Officials in Tigard, Oregon, are on the lookout for two suspects wanted in connection with the armed robbery of a Kay Jewelers store.
Tigard, Ore.—The Jewelers’ Security Alliance is offering a cash reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest of the individuals responsible for the armed robbery of a Kay Jewelers in Tigard, Oregon.
On April 4 around 6 p.m., two men entered a Kay Jewelers located inside the Washington Square Mall in Tigard, Oregon, according to a press release from the Tigard Police Department.
The men were wearing dark clothing, masks, and gloves, armed with a handgun and a hammer, and carrying a backpack, said officials.
One suspect pointed a gun at the people in the store while the other used a hammer to smash a the showcase.
A surveillance image of one of the suspects shared by JSA
The men targeted a gold jewelry showcase, noted JSA, removing the items and placing them into a black bag.
In an interview earlier this year, JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky warned jewelers to remain cautious and implement additional safety measures as the price of gold climbed higher.
“They’re targeting [stores] because of the price of gold and it’s only going to get worse. Jewelers need to change the way they operate,” said Guginsky.
No shots were fired and no one was injured, said the local police.
The two suspects fled the store and the mall, leaving together in a black Honda Accord with an undisclosed amount of jewelry.
The driver hit other cars as they fled the area, causing minor property damage.
Law enforcement responded and pursued the vehicle, but the pursuit ended when the vehicle crossed state lines into Washington state.
“We are grateful nobody was hurt, and we understand the concern from some witnesses in the area, who initially mistook the sound of glass breaking for gunfire,” said the police department.
Detectives are asking the public for tips, particularly for any videos captured on cell phones or dash cams.
Anyone who saw the suspects enter or leave the mall or have video that may help identify them are asked to contact detectives at tips@tigard-or.gov or 503-718-COPS.
There was another smash-and-grab robbery at SD Jewelry in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, on April 8. The mother-and-daughter duo who run the store attempted to stop the robbers, but they fled with an estimated $1 million in jewelry, as per a local ABC report.
Anyone with information about the New Jersey incident is asked to contact the Perth Amboy Police Department at 732-324-3800.
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JSA announced in its weekly crime alert last week that it would be issuing a reward for information related to the incident in Oregon.
JSA decided to issue a reward in this case because the men are believed to be especially dangerous with a disregard for public safety, said JSA’s Guginsky.
Armed robbers are a threat to the jewelry community as well as to law enforcement officials, he added.
The men could face federal charges, including interstate transportation of stolen property and fleeing from law enforcement officials across state lines.
Those with information are encouraged to contact JSA at its reward hotline at 212-687-0328 or e-mail JSA at crimetips@jewelerssecurity.org. All calls are confidential.
