CrimeNov 02, 2021
Graff Gets Hit by Ransomware AttackCrimeNov 08, 2021
Police Searching for Suspect in Jewelry Store Bomb Scare
A man put a box containing a note demanding money and jewelry and what turned out to be a fake bomb in front of a Maryland jewelry store.
This photo tweeted out by police in Howard County, Maryland shows the front and back of the NASA Astronaut Group 16 sweatshirt worn by the suspect who placed a fake bomb in front of a Maryland jewelry store last month. (Photo courtesy of @HCPDNews)
Ellicott City, Maryland—Police in Howard County, Maryland are offering a $1,500 reward for information leading to the arrest of a man who allegedly tried to rob a jewelry store via a bomb threat.
Police say on Oct. 1 a male suspect placed a package in front of Sergio Fine Jewelers in Ellicott City, Maryland that contained a note demanding cash and jewelry, and what was later determined to be a fake explosive device.
The suspect took no further action, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance noted, but the perceived threat forced the entire shopping center where Sergio Fine Jewelers is located to close for several hours as the bomb squad investigated.
Police say on Oct. 1 a male suspect placed a package in front of Sergio Fine Jewelers in Ellicott City, Maryland that contained a note demanding cash and jewelry, and what was later determined to be a fake explosive device.
The suspect took no further action, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance noted, but the perceived threat forced the entire shopping center where Sergio Fine Jewelers is located to close for several hours as the bomb squad investigated.
Reward of up to $1,500 offered to help ID a suspect in an attempted robbery at Sergio's Fine Jewelers in Ellicott City. The suspect is seen on video placing a package at the door containing what was later determined to be a fake explosive device & a note demanding jewelry & cash. pic.twitter.com/uxl1dXvedc
— Howard County Police Department (@HCPDNews) November 1, 2021
Howard County police describe the suspect as a white male wearing black pants, black shoes, and a black NASA Astronaut Group 16 hooded sweatshirt; he can be seen in the above video shared by the police via social media.
His vehicle was a late-model black Mercedes-Benz sedan.
JSA President John J. Kennedy said bomb threats against jewelers are rare.
They only happen every few years and, in his nearly three decades at JSA, he doesn’t recall any real bombs being placed at jewelry stores.
But the threat still needs to be treated as a serious situation.
“If there a bomb threat, the main thing to do is evacuate and call the police,” Kennedy said. “You take it seriously. Although we haven’t seen one where [the device] blew up, you take it seriously.”
Anyone with information about the suspect in the Howard County case is asked to call the police at 410-313-7867 or email HCPDCrimeTips@howardcountymd.gov, or contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org.
Related stories will be right here …
His vehicle was a late-model black Mercedes-Benz sedan.
JSA President John J. Kennedy said bomb threats against jewelers are rare.
They only happen every few years and, in his nearly three decades at JSA, he doesn’t recall any real bombs being placed at jewelry stores.
But the threat still needs to be treated as a serious situation.
“If there a bomb threat, the main thing to do is evacuate and call the police,” Kennedy said. “You take it seriously. Although we haven’t seen one where [the device] blew up, you take it seriously.”
Anyone with information about the suspect in the Howard County case is asked to call the police at 410-313-7867 or email HCPDCrimeTips@howardcountymd.gov, or contact JSA at 212-687-0328 or jsa2@jewelerssecurity.org.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
SourcingAug 19, 2025
Dubai’s Jemora Group Buys Diamond Miner LucapaThe investment company, founded by Dev Shetty, has acquired the struggling miner and its assets, including the Lulo mine in Angola.
ColumnistsAug 19, 2025
Peter Smith: The Arrival Fallacy and Jewelry RetailSmith shares wisdom he gleaned from a podcast he was listening to one morning while being walked by his dog, a Malshi named Sophie.
MajorsAug 19, 2025
MJSA Apprenticeship Program Is Nationally RecognizedThe MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program received the Registered Apprenticeship Program designation by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
WatchesAug 19, 2025
Casio America Names New Timepiece Division ManagerCasio executive and watch enthusiast Masaki Obu is the new general manager of its U.S. timepiece division.
Weekly QuizAug 15, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsAug 18, 2025
Verragio’s Michael Barabash, a ‘Kind Soul,’ Dies at 58Barabash, Verragio’s client relations representative, was a vital member of the team and is remembered as being warm and full of life.
CollectionsAug 18, 2025
John Hardy’s New ‘Dot’ Collection Is on PointOriginally introduced in 1992, the “Dot” collection is back with a capsule featuring five archival designs and three new creations.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
Events & AwardsAug 18, 2025
IJO Announces 2025 Vendor of the YearAllison-Kaufman has received the honor for the fourth year in a row.
FinancialsAug 15, 2025
In Q2 Results, Pandora Talks Tariffs, Q4 Plans The company had a solid second quarter, with sales of non-charm jewelry outpacing sales of pieces in its core collections.
EditorsAug 15, 2025
Piece of the Week: Etho Maria’s Showgirl-Approved Ruby Drop Earrings Taylor Swift dons the vibrant pair in new promotional imagery for her upcoming album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” set to release in October.
WatchesAug 15, 2025
Audemars Piguet Acquires Majority Stake in ManufacturerIts investment in micromechanics expert Inhotec will preserve skills essential to the watchmaking industry as a whole, said the company.
MajorsAug 15, 2025
Rio Grande Names New Marketing DirectorNicolette Bianchi joins the wholesale provider with more than 15 years of cross-industry experience in marketing and product development.
CollectionsAug 14, 2025
In Midst of ‘Sardine Girl Summer,’ Pippa Small Looks to ‘Flounder Fall’Her new “Ocean” collection was inspired by Myanmar’s traditional articulated fish jewelry, with depictions of flounder, catfish, and more.
MajorsAug 14, 2025
Casio America Names New CEOLongtime Casio executive Yusuke Suzuki is the new president and CEO of Casio’s U.S. subsidiary.
SourcingAug 14, 2025
West Coast Orgs to Host Trading Event, Mixer in LAThe full-day sourcing and networking event, slated for Aug. 18, will be followed by the fifth annual Mega Mixer Summer Soirée.
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo Proposes With Gigantic Oval-Cut DiamondModel Georgina Rodríguez received a rock of an engagement ring, with her diamond estimated to be 35 carats, experts say.
SourcingAug 13, 2025
ICA Names 2025 Board of DirectorsThe board elected 9 new directors at its recent ICA Congress in Brazil.
TrendsAug 13, 2025
Colorado Jeweler, Whiskey Maker Collab on Ring GiveawayThree winners will receive a custom ring from Honest Hands Ring Co. inlaid with a piece of history from Denver-based distillery Stranahan’s.
SurveysAug 13, 2025
These Are The 25 Hottest Retailers, Says NRFJD Sports and Wawa were among the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S. last year.
SourcingAug 13, 2025
Columbia Gem House Launches Winza Sapphires, RubiesThe new inventory, all untreated, features vibrant hues and unique bicolor combinations.
SourcingAug 12, 2025
Gemfields Sells Fabergé for $50MAcquired by a tech investor, the historic brand will continue to focus on jewelry, accessories, and timepieces.
Policies & IssuesAug 12, 2025
Higher Tariff on Chinese Imports Paused for 90 Days, Trump SaysPresident Donald Trump issued an executive order extending the pause on higher tariffs to November as negotiations with China continue.
CollectionsAug 12, 2025
Jacquie Aiche’s New Collection Harnesses the Energy of the ThunderbirdThe “Thunderbird Slab” collection features a thunderbird motif as a symbol of power, protection, and boundless possibility.
ColumnistsAug 12, 2025
Creative Connecting: How to Take a Better HeadshotColumnists Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share tips on how to elevate your professional image.
IndependentsAug 11, 2025
Lisa Bridge to Depart Ben Bridge JewelerThe retailer, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is becoming part of the Berkshire Hathaway Jewelry Group with Helzberg.
Events & AwardsAug 11, 2025
Bethenny Frankel to Give Keynote at CBG’s Experience ShowThe Continental Buying Group’s 2025 Tampa Experience Show is slated for Sept. 8-10.
