Manhunt On For Armed Jewelry Robber In Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA — A man attempted to rob a jewelry store in Santa Monica Wednesday night, then fled in a car before crashing into a parked vehicle and continued to flee on foot. The robbery was reported about 5:35 p.m. in the 1600 block of Montana Avenue, Lt. Saul Rodriguez of the Santa Monica Police Department said.

The suspect, which police consider dangerous, entered the store and grabbed some merchandise before dropping it and fleeing, Rodriguez said. The man got into a vehicle, which he crashed into a parked car in the 300 block of 15th Street, then fled on foot, according to Rodriguez.

A suspicious device was found in or near the vehicle and a sheriff's arson-explosives unit was summoned to investigate.

A perimeter search involving police dogs and SWAT units has begun between 14th and 15th streets and San Vicente Boulevard and Marguerita Avenue, Rodriguez said.

Area residents were advised to shelter in place and others to avoid the area, and suspicious activity should be reported to 911, police said.

The suspect was described as a man in his 30s who stands 5 feet 9 inches tall, has a thin build and was wearing dark clothing.

City News Service and Patch staffer Emily Holland contributed to this post

Photo courtesy of the Santa Monica Police Department