Person of interest sought in jewelry store robbery

NORTH MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) -- Police are searching for a person of interest in the case of a jewelry store robbery involving two brazen bandits who charged into the store wearing motorcycle helmets, smashed open display cases and fled with precious items.

The robbery occurred on Feb. 10, at 10:10 a.m. The two culprits were caught on surveillance video footage walking inside the Mall at 163rd Street, where the C&S Jewelry Store is located, dressed all in black and wearing helmets that obscured their faces.

Security cameras inside the store continued following their movements as they rushed inside. One wearing a black motorcycle helmet used a hammer to smash display cases while the other, with a silver helmet, wielded a gun. He jumped a display case and held an employee at gunpoint. That employee was not injured.

The robbers stole a total of $250,000 worth of jewels. "Ridiculous. Very ridiculous," said Lorice Westcar, who shops at the mall where the robbery took place. "They're so daring. You don't put anything past them. When a man decides to do something, they will do it."

Police noted that a person of interest entered the store before the robbery and requested to view a particular chain located in the same display case which wound up smashed.

The man is only wanted for questioning, police said, and authorities admit the man may have no connection to the robbers. "So that particular person, we're trying to locate, identify and speak to him, to see if we could potentially obtain more information," said Miami-Dade Police Detective Javier Baez.

The subjects are believed to be between the ages of 20 and 30 years of age. Both had medium builds and stood between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 8 inches tall. If you have any information on this crime, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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