Four Suspects Sought in Jewelry Store Robbery

San Diego Crime Stoppers Inc. is soliciting help in identifying four suspects in a recent robbery at the Jessops Jewelers in University Towne Centre.

Crime Stoppers, a nonprofit police support group, on Wednesday distributed photographs of three women and a man involved in the July 21 armed robbery in the 4400 block of La Jolla Village Drive, said Officer Diane Sadlier. The pictures were printed from a security videotape and were distributed to local media.

Police said the four robbers entered the store about 10:30 a.m. and browsed through the display cases for a few minutes, posing as customers.

The man then drew a small silver pistol and ordered the store manager, a saleswoman and two customers to the floor. One woman robber used a hammer to thump a large jewelry case, without damaging the shatterproof glass, Sadlier said.

The man saw a set of keys dangling from the saleswoman’s wrist and ordered her to open cases around the store, the woman said Wednesday. She asked that her name not be published. The saleswoman and manager were forced to open about half a dozen cases.

The robbers loaded diamonds, watches, gold bracelets, chains and rings into cloth bags, then ordered the customers and employees into a room in the rear.

The robbers left the store running, and were last seen driving from a nearby underground parking lot, police said. Their car was described as a blue 1960s or ‘70s four-door, with blue California plates similar to 617 WEG, Sadlier said.

The male robber was described as black, about 30 years old, 6-foot-3 and 175 pounds. His hair was combed straight back and he had a mustache. He was wearing a long-sleeved shirt with a colorful print on the sleeves and shoulders.

Police said the three women were black and between 25 and 30 years old. One was about 5-foot-6, 165 pounds, with brown hair pulled into a ponytail. She was dressed in a dark short-sleeved blouse, red shorts and sandals.

Another woman had long, braided hair that was curled slightly inward. She was wearing a dark-colored or sleeveless blouse.

The third woman wore her hair tied straight back, a multicolored print shirt, light-colored shorts and white tennis shoes.

A video re-enactment of the crime has also been produced and is scheduled to be broadcast next week. For information contact Sadlier at 531-2685.