A dramatic gold shop robbery in Da Nang shocked residents on the night of August 26. Despite careful planning, the suspect—a foreign national—was captured within 12 hours after an intense overnight manhunt by city police.
Suspect Identified and Arrested
At noon on August 27, the Da Nang Criminal Police Division, in coordination with specialized units, arrested West Dale James (29), a foreign national, for his involvement in the violent robbery at a jewelry store on Núi Thành Street (Hòa Cường Ward, Da Nang).
According to preliminary investigations, Dale James entered Vietnam in June 2025 and frequently traveled between cities. Authorities believe he had been preparing for the crime for weeks.
Meticulous Preparation Before the Heist
On August 21, the suspect traveled to Ho Chi Minh City and purchased a heavy dual-headed hammer. He then returned to Da Nang, rented an apartment in An Hải Ward, and scouted multiple locations for potential targets.
By the evening of August 26, Dale James disguised himself in a ride-hailing driver’s jacket, helmet, face mask, gloves, and backpack before approaching the jewelry store.
Violent Attack and Robbery
Upon arrival, Dale James allegedly used a 20 cm metal chisel to attack N.N.T. (48), a security guard, striking his head and leaving him seriously injured.
Dale James Attacks Security Guard Before Smashing Display Case, Stealing Jewelry
He then smashed the glass display cases with the hammer and stole 20 jewelry items, including 11 diamond pieces, worth over VND 830 million (approximately USD 33,000).
After committing the robbery, the suspect fled on foot into a small alley, retrieved a pre-arranged unlicensed motorbike, and escaped.
Overnight Manhunt and Arrest
Da Nang police immediately launched an all-night operation, deploying multiple investigative teams across the city to track the suspect.
At 10:30 a.m. on August 27, after more than 12 hours of relentless investigation, authorities arrested Dale James at his rented apartment on Pham Tu Street.
Robbery Suspect Hid Stolen Jewelry in Bathroom Ceiling
During the search, police discovered 18 stolen jewelry pieces hidden inside the ceiling of his bathroom, along with other valuable items whose origins are under investigation.
Police Seize All Assets Stolen in Da Nang Gold Shop Robbery
Police Praise Quick Response
Colonel Nguyen Ha Lai, Deputy Director of Da Nang Police, confirmed that Dale James’s actions were highly aggressive and premeditated. He praised the criminal police and supporting units for their “outstanding achievement” in quickly identifying and capturing the suspect, bolstering public trust in the city’s security forces.
The case is still under investigation.
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Source: Vietnam Insider