News Summary
A businessman in Irvine was assaulted and robbed at gunpoint by three masked men while leaving his office. The attackers focused on stealing his expensive watch worth $600,000, but left his wallet and bag untouched. Despite the violent encounter and threats, the victim survived. Authorities are investigating the incident, with concerns that showcasing luxury items online may attract criminals. A reward is being offered for information leading to the attackers’ arrest, highlighting growing safety concerns in affluent areas.
Irvine – A businessman was assaulted and robbed at gunpoint while leaving his office in the Irvine airport area on Wednesday, Oct. 15. The incident involved a $600,000 Richard Mille sports watch, which was stolen during the attack.
Surveillance video captured the victim getting into his car when another vehicle blocked him. Three hooded and masked men exited the blocking vehicle, yanked the victim from his car, and began to beat him. The assailants used physical violence, including pistol-whipping and punching, and shouted threats during the assault. The victim, who remains anonymous for safety reasons, reported that one of the attackers attempted to fire a weapon during the incident, but the gun reportedly jammed.
Although the recorded footage provided a visual account of the attack, it did not include audio, which limited investigators’ ability to confirm the specific threats made by the assailants. Despite the violent nature of the robbery, the victim expressed relief at surviving the ordeal while reflecting on the life-threatening situation he faced when defending himself.
Notably, the attackers focused exclusively on the watch during the robbery, leaving the victim’s wallet and bag undisturbed. This detail has led the victim to speculate that social media may have played a role in the attack. He suggested that showcasing luxury items online may have caught the attention of criminals, potentially leading to his targeted assault.
In response to the incident, Irvine Police spokesman Kyle Oldoerp warned that exposing luxury items on social media can attract unwanted criminal activity. Law enforcement has taken this case seriously, with detectives collecting DNA and fingerprints from the scene and actively pursuing leads. As of Friday evening, no suspects have been identified or arrested in connection with the incident.
In an effort to encourage cooperation from the public, the victim is offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of his attackers. The police urge anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the Irvine Police Department.
This robbery highlights growing concerns surrounding safety and crime in affluent areas, particularly as criminals may target individuals who flaunt wealth on social media platforms. The police investigation is ongoing, and changes in community awareness and personal security may be necessary to prevent similar events in the future.
The Irvine community reacts to the crime with a mixture of shock and caution, as incidents of this nature can instill fear and anxiety among residents and business owners. With the authorities actively seeking justice, there remains hope that the perpetrators will be apprehended swiftly. Residents are reminded to be vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to local law enforcement.
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Additional Resources
- Orange County Register: Man reports $600,000 watch stolen in Irvine robbery
- Google Search: Irvine robbery
- KTLA: Orange County man beaten in violent ambush
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Watch theft
- My News LA: 2 men convicted in deadly home invasion robbery in Irvine
- Google News: Crime in Irvine
- ABC7: Members of international organized burglary ring arrested
- Google Scholar: Robbery in Irvine
- New Santa Ana: Irvine police identify woman who stole groceries
- Wikipedia: Robbery
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
