Man Steals $177,000 Earrings From Store

A man posing as a customer stole a $177,000 pair of diamond earrings Monday from Saks Fifth Avenue, authorities said.

Steve Fauchier of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department said the earrings had five diamonds on each stud.

A man fitting the description of the thief had been in the store in Shops at Mission Viejo last week to look at the earrings, Fauchier said.

Witnesses told police that the man, who escaped on foot, was African American, about 6 feet 3 inches and 240 pounds. He wore a Raiders cap, a black shirt with “Nike” on the collar, jeans and brown shoes, police said.

Police are reviewing the store’s surveillance videotapes.