Rolex Robbery Suspects Seized After Chase

A man suspected of snatching a Rolex watch off the wrist of another man in Beverly Hills on Tuesday afternoon was arrested along with an alleged accomplice after a five-mile car chase, authorities said.

The robbery occurred in the 100 block of South Swall Drive after the victim left a car dealership on nearby Wilshire Boulevard, said Beverly Hills Police Lt. Robert Curtis. As the man prepared to drive off, Curtis said, one of the suspects reached into the vehicle and began wrenching the pricey President model Rolex from the man’s arm.

Residents who saw the ensuing struggle called police, then chased the suspect as he escaped in a waiting vehicle, Curtis said. Police eventually pulled over the car and the suspects--identified by Curtis as Rex Carlton Thomas, 23, and Gary Hayashi, 25, both of Los Angeles--gave up. They were to be booked on suspicion of robbery and other charges, Curtis said. The stolen watch and a gun were recovered, he said.