Police Seek Public's Help Locating Suspected Jewelry Store Thieves

SOUTH AUSTIN, TX -- Austin police are asking for the public’s help in locating suspects that eluded capture Monday after a morning heist of a jewelry store in southwest Austin.

According to an Austin Police Department advisory, the suspects entered the Ben Bridge Jewelers at Barton Creek Mall, 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., shortly before 11 a.m.

The first suspect pointed a firearm at an employee while demanding Rolex watches, according to police. His accomplice produced a blue bag or pillowcase as he climbed over the jewelry display counter, standing next to the employee as she followed their directions to put the watches into the cloth container.

The entire heist took just 45 seconds. A witness reporting seeing the suspects drive away in a 2010 red Dodge Challenger, which APD officers subsequently stopped. But the three individuals within the vehicle fled from the vehicle, eluding capture.

Police scoured the streets for the suspects on ground level and from the sky with a police helicopter but three remain at large.

Police released images of the suspects captured by store surveillance cameras in the hopes someone might recognize them. They also offered descriptions of the suspects:

• A black male between 20 to 30 years old, 5’ 10” in height with a thin build. He was last seen wearing a dark “Fargo”-style winter hat with gray trim; a dark, hooded jacket; dark pants with white trim in the back part and black boots. The suspect was armed with a handgun.
• The second suspect was described as a black male of the same age range; from 5’ 10” to 6’ tall; athletic build. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie; dark sweats; white Michael Jordan shoes with blue, blue and red trim.

No description was available for the third person observed exiting the suspect vehicle. Police didn’t say whether that vehicle belonged to one of the suspect or was stolen.

Anyone with information that could lead to arrests is asked to call the Robber Unit at (512) 974-5270 or Crime Stoppers at (512) 472-TIPS or by texting “Tip 103” in message form to CRIMES.