Police investigate robbery crew after 72-year-old man is injured while thieves flee with $7,000 in cigarettes

Concord, California – A violent robbery targeting a small business owner has left a 72-year-old man injured and sparked a wider investigation into what police believe may be a roaming crew that follows victims long distances before striking.

According to court records, a 24-year-old man has been charged in connection with the robbery of a local store owner whose leg was run over as the suspects escaped with thousands of dollars in stolen goods. The incident unfolded after the victim and his wife visited a wholesale tobacco supplier in San Leandro, where investigators say they were secretly followed.

Elder victim injured as robbers flee with cigarette cartons

Police said the couple was trailed from San Leandro to a parking lot in Concord. When the pair arrived and opened the trunk of their vehicle, two men rushed in, grabbing three cartons of cigarettes. Authorities said one carton was dropped during the struggle, but the suspects still managed to flee with roughly $7,000 worth of cigarette cartons.

As the men ran back to a waiting Buick, a struggle broke out. Police said the getaway driver ran over the 72-year-old victim’s leg, causing injuries as the vehicle sped away. The victim survived, but the incident raised serious concerns due to his age and the level of violence used.

The 24-year-old suspect has since been charged with robbery, assault, and elder abuse, reflecting the severity of the incident and the injuries suffered by the older victim. Court records show the defendant has posted bail and is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 6.

Police probe possible link to other cigarette robberies

Investigators are now looking beyond this single incident. Police say they are examining the suspect’s possible connection to similar robberies, including a major case in San Bernardino County. In that incident, authorities believe a victim was followed for nearly 50 miles before being robbed of $15,000 worth of cigarettes.

Law enforcement officials say the pattern suggests a calculated approach, with victims being watched after leaving tobacco suppliers and then targeted when they are most vulnerable.

The investigation remains active, and police have not ruled out additional arrests. Anyone with information related to similar robberies is encouraged to contact local law enforcement, as authorities work to determine whether these crimes are part of a larger, organized operation.