Smash-and-grab robbery captured on surveillance video at El Monte jewelry store; suspects at large

EL MONTE, Calif. (KABC) -- A chaotic smash-and-grab robbery was captured on surveillance video Tuesday at a jewelry store in El Monte, prompting a search for the suspects.

The robbery occurred at David's Jewelers in the 10900 block of Main Street. The business later released the video in hopes of helping police identify and arrest the hammer-wielding thieves.

The footage shows at least three suspects, each wearing a mask and a black hooded sweatshirt, smashing glass jewelry cases as employees throw an office chair and a trash can at them.

The violent confrontation continues in front of the building after the thieves ran outside, according to a separate surveillance video.

The suspects then fled the scene.

The business owner estimated that about $1 million worth of merchandise was stolen, a spokesperson for the El Monte Police Department said.

On social media, the jewelry store posted a photo of a black pickup truck that was being sought in connection with the crime.