News Summary
A businessman was violently robbed at gunpoint outside Irvine airport, losing a $600,000 Richard Mille watch. The assailants, who attacked him after blocking his car with a light-colored SUV, left him injured but did not take other belongings. The investigation is ongoing, with the victim offering a $50,000 reward for information. Local police warn of the dangers of showcasing luxury items on social media, suggesting it may have attracted the criminals to the victim.
Irvine
An anonymous businessman was the victim of an armed robbery in the Irvine airport area on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, when he was attacked and robbed at gunpoint of a $600,000 Richard Mille watch. The violent incident has left the victim shaken and questioning the safety of posting luxury items on social media.
Surveillance footage captured the events leading up to the assault. After finishing work, the victim was getting into his car when a light-colored SUV blocked his path. Three hooded and masked men exited the vehicle and violently pulled the victim from his car, subjecting him to repeated pistol-whipping and punches. During the attack, the assailants shouted commands, including “Shoot him!”
One of the attackers attempted to fire a firearm during the assault, but the weapon malfunctioned and jammed. The assailants ultimately stole only the victim’s watch, leaving behind other belongings, including his bag and wallet. The victim speculated that his prior social media posts showcasing his luxury watch may have played a role in attracting the violent criminals.
In light of the incident, Irvine Police Department spokesman Kyle Oldoerp emphasized the potential dangers of showcasing luxury items online, as such posts can act as “breadcrumbs” that draw the attention of criminals.
To assist in the investigation, detectives have gathered DNA and fingerprints from the scene and are actively following up on leads. However, as of the evening of Friday, October 16, no suspects have been identified or apprehended. To incentivize information leading to arrests, the victim is offering a $50,000 reward for any tips related to the case.
After the ordeal, the victim expressed gratitude for surviving the brutal attack. Despite his appreciation for luxury items, he admitted that posting images of them on social media might have been a grave miscalculation. Reports suggest that the robbers may have been lying in wait for the victim for a considerable period of time, potentially up to four hours, before carrying out the robbery.
Authorities encourage anyone with information regarding this violent incident to reach out to the Irvine Police Department. As the investigation continues, the victim’s case highlights broader concerns regarding personal safety and the risks associated with sharing personal possessions online.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Irvine Richard Mille Watch Robbed
- Google Search: Richard Mille Watch Robbery
- OC Register: $600,000 Watch Stolen in Irvine Robbery
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Armed Robbery
- KTLA: Orange County Man Beaten in Violent Ambush
- Google Scholar: Violent Robbery Statistics
- NBC Los Angeles: Video of Ambush Robbery
- Google News: Irvine 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.
