Jewelry Store Employee Fights Back During Armed Robbery

A female employee at a jewelry store in Southern California displayed remarkable bravery during an armed robbery that was recorded on surveillance footage last week.

Authorities in Montclair, located about 55 miles east of Los Angeles, reported that the suspect entered the Fast Fix Jewelry and Watch Repair store around 7:45 p.m. on Thursday. Initially, he placed a small bag on the ground, left the store briefly, and then returned.

The suspect was seen looking around outside before he came back inside and approached a glass display case where the female employee was standing.

Without warning, he drew a handgun from his jacket and demanded that she open the jewelry box. According to officers, “The suspect repeatedly aimed the gun at the employee while using a flashlight to push her away.”

The employee, who wished to be identified by her first name, Allyn, shared with KCBS that her reaction stemmed from fear but also anger. “He said, ‘Don’t scream… just open the case,'” she recounted, adding that she pushed him and told him to leave.

Reports indicated that the suspect used his weapon to shatter a glass display case in his attempt to steal items. However, Allyn managed to shove him, forcing him out of the store. During the struggle, he used a stun gun on her leg, grabbed some merchandise, and fled.

Although Allyn felt shaken by the experience, she fortunately escaped without injury. She emphasized that her work at the jewelry store was significant, as it is her brother’s establishment.

The store owner informed KCBS that the robber made off with various items, including gold accessories, watches, and diamond rings. The losses amounted to thousands of dollars. “Running a jewelry store, you start feeling targeted, especially with gold prices going up,” he mentioned, wishing to remain anonymous.

This incident was notably the second robbery at the store, and the owner expressed a desire for changes in state law for better protection of employees and customers. He questioned, “Is it right that we have to ask every customer to remove their hoodies and sunglasses?”

In an attempt to escape, another bystander attempted to intervene by hitting the suspect with a chair, but he managed to keep running and was last seen heading west through the mall. Authorities later determined that the gun found at the scene was an unloaded BB gun.

Anyone with additional information about this case is encouraged to contact the police department at 909-621-4771.