Seattle police are searching for four masked suspects after a lightning-fast jewelry store robbery that netted thieves over $2 million in luxury goods in less than two minutes. The brazen heist happened around noon on August 14 at Menashe and Sons Jewelers, a well-known family-owned store in West Seattle.
According to police, the suspects smashed through a locked glass door with hammers, then shattered six display cases while armed with bear spray and a Taser. Surveillance cameras captured the chaos as store employees were threatened at close range. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Across the street, gym employee Bret Gibson told reporters he could hear the sound of glass breaking from inside his workplace. “You could still hear all the banging and smashing while everyone was on the phone calling the cops,” Gibson recalled. Within moments, the group fled in a getaway car. Despite a quick police response, the suspects vanished, leaving behind shattered glass and shaken workers.
Vice President Josh Menashe told the Associated Press the store will remain closed while staff recovers from the ordeal and tallies losses. One single display case contained $700,000–$800,000 worth of Rolex watches, while another held a $125,000 emerald necklace and a platinum diamond piece.
Two other cases were filled with high-value gold jewelry. “We’re pretty shook up as a staff,” Menashe said. “This is devastating for our family business.” Seattle Police are urging anyone with information about the suspects to call the Violent Crimes Tip Line.
