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Masked Gunmen Steal $1.5 Million in Jewels from Vendor in SaMo Parking Lot
Police are searching for three men suspected of robbing an estimated $1.5 million in merchandise from a jewelry vendor on Tuesday afternoon.
The robbery occurred around 2 p.m. when the victim returned to his car after eating at Veggie Grill at 2025 Wilshire in Santa Monica. His vehicle was then surrounded by the three suspects, who smashed in the windshield as well as the driver's-side and passenger-side windows.
At least one of the masked suspects pointed a gun at the victim while a second grabbed a black case containing the jewelry on the passenger seat, according to Santa Monica Police Department Sgt. Richard Lewis. A third suspect reportedly slashed the victims tires.
The suspects then fled in a four-door, gray or metallic colored, newer model Nissan Altima or Sentra.
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No injuries were reported and the exact value of the jewels is still being determined by detectives. The victim flew in from New York and was visiting local jewelry stores Tuesday in an attempt to sell some merchandise, reports the Santa Monica Daily Press. He's a jeweler at Susan Foster Exquisite Fine Jewelery, a Brentwood store frequented by the likes of Jessica Simpson and Sandra Bullock, according to LA Weekly.
Those who may have more information on the robbery can contact the SMPD at (310) 458-8491.
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