San Jose police seek suspects in two chain-snatch robberies

SAN JOSE – Authorities are asking for the public’s help in identifying two suspects in a pair of recent chain-snatch robberies in San Jose.

The first robbery was reported at the intersection of Coyote Road and Scarlet Way about noon on June 28, said San Jose police Officer Gina Tepoorten in a news release Wednesday.

Tepoorten said the victim was running along Coyote Road when a car pulled over and two men got out. They approached the victim and a struggle ensued. The victim tried to fight back, but the men pulled a gold chain from his neck and left the area.

The second robbery was reported on the 500 block of Coyote Road about 4:20 p.m. on June 30, Tepoorten said.

Tepoorten said the victim was doing yard work when a man approached him and struck up a conversation. At one point, the man pulled a gold chain from the victim’s neck. The victim told police he had spotted a second man “casing” him prior to the robbery.

The second robbery was caught on camera, and police released images and video of the two suspects.

The first suspect was described as Black, 18 to 21 years old, 6 feet 1 inches tall and 160 to 180 pounds, with a thin build. He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, red sweatpants with either a white tag or emblem under the left front pocket and purple Nike Foamposite sneakers.

The second suspect was described as Latino, 18 to 21 years old, 5 feet 8 inches tall and 150 pounds, with a thin build. He also had black shoulder-length hair and was last seen wearing a gray beanie, black T-shirt, dark blue jeans, and black and white Puma shoes.

Anyone with information about the robberies or video of the suspects can contact San Jose police Detective Amanda Estantino at 408-277-4166, or leave a tip with Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at 408-947-7867 or at svcrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.