CrimeAug 19, 2022
Suspects Use Bear Spray on NY Jewelry Store Employees During Robbery CrimeNov 18, 2022
Jewelry Store Security Guard Killed in Armed Robbery
Police in Calumet City, Illinois are looking for several suspects involved in the robbery of a jewelry store in the River Oaks Mall.
Police are searching for suspects involved in a the fatal armed robbery in of a jewelry store in Calumet City, Illinois, a town located about an hour south of Chicago.
Calumet City, Ill.—Police in Calumet City, Illinois, are on the lookout for several suspects after a jewelry store security guard was shot and killed Wednesday during an armed robbery.
The 57-year-old security guard, whose name has not yet been released, was killed during a robbery of an unnamed jewelry store inside the River Oaks Mall.
In a press conference Wednesday afternoon, Calumet City Police Chief Kevin Kolosh shared more details about the incident.
He said the officers responded to reports of shots fired at 12:15 p.m.
Several officers were already near the scene at the time because they were attending an active shooter training session in an adjacent building, according to a report by ABC7 Chicago.
Upon arrival, officers found a male security guard with multiple gunshot wounds, Kolosh said. They performed life-saving measures until paramedics arrived.
The guard was rushed to the hospital, where he later died.
A second male victim, 81, was treated on the scene for a minor hand injury due to broken glass.
Related stories will be right here …
The 57-year-old security guard, whose name has not yet been released, was killed during a robbery of an unnamed jewelry store inside the River Oaks Mall.
In a press conference Wednesday afternoon, Calumet City Police Chief Kevin Kolosh shared more details about the incident.
He said the officers responded to reports of shots fired at 12:15 p.m.
Several officers were already near the scene at the time because they were attending an active shooter training session in an adjacent building, according to a report by ABC7 Chicago.
Upon arrival, officers found a male security guard with multiple gunshot wounds, Kolosh said. They performed life-saving measures until paramedics arrived.
The guard was rushed to the hospital, where he later died.
A second male victim, 81, was treated on the scene for a minor hand injury due to broken glass.
Though Kolosh did not publicly confirm the number of suspects, a surveillance video shared by CBS Chicago shows three individuals in dark clothing inside the store, breaking open display cases.
The mall initiated lockdown procedures for over an hour as police searched the mall, but no arrests were made.
Witnesses told police the suspects left the mall and drove away. The amount of merchandise stolen and the worth is unknown.
Following the search, police escorted employees and shoppers out of the building.
The mall will remain closed until further notice.
Calumet City spokesman Sean Howard joined the press conference to note that there have been ongoing security concerns at the mall.
“We’ve been in constant talks about taking over this mall for a variety of reasons, but particularly for safety and security,” he said.
“The residents here have a very negative opinion of this mall. It has a very bad stigma attached.”
The investigation is ongoing, led by the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force and Calumet City detectives.
More on Crime
The Latest
CollectionsFeb 25, 2026
Rahaminov Diamonds’ New Campaign Honors Its MatriarchThe campaign celebrates Giustina Pavanello Rahaminov, the co-founder’s wife and matriarch of the family-owned brand, for her 88th birthday.
IndependentsFeb 25, 2026
Borsheims Names 2025 ‘Ike-It’ Award WinnerRachel Bennett, a senior jeweler who has been with Borsheims since 2004, earned the award.
PodcastsFeb 25, 2026
Episode 2: Jewelry Trends & Does the Red Carpet Matter?Are arm bands poised to make a comeback? Has red-carpet jewelry become boring? Find out on the second episode of the “My Next Question” podcast.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
Policies & IssuesFeb 24, 2026
IEEPA Tariffs Terminated, New 10% Tariff Already ImposedAfter the Supreme Court struck down the IEEPA tariffs, President Trump imposed a 10 percent tax on almost all imports via a different law.
Weekly QuizFeb 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Sherry Smith Now Principal Partner at The Retail SmithsThe industry veteran, who was with The Edge Retail Academy for 14 years, joins her husband at the company he founded in 2022.
IndependentsFeb 24, 2026
Yafa Signed Jewels to Open Store in MiamiThe vintage signed jewelry retailer chose Miami due to growing client demand in the city and the greater Latin American region.
Brought to you by
DCA Enters a New Chapter in Jewelry EducationWith refreshed branding, a new website, updated courses, and a pathway for growth, DCA is dedicated to supporting retail staff development.
WatchesFeb 24, 2026
Chrono24 Names New VP, U.S. General ManagerFormer Flight Club executive Jin Lee will bring his experience from the sneaker world to the pre-owned watch marketplace.
SourcingFeb 23, 2026
Designer Eddie Sakamoto, a Humble Artist, Dies at 72Sakamoto, who died in mid-January following a sudden illness, is remembered for his humility and his masterful, architectural designs.
Events & AwardsFeb 23, 2026
NYCJAOS Announces Four-Day Spring ShowThe April event will feature a new VIP shopping day requiring a special ticket.
TrendsFeb 23, 2026
Dua Lipa Is Bulgari’s New AmbassadorBulgari chose the British-Albanian singer-songwriter for her powerful and enduring voice in contemporary culture, the jeweler said.
Policies & IssuesFeb 20, 2026
Supreme Court Rules Against Most of President Trump’s TariffsIn a 6-3 ruling, the court said the president exceeded his authority when imposing sweeping tariffs under IEEPA.
ColumnistsFeb 20, 2026
Peter Smith: Happiness, Cavemen, and Jewelry SalesSmith encourages salespeople to ask customers questions that elicit the release of oxytocin, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical.
MajorsFeb 20, 2026
Jewelers Vigilance Committee Names Julie Yoakum Board ChairJVC also announced the election of five new board members.
CollectionsFeb 20, 2026
Boucheron’s ‘Faisceaux’ Brooch Heads to V&A MuseumThe brooch, our Piece of the Week, shows the chromatic spectrum through a holographic coating on rock crystal.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Co-Founder ‘Mama Ann’ Bailey Dies at 100Raised in an orphanage, Bailey was 18 when she met her husband, Clyde. They opened their North Carolina jewelry store in 1948.
IndependentsFeb 19, 2026
Material Good Opens Third Location Material Good is celebrating its 10th anniversary as it opens its new store in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston.
Events & AwardsFeb 19, 2026
The Original Miami Beach Antique Show Returns in MarchThe show will be held March 26-30 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
AuctionsFeb 18, 2026
Joanna Carson’s Jewels Head to AuctionThe estate of the model, philanthropist, and ex-wife of Johnny Carson has signed statement jewels up for sale at John Moran Auctioneers.
MajorsFeb 18, 2026
Select Jewelry Inks Agreement to Distribute Lightweight Gold JewelryIt will lead distribution in North America for Graziella Braccialini's new gold pieces, which it said are 50 percent lighter.
Policies & IssuesFeb 18, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive DirectorThe organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
Events & AwardsFeb 18, 2026
DCA to Host Gemstone Selling Education Session at IJO EventThe nonprofit will present a live, two-hour introductory course on building confidence when selling colored gemstones.
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
SourcingFeb 17, 2026
Colored Gemstone Experts Talk Tariffs, Trends in TucsonAlthough the market is robust, tariffs and precious metal prices are impacting the industry, Stuart Robertson and Brecken Branstrator said.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
