Palm Desert Jewelry Store Burglarized, 1 Arrest Made

PALM DESERT, CA — A Los Angeles man is behind bars for allegedly stealing approximately $45,000 worth of merchandise from a Palm Desert jewelry store Wednesday, Riverside County Sheriff's Department investigators said.

Los Angeles resident Jason Adam Warren, 28, was arrested Wednesday after a pursuit from Palm Desert to Beaumont on suspicion of commercial burglary, according to the department.

Warren was being held without bail at the John J. Benoit Detention Center in Indio.

Just after noon, Warren allegedly walked into the jewelry store in the 72000 block of Highway 111 in Palm Desert. He feigned interest in purchasing jewelry and an employee placed items for Warren's inspection. Witnesses said Warren grabbed the jewelry instead and fled the store, a sheriff's spokesperson reported.

The employee followed Warren outside, obtaining a description of his getaway car and reported the theft. Deputies arrived at the store to take the report while a sheriff's department's helicopter searched the freeway for Warren's vehicle. Deputies found the car in the Banning area.

Nearby deputies located and arrested Warren in Beaumont, allegedly finding him in possession of the $45,000 worth of jewelry taken from the store.

The incident is still under investigation. Deputies ask that information on the suspect or other thefts be reported to Corporal Stuhrmann of the Palm Desert Station at (760) 836-1600.

Authorities praised the store employee for having the foresight to communicate the suspect and car's description to the sheriff's department quickly.

"Business owners and residents are encouraged to report criminal activity directly to law enforcement by calling Sheriff's Dispatch at (760) 836-3215 or 911 if the matter is an emergency," the department reported.

Criminal activity can also be reported through the We-Tip Crime Reporting Hotline, (909) 987-5005.