Wounded Jewelry Store Security Guard Improving

The condition of a security guard shot during an apparent robbery attempt in Newport Beach has been upgraded to “non-life threatening,” officials said Wednesday.

The guard, who was employed by Traditional Jewelers in Fashion Island, exchanged gunfire with three or four men who police said approached the store about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. The guard, whose name has not been released, was shot in the chest.

The would-be robbers, who witnesses said were dressed in masks and trench coats, fled empty-handed in a dark-colored BMW. At least two of the men were armed with assault rifles, investigators said.

Sgt. Steven R. Shulman, spokesman for the Newport Beach Police Department, said investigators are seeking three or four suspects in the incident. Because none of the men actually entered the store, police are only assuming it was a robbery attempt, he said.

“We’re not 100% clear what their intentions were,” Shulman said. “But we think that’s the case.”

Detectives on Wednesday were studying at least 10 witness statements and will be contacting other police agencies for help in the investigation, Shulman said.