Shots Fired in Brazen Rolex Store Robbery

Two armed men robbed a Rolex store at the Westfield Century City mall today, ransacking the business and firing at least one shot during the heist before fleeing in a stolen car driven by a third suspect.

The robbery took place shortly after noon at the luxury watch store in the 10000 block of Santa Monica Boulevard, according to Los Angeles police Officer Matthew Ludwig. Two men armed with assault-type weapons were seen going up an escalator to the watch store, according to Los Angeles police spokesman Officer Matthew Ludwig.

A security guard, who was alerted to the approaching men, tried to lock the door but the men forced their way past the guard, Ludwig said.

Once inside, one of the men fired a round from his rifle and then ordered everyone to lie on the ground, Ludwig continued. The two suspects then ransacked the store and fled to a parking structure. Inside the parking building a third suspect was waiting in a stolen Toyota Camry.

The stolen car was later found about a half block away, Ludwig said. The LAPD brought in K-9 units to try and pick up the scent of the suspects and police set up a perimeter in the area, Ludwig said.

Nobody was injured during the robbery.

The three robbers were described only as black men wearing black clothing. They made off with an undisclosed number of watches, Ludwig added. The suspects remained at large as of 4:30 p.m., according to Ludwig.

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City News Service; Photo flkr.com