FBI Offering $15K Reward for Info on Halloween Mask-Wearing Robbers
The suspects are said to have been involved in the armed robberies of four jewelry stores across three Midwest states.
The suspects are believed to have been involved in armed robberies at four jewelry stores across three states between July 13, 2023, and September 14, 2024, said the FBI in a press release.
All of the robberies were featured in the Jewelers’ Security Alliance’s Crime Alert emails.
The spree began in Bridgeview, Illinois, in July 2023, at Jawahir Jewelry. Three armed suspects stole gold jewelry from display cases as well as an employee’s handgun. They were seen driving a white Kia Sorento with stolen license plates, said the FBI.
A similar robbery took place on Jan. 9, 2024, at Jerusalem Jewelry, also in Bridgeview, Illinois. Three armed suspects stole gold jewelry from display cases. Again, the suspects were seen driving the same white Kia Sorento, but this time with different allegedly stolen license plates.
On Aug. 7, 2024, armed suspects robbed Mariam Jewelry in Dearborn, Michigan. The suspects were seen driving a black vehicle with no license plates.
The most recent robbery occurred on Sept. 14, 2024, at Dahab Jewelry in Winchester, Missouri. Four armed suspects allegedly stole several thousand dollars' worth of jewelry from display cases. They were seen driving a black vehicle with allegedly stolen Missouri license plates.
The suspects alternately carried an AR-style rifle, handgun, and hammer, and wore costume face masks, according to law enforcement.
“Do not let the costume masks distract from the seriousness of these robberies," said Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul.
"The individuals who committed these robberies terrorized and endangered the safety of customers and employees alike. I urge anyone who has information about these crimes to contact law enforcement without further delay.”
FBI investigators described the suspects as often wearing distinctive masks, said JSA, including one for a Slenderman-style costume and an “Uncle Bobby” mask.
On Oct. 30, the FBI released surveillance video footage showing the mask-wearing suspects at the robberies that took place at stores in Bridgeview, Illinois, and Dearborn, Michigan.
“The perpetrators of these crimes showed a blatant disregard for public safety and the rule of law during the commission of these brazen robberies,” said Douglas S. DePodesta, special agent in charge of the Chicago Division of the FBI.
“Their actions will haunt these victims for a lifetime, and we're asking for the public's help to bring them to justice before someone is killed. We encourage the public to take a good look at the images we've released today and contact us with tips before these violent individuals strike again.”
One suspect has been arrested in connection with this pattern, said JSA in a recent crime alert.
Those with information about the four suspects are asked to contact the FBI's toll- free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI, or submit a tip online.
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