Colonel Nguyen Ha Lai, Deputy Director and Chief of the Investigation Police Department of Da Nang, confirmed to VietNamNet on August 27 that the suspect, an American national identified as D.J. (born 1996), was arrested at around 10 a.m. while hiding in an apartment on Pham Tu Street in An Hai Ward.

According to investigators, prior to the robbery, D.J. had rented a motorbike and removed the license plate for easier evasion. He then entered the PNJ store wearing a green Grab delivery uniform, helmet, and face mask. Using a hammer, he smashed the glass display case and stole a large quantity of gold jewelry.

The incident occurred at approximately 8:51 p.m. on August 26. Entering from the rear of the shop, D.J. allegedly struck a male security guard multiple times on the head with what appeared to be a metal rod, incapacitating him before the guard could react. He then filled a backpack with jewelry and brazenly forced his way out, ignoring attempts by nearby witnesses to stop him.

After the robbery, D.J. returned to his rented room, where he hid the stolen items and monitored media coverage to track police movements. When authorities raided the apartment, the suspect tried to flee but was quickly subdued.

Colonel Nguyen Ha Lai was present at the scene of the arrest and directly led the investigation. He also praised the efforts of the police forces involved in solving the case.

Local authorities are continuing their investigation in collaboration with other agencies to determine whether the suspect acted alone or had any accomplices.

Ho Giap