Broad Daylight Jewelry Heist Occurs Near Seattle Police Chief
The Seattle Police Chief was reportedly dining just a short distance away from a jewelry store that was targeted in a brazen daylight robbery on Thursday, where thieves made off with approximately $2 million worth of diamonds, gold, and luxury watches.
On that day, a group of four masked individuals stormed into Menashe & Sons Jewelers located in West Seattle. They threatened employees using bear spray and a stun gun following their forceful entry through a smashed locked glass front door, emptying six display cases in the process.
According to a police source speaking to the Jason Rantz Show on Seattle Red 770 AM, Chief Shon Barnes was having lunch nearby during the robbery.
A Seattle Police Department spokesperson corroborated that the chief was in the vicinity but did not provide specific details about his exact location during the incident.
“Chief Barnes and his security detail were at a nearby establishment when the robbery took place,” the spokesperson stated. “They were inside the premises, unaware that a crime was being committed.”
“The suspects completed the robbery in just 90 seconds,” the spokesperson added. “His security team was dressed in plainclothes at that time.”
The chief and his detail only became aware of the robbery when police sirens were heard responding to the scene, according to the spokesperson.
Among the stolen items was an emerald necklace valued at $125,000 and approximately $750,000 worth of Rolex watches, as reported by law enforcement.
Josh Menashe, vice president of the family-owned jewelry store, expressed his staff’s distress, stating, “We’re pretty shaken up. We’re going to be closed for a while.”
Matthew Strommen, manager of nearby Industrious Gym, informed FOX 13 in Seattle that the jewelry store employees evacuated through the back entrance to seek assistance at the gym.
He noted that there was “a lot of shock and surprise” due to the robbery, prompting the gym to lock its doors until authorities arrived.
The suspects fled in a getaway vehicle before police could reach the scene at noon. No arrests have been made, and fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident.
Seattle police urge anyone with relevant information to contact 206-233-5000.
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