Month-long investigation into a smash-and-grab robbery at a jewelry store in Tustin led to several arrests

Tustin, California – It seems that the rate of violence and crime is increasing throughout the country. The rise in crime is attributed mostly to the consequences the pandemic continues to have on every social aspect in the U.S.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, there have been 779 gunshot victims so far in 2022, which is 43% more than the number of shooting victims in 2020. There have also been 206 murders in 2022, which is about 30% more than in 2020.

Smash-and-grab robberies are one of the most common types of crimes in the country, and this type of crime also made headlines in California when COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions were at their harshest.

But smash-and-grab robberies continued even after the COVID-19 lockdowns.

A month-long investigation into a smash-and-grab robbery conducted by the Tustin police yielded results, and all six suspects involved in the robbery were arrested.

The robbery that was the subject of the investigation took place on April 28 in the 15000 block of Tustin Village Way at The Jewelry Exchange, when six armed suspects entered the store, smashed multiple cases, stole jewelry, and ran out of the store. The stolen jewelry was estimated to be worth more than $87,000. Following the robbery, they fled in three separate getaway vehicles that were parked nearby.

With the assistance of several agencies, including the Long Beach Police Department, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, officers within the Tustin Police Department were able to serve several search warrants during the course of the investigation and place all suspects involved in the robbery behind bars. 24-year-old Nasadi Milton, 30-year-old Trayvonte Washington, 19-year-old Masiah Pagota, 19-year-old Naheim Milton, 28-year-old Cameron Smith, all of Long Beach, and 25-year-old North Hollywood resident Gregory Edison were all taken into custody in connection with the robbery and are facing felony criminal charges, including assault with a deadly weapon and armed robbery.

Authorities are advising people that the best way to protect against this type of robbery is to be aware of your surroundings and always keep an eye on your belongings when you are out in public.