SANTA MONICA—A Santa Monica jewelry store owner was attacked with a sledgehammer while trying to prevent his store from being robbed on Thursday, August 15.
The incident transpired about 2:37 p.m. at Heist Jewelry located on the 1200 block of Montana Avenue, the Santa Monica Police Department reported. Four suspects, three under the age of 18 entered the business with their faces covered. One walked up to a jewelry display case and smashed it with the sledgehammer.
The owner immediately intervened and was able to push the suspect outside of the store. A second suspect carrying a sledgehammer approached the owner and struck him with it. The owner sustained minor injuries from the attack. The suspects fled the area in an awaiting car. Witnesses called the 911 communications center providing information on the suspect’s vehicle and last direction of travel.
The suspects fled in a getaway car on the 1100 block of Wilshire Boulevard. Once identified, the vehicle was stopped by authorities and the suspects were taken into custody.
The fourth suspect was located near Euclid Street and Idaho Avenue. The only adult suspect was arrested for suspicion of conspiracy, robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. The juveniles were booked on suspicion of conspiracy, assault and robbery. Evidence obtained at the crime scene was taken into police custody.
Anyone with additional information on the incident is asked to call Detective Cooper at 310-458-8478 or the Watch Commander line at 310-458-8495.
Refer to incident 19-99094.
