James, a 29-year-old American citizen, entered Vietnam in June 2025 for tourism and stayed in Ho Chi Minh City.
According to his confession, on 21/8, he purchased a hammer and traveled to Da Nang with the intention of robbing a gold shop.
James rented an apartment on Pham Tu Street, An Hai Ward (near East Sea Park), and a motorbike, which he stripped of its license plate.
 |
West Dale James was arrested at his rented room, 14 hours after the robbery in central Da Nang. Photo: Police Department |
West Dale James was arrested at his rented room, 14 hours after the robbery in central Da Nang. Photo: Police Department
On 26/8, James rode around looking for a target and settled on the PNJ gold shop at 455 Nui Thanh Street, Hoa Cuong Ward, about 5 km from his rental, which had only one security guard. After circling the area several times, he parked his motorbike in an alley at 477 Nui Thanh Street, approximately 30 meters from the shop.
Around 7:45 PM, disguised as a delivery driver with gloves, a face covering, a helmet, and a backpack, James entered the shop. He attacked the security guard with a hammer and iron bar, causing head injuries and disorientation.
The robber then smashed the display case and grabbed gold and diamond jewelry, stuffing it into his backpack. Hearing the guard's cries for help, bystanders used a metal bar to block the door and prevent his escape.
 |
The stolen jewelry was recovered by the police and returned to PNJ. Photo: Police Department |
The stolen jewelry was recovered by the police and returned to PNJ. Photo: Police Department
James forced the door open, fled with the backpack full of jewelry, and escaped on his motorbike. On the way back to his rental, he discarded the backpack and pocketed about 20 pieces of gold and diamond jewelry.
The Da Nang Police Department immediately secured the scene and took the injured guard to the hospital. The stolen jewelry was valued at between 800 and 833 million VND.
Given the severity of the crime occurring in the city center, Major General Nguyen Huu Hop, Director of the Da Nang Police Department, directly oversaw the investigation and launched an all-out manhunt that night.
This wasn't the first gold shop robbery in Da Nang. The police quickly implemented various investigative measures, including checking foreigners staying in hotels, apartments, and guesthouses; inspecting motorbike rental businesses; and gathering camera footage.
Images showed a suspect about 1.8 meters tall, wearing a Grab jacket, and appearing to be a foreigner. Information from the motorbike rental led the police to James.
At 10:30 AM on 27/8, the police arrested James at his rented apartment on Pham Tu Street.
 |
Police searched the residence and found jewelry hidden in the ceiling of the bathroom. Photo: Police Department |
Police searched the residence and found jewelry hidden in the ceiling of the bathroom. Photo: Police Department
Upon James' arrest, police searched his apartment and recovered the stolen jewelry hidden in the bathroom's plaster ceiling, along with other items like watches and gold bracelets, possibly from other thefts.
All the stolen gold and diamonds were recovered and returned to the PNJ gold shop.
Senior Lieutenant Colonel Luong Quoc Nghia, Head of the Da Nang Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division, stated that Dale James meticulously planned the robbery, including choosing the location, preparing tools, renting and removing the license plate from the motorbike, and disguising himself with clothing and a backpack.
On the morning of 28/8, Major General Nguyen Huu Hop commended the team for their successful operation, praising their coordinated efforts, rapid response, and determination.
The investigation is ongoing.
Nguyen Dong
