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.

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.
The Latest

In her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.

The annual awards cover tuition for an on-site educational course at the Swiss lab, as well as flights and lodging.

The jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

The third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.


The class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.

The show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

The “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.

The retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.

Daniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.

In our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”

The industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.

Founder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.

The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.

The five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.

Steven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.

Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.

The jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.

The new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.

Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.

In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.

9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.

The jeweler has partnered with 818 Tequila to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.

The exhibition will feature more than 100 drawings of stained-glass lampshades, windows, and more, many created by women and émigrés.

Marquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.

The inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.























