New Jersey authorities are looking for three Philadelphia men involved with an armed robbery of a New Jersey jewelry store in August, The Philadelphia, Inquirer reports.
Thieves snatched $1 million in diamonds and watches in late August from Ballew Jewelers in Freehold, a Monmouth County prosecutor told the newspaper Wednesday.
Police on Tuesday raided the Philadelphia homes of Marion Pegeses, 33, Eric Lane, 35, and Robert Ward, 26, but did not find them, the official told the newspaper.
Shortly after 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 26, Pegeses reportedly entered the jewelry store on Freehold’s Main Street wearing a pin-striped suit and engaged a salesperson in a conversation about watches, the official reportedly said. Lane, in a long white t-shirt and Phillies cap, walked in several of minutes later and drew a handgun. Pegeses announced a robbery was in progress and ordered four employees into a small office.
In a calm, slow voice, Pegeses reportedly told employees that the store was being robbed because his son needed heart surgery.
Two additional men reportedly arrived with duffle bags, which they filled with diamond jewelry and Rolex watches as the employees were bound with duct tape and dragged to the store’s basement.
After reportedly ransacking the store, the men fled on foot through a rear exit. The employees eventually loosened their bonds and called police.
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