Police in the central Vietnamese city of Đà Nẵng have swiftly arrested an American man accused of carrying out a violent jewellery robbery at a PNJ Jewellery Centre. The suspect, identified as Dale James, 29, from California, was captured less than 24 hours after the incident, hiding in a rented apartment on Phạm Tứ Street.
The Heist
The robbery took place around 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the PNJ store on Núi Thành Street. Disguised as a Grab delivery driver, complete with helmet and face mask, the tall suspect entered the shop and attacked the security guard without warning. Witnesses reported that James struck the guard repeatedly with a blunt weapon, leaving him incapacitated.
Taking advantage of the chaos, James smashed several glass display cases and quickly filled his backpack with gold jewellery and other valuables.
Community Response
The guard’s cries for help alerted residents nearby, who rushed to intervene. Some attempted to block the store’s gate with an iron bar, trying to prevent the robber from escaping. However, fearing he might be armed, many bystanders hesitated to confront him directly. James eventually forced the gate open and fled into the busy evening traffic, disappearing into the streets of Đà Nẵng.
The Arrest
Đà Nẵng police moved quickly, using surveillance footage and witness testimony to track the suspect. Investigators discovered that James had arrived in Vietnam in early June 2025 and was living in a rented apartment. He had also rented a motorbike, which he modified by removing its license plate to avoid identification.
When police raided his apartment on Wednesday morning, James attempted to escape but was subdued after a brief struggle. Officers recovered the stolen jewellery hidden inside his lodging, securing the evidence against him.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are now investigating whether James had any accomplices or connections to organized theft rings. Local media reported that the suspect had no prior record in Vietnam, but police are coordinating with U.S. authorities to verify his background.
The incident has stirred concern in Đà Nẵng, a city known for its safety and popularity with tourists. The swift response by police and the recovery of the stolen property has been praised by residents.
A Rare Case of Foreign Crime
While petty thefts involving foreigners occasionally make headlines in Vietnam, an armed robbery of this scale by a foreign national is unusual. The case highlights both the quick actions of local law enforcement and the vigilance of community members who attempted to stop the robber.
Police confirmed that James is in custody and will face charges under Vietnamese law, which could result in a lengthy prison sentence.
