PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITY — Santa Monica police have released video surveillance footage of two men believed responsible for robbing a jewelry store on Montana Avenue by using pepper spray.
Investigators have been unable to locate the two men, described as African-Americans in their 20s to 30s, standing 5 feet, 10 inches to 6 feet tall with thin builds.
The two were wearing dark-colored hooded sweatshirts, light-colored pants, tennis shoes and some kind of masks covering their faces when they allegedly robbed Cabochon Fine Jewelry, located at 1426 Montana Ave.
The suspects fled in a late-1990's model Honda four-door, dark in color, police said.
The robbery took place on Nov. 30 around 1:20 p.m. Police said employees and customers at the jewelry store had to be treated by paramedics after the suspects used pepper spray to distract them before taking a hammer to smash a display case and snatch several pieces of jewelry.
The two were last seen southbound on Alley 14, police said.
During the investigation, detectives learned that two similarly-looking men had entered another jewelry store on Wilshire Boulevard and posed as customers before the robbery on Montana Avenue. These suspects left the Wilshire store without making a purchase and got into a car that was very similar to the one the suspects in the Montana robbery used.
Investigators are interested in identifying the pair and are asking for the public's help. Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives at (310) 458-8452 or the watch commander (24 hours) at (310) 458-8495.
Those wishing to remain anonymous can call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME (27463), or submit the tip online at www.wetip.com. Tipsters will remain completely anonymous and can be eligible for a reward, up to $1,000. People can also contact Crime Stoppers by either calling (800) 222-TIPS, texting or by visiting their website at www.lacrimestoppers.org. Callers may remain anonymous and can qualify for a $1,000 reward.
kevinh@www.smdp.com
