Seattle Jewelry Store Robbery
The chief of the Seattle Police Department was reportedly just a short distance away when a jewelry store was looted on Thursday afternoon.
During this incident, four masked individuals targeted Menache & Sons jewellers in West Seattle. They threatened staff with bear spray and stun guns, broke the locked glass front door using a hammer, and proceeded to steal items from six display cases.
Interestingly, while this was happening, Seattle Police Chief Shon Burns was having lunch at a nearby location, according to sources speaking to Seattle Red’s Jason Runtzshaw.
A spokesperson for the Seattle Police Department confirmed that the chief was in close proximity but could not specify his exact location during the robbery.
“When the robbery occurred, Chief Barnes and his security detail were in a nearby business,” the spokesperson stated. “They were unaware that this crime was about to take place.”
The spokesperson further mentioned that “the suspects were in and out of the jewelry store in just 90 seconds,” and added that members of the chief’s security team were dressed in regular clothing at the time.
After the incident, a department spokesman clarified that Chief Burns and his security detail became aware of the robbery only after police officers responded to the scene.
The robbers reportedly took an emerald necklace valued at $125,000 and a Rolex watch worth approximately $750,000, among other items.
With an estimated total worth of $2 million, the thieves made off with not only the jewelry but also luxury watches and gold, police reported on Friday.
“We were all pretty shaken up,” said Josh Menache, the vice president of the family-owned store. “We’ll be closed for a while.”
A nearby gym manager, Matthew Stromen, shared that a jewelry store employee had fled to the gym seeking help.
Stromen noted the “shock and surprise” felt by staff due to the robbery, which led to locking the door until assistance arrived.
As for the suspects, they managed to escape in a getaway car before the police arrived. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident.
Seattle police are urging anyone with information to reach out at 206-233-5000.
