Police in Portland are looking for multiple suspects in the massive looting of a well-known family business of over 30 years, Kassab Jewelers.
Dozens of people broke into the business located in Downtown Portland during the May 30-31 riots and the Police have now release several images and a video from the crime scene, asking the public if they recognize any of the suspects.
“It was chaos on the streets,” Rami Kassab said. “Broken glass was everywhere. There was yelling and screaming, teargas and grenades, people running down the street.”
A Portland Police Bureau spokesman pointed out that 16 alleged thieves were arrested that night. After reviewing security video, though, the Kassabs estimate that 70 to 100 people invaded their store alone.
Immigrants from Lebanon, the Kassab family built their business from the ground up, offering their customers old-world customer service and handcrafted classic fine jewelry. Kassab has also been a prime diamond engagement ring store serving the Portland area since 1990.
“This is more than a store. My dad and mom built this up from scratch. What they built was violated and destroyed. It’s been a huge emotional struggle,” said Rona Kassab, the daughter of the family and the Company’s President.
Security footage showed looting and police officers in close proximity. But the officers did not intervene.
The looted store carried a wide variety of certified loose diamonds and designer settings from world-class designers such as Tacori, Verragio, Gelin Abaci, Ritani and many more.
The Kassabs have hired a lawyer to explore legal options.
Video footage shows looters entering and stealing everything of value they could find.