A jewelry store owner opened fire on masked robbers after they rammed a pickup truck through his storefront in a brazen midday heist attempt.
The confrontation erupted shortly after 12:25 p.m. Tuesday at Medina Jewelers in Lynnwood, Washington, when a white Toyota Tacoma smashed through the front of the business and sent employees scrambling, according to authorities.
Surveillance footage captured three vehicles circling the parking lot moments before the truck barreled into the store, shattering glass and creating an opening for the suspects. Several masked individuals rushed inside, including one who appeared to be wielding an axe.
The owner responded by drawing his own weapon and firing at the intruders, forcing the group to retreat without any merchandise.
No injuries were reported at the scene, though police said it remained unclear whether any of the suspects had been struck by gunfire. Lynnwood Police Cmdr. Joe Dickenson addressed the unusual timing and location of the crime.
“It was broad daylight and a pretty rare occurrence for us,” he told FOX13 Seattle.
Investigators were still working to determine whether any of the suspects had been armed with firearms during the attempted robbery.
The chaos extended beyond the store as the suspects fled in multiple vehicles, police said. They escaped in a black BMW SUV and a silver Toyota or Infiniti sedan. During the getaway, the BMW struck a parked vehicle and may have sustained damage to its front passenger side.
Dickenson emphasized the danger posed to bystanders caught in the sudden violence.
“You had several witnesses that were out and about, several pedestrians walking around; all of a sudden, a car crashing into a building and shots ringing out is cause for alarm,” he said.
Detectives have launched an active investigation and are seeking public assistance in identifying the suspects and vehicles recorded by surveillance cameras. Authorities have asked anyone with information to send tips to [email protected] and reference case No. 2026-37986.