Dozens of looters raced in and out of a Walnut Creek, California, Nordstrom store Saturday night, stealing an unknown amount of merchandise.
NBC News reported that, according to a police spokesperson, about “80 people rushed into the store in the city’s Broadway Plaza.” One employee was pepper-sprayed and two others were punched and kicked in the mayhem, with all three sustaining minor injuries. They were all treated and released at the scene, the spokesperson told NBC.
The store was open when the looting happened, with the crime occurring in under a minute.
Jodi Hernandez, a reporter for NBC Bay Area, was nearby during the looting and reported seeing dozens of cars blocking the streets while people rushed in and out of the store.
“About 25 cars just blocked the street and rushed into the Walnut Creek Nordstrom making off with goods before getting in cars snd [sic] speeding away. At least two people arrested at gunpoint,” Hernandez reported on Twitter, including video of some of the suspects fleeing with merchandise and returning to their cars.
#Breaking About 25 cars just blocked the street and rushed into the Walnut Creek Nordstrom making off with goods before getting in cars snd speeding away. At least two people arrested at gunpoint. pic.twitter.com/AG3R94M9L3
— Jodi Hernandez (@JodiHernandezTV) November 21, 2021
In another tweet, Hernandez showed a video of cops arresting one of the suspects at gunpoint, adding that most of the criminals got away.
“While most of the looters got away, @walnutcreekpd did arrest a few following the flash mob robbery of the Walnut Creek Nordstrom store,” she wrote.
While most of the looters got away, @walnutcreekpd did arrest a few following the flash mob robbery of the Walnut Creek Nordstrom store. #nordstrom #flashmobrobbery pic.twitter.com/LPlrNeiyhg
— Jodi Hernandez (@JodiHernandezTV) November 21, 2021
NBC Bay Area reported on Sunday that three people had been arrested following the organized retail theft.
The Walnut Creek Police Department also released a statement regarding the theft:
The Walnut Creek Police Department is actively monitoring intelligence that indicates the group of thieves who stole from the Broadway Plaza Nordstrom last night are considering similar activity later today. This has not been confirmed, but out of an abundance of caution, we’re alerting businesses and residents to be prepared. The PD is calling out add’l officers and reserves, and some stores may consider closing early or taking other precautions. There is no specific time or target known right now. More info to follow as we know more.
CBS San Francisco reported on Monday that similar incidents have taken place in the days following the Nordstrom theft. The outlet reported that thieves on Sunday night entered the Southland Mall in Hayward and stole merchandise from a Lululemon store in San Jose.
“Witnesses said a large mob of people caused a huge disturbance inside the mall, with some briefly taking over a jewelry store,” the outlet reported. “Witnesses described some 40 to 50 looters wielding hammers and other tools looted Sam’s Jewelers, breaking glass cases and quickly fleeing. In video taken during the robbery, you can hear workers inside Sam’s Jewelers screaming in fear.”
The outlet noted that it was the “third straight day a large mob of robbers have gone after retailers in the Bay Area.”
“It was very scary,” one witness told the outlet. “People with no morals, no sense for other people’s safety. I feel helpless. It’s disturbing.”