Thugs got more than they bargained for when they attempted to rob the Plaza Jewelers in Redwood City California the evening of February 14th. Three unknown assailants barged into the jewelry store, demanded that everyone get down and give them all the cash and jewelry.

Seconds later, security footage shows the three assailants rapidly fleeing the store after a co-owner fired a warning shot. “If he didn’t have a gun,” said Rosalva Farias co-owner of the store, in reference to her husband who fired the warning shot, “They would have taken everything.” The fleeing suspects did not return fire. 

The Farias’ are no stranger to robbery attempts. Their store was burgled in the past and a similar situation unfolded in nearby San Bruno. No shots were fired in the San Bruno case, but the robbers were forced to leave before acquiring any property or money.

“There’s a lot of crazy people on the streets,” Farias said in an interview given to San Francisco CBS affiliate KPIX. “Nothing happened. Everybody is fine. I feel grateful, but I am nervous.” 

Police released the security footage to the public on Wednesday in hopes of identifying and locating the three suspects.  The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office is asking that anyone with knowledge of the incident and possible identities of the wanted suspects to call (650) 363-4911 or call their anonymous tip line at (800) 547-2700.

“Nobody got hurt. Thank God.” Farias concluded.