Crime

Suspects Involved in Multiple Grab-and-Run Thefts Arrested

CrimeDec 13, 2018

Suspects Involved in Multiple Grab-and-Run Thefts Arrested

They were taken into custody in Tennessee but also are wanted in connection with thefts across Arkansas, Alabama and Mississippi.

Knoxville, Tenn.—Three men wanted in connection with a rash of grab-and-run thefts across several states have been arrested in Tennessee, the Jewelers’ Security Alliance said.

According to an email alert sent out by the JSA, at 2 p.m. on Monday, one of the suspects entered a retail jewelry store in Knoxville, Tennessee, grabbed two rings and fled.


These men were arrested for allegedly committing a series of grab-and-runs. (Image courtesy of Jewelers’ Security Alliance)

The responding Knoxville police officer notified patrols that the suspect might be headed to other stores in the area. 

Sure enough, at 3 p.m. the same suspect entered a second jewelry store, grabbed two sets of earrings and ran out, as police continued to search for him.  

A short time later, a police officer went to a different jewelry store to look for the suspect and found him inside. He was then detained without incident.

Police also searched the parking lot, where they saw two males sitting in a car. When the officers approached, the men fled in the vehicle. The suspects committed a hit-and-run before being apprehended and taken into custody.

A pair of earrings taken in one of the grab-and-runs was found in their vehicle.  

All three of the suspects were arrested for theft and other crimes. The JSA said they are also suspects in pending cases in Shelby, Hamilton and Davidson Counties, Tennessee, and wanted in connection with incidents in Arkansas, Alabama and Mississippi.

In its Wednesday email alert, the JSA reminded jewelry store retailers to only show customers one item at a time.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

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