKinney Police, the nine suspects were arrested, including individuals aged 16 to 51.
Among those arrested were Dexter Mitchell, 51, Reginald Mitchell, 22, and Christian Venson, 25. Police recovered a substantial amount of jewelry, valued at more than $100,000, from the robbery. As investigations unfold, authorities suspect the group may also be linked to similar crimes in Houston and Dallas.
Local business owner Angel Cuenca believes that the suspects may be connected to previous robberies at his family’s stores, where more than $600,000 worth of jewelry was stolen. He expressed relief over the arrests but voiced concerns about the vulnerability of grocery store jewelry sections.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez suggested that some of the suspects may also be responsible for other smash-and-grab crimes across Houston. As authorities continue their investigation, they aim to prosecute the offenders to the fullest extent.
