Watch CBS News

Suspects Arrested In Jewelry Store Robbery That Led To Police Chase

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A jewelry store in a Fort Lauderdale mall was robbed and the crooks led police on a wild chase into Miami-Dade County, according to police.

A cell phone camera rolled as police said masked robbers smashed the jewelry counter at Mayors jewelry store in Galleria mall and grabbed what they could get.

Seconds later, video shows two people dressed in black running from the mall. Then two more ran toward the door also wearing  black hoods and masks. One appeared to be carrying a yellow bag.

A police officer chased after but couldn't catch up.

CLICK HERE To Watch Maggie Newland's Report

People at the mall described a frightening scene.

"All of saddened I hear a big boom, boom. Everybody was screaming, was yelling, running. I mean 'lock the doors, get in, shootout!' It was just crazy. It was very, very scary." said a mall-goer Margie Ramirez. "I just took my bag and started running to nearest store which was Michael Kors. I hid and didn't come out for nothing."

The robbers took several pieces of jewelry, before jumping into a getaway vehicle. Fort Lauderdale Police started to peruse and said the robbers switched into another car that was waiting for them.

As the chase headed into Dade County, Miami-Dade Police joined in.

At some point the thieves crashed and authorities were able to apprehend three suspects. Two are still at large.

The jewelry store was closed for the afternoon while police began their investigation.

Inside the store there was broken glass and police interviewing people – presumably employees or customers who were inside the store during the robbery.

Mall-goers said they heard gunshots, but investigators believe the sound came from hammers breaking glass cases.

Some of the jewelry has been recovered and authorities are looking to see if this incident is related to other smash and grabs in the area.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.