29-year-old American citizen, James, entered Vietnam in June 2025 for tourism, staying in Ho Chi Minh City. On 21/8, he purchased a hammer and traveled to Da Nang with the intention of robbing a gold shop to fund his expenses.

James rented an apartment on Pham Tu Street, An Hai Ward (near East Sea Park), and then rented a motorbike from a local shop. He removed the license plate to hinder police tracking if he committed a crime.

West Dale James was arrested in his rented room, 14 hours after committing the robbery in central Da Nang. Photo: Police Department

West Dale James was arrested in his rented room, 14 hours after committing the robbery in central Da Nang. Photo: Police Department

A 'movie-like' robbery and escape

Senior Lieutenant Colonel Luong Quoc Nghia, Head of the Da Nang Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division, reported that James meticulously planned the robbery, including choosing the location, preparing a backpack, hammer, chisel, disguising himself in a Grab uniform, and covering his face.

On 26/8, James rode his motorbike through various streets searching for a target, settling on the PNJ gold shop on Nui Thanh Street, Hoa Cuong Ward – about 5 km from his rented accommodation and staffed by a single security guard. He circled the area multiple times, scouting escape routes.

That evening, James left his motorbike in an alley at 477 Nui Thanh, about 30 meters from the gold shop. Around 7:45 PM, wearing gloves, a face covering, a delivery driver uniform, and a helmet, he walked to the gold shop with a backpack. James suddenly attacked the security guard from behind with a hammer and a metal bar. The guard, bleeding and disoriented, couldn't react.

The over 1.8-meter tall robber quickly entered the shop, smashed a display case with the hammer, and grabbed gold and diamond jewelry (worth 830 million VND) into his backpack. The security guard called for help, and bystanders attempted to block the robber's escape by wedging a metal bar against the door. However, James forced the door open, ran to his waiting motorbike, and sped off.

On his way back to his accommodation, he discarded the backpack and hid about 20 pieces of gold and diamond jewelry in a separate bag.

The jewelry James stole from the PNJ gold shop has been recovered by the police and returned to the store. Photo: Police Department

The jewelry James stole from the PNJ gold shop has been recovered by the police and returned to the store. Photo: Police Department

Hundreds of police officers pursue the robber

The serious robbery, occurring in the city center, caused public alarm. That night, Major General Nguyen Huu Hop (Director of Da Nang City Police) arrived at the scene to direct the investigation. Colonel Nguyen Ha Lai (Deputy Director) led the special task force, mobilizing all forces to track the robber.

Camera footage and witness statements indicated the suspect was a foreigner. Task forces investigated in multiple directions, checking foreigners staying in hotels, apartments, and motels; inspecting motorbike rental shops; and gathering camera data.

After analyzing a large amount of information, police identified James and his location. At 10:30 AM on 27/8 – 14 hours after the robbery – the task force arrested James at his rented apartment on Pham Tu Street. "When the police arrived, James attempted to escape but was subdued," Colonel Nguyen Ha Lai said.

Searching the suspect's residence, police recovered the stolen jewelry hidden above the bathroom's plaster ceiling, along with other evidence such as a watch and gold bracelets.

Police found the stolen jewelry hidden above the ceiling of James' rented room. Photo: Police Department

Police found the stolen jewelry hidden above the ceiling of James' rented room. Photo: Police Department

All the stolen gold and diamonds have been returned to the PNJ gold shop by the Da Nang City Police. The investigation is ongoing, with suspicions of James’ other criminal activities.

On the morning of 28/8, Major General Nguyen Huu Hop commended the task force. He praised the successful operation, attributing it to the coordinated efforts, rapid response, and determination of the mobilized forces.

Nguyen Dong