Chatham Township police are searching for two suspects accused of robbing a local jewelry store.
According to authorities, the armed robbery was committed around 11:00 a.m. The two suspects allegedly entered Crescent Jewelers, which is located on Main Street in Chatham NJ, and approached one of the store owners. The suspects allegedly brandished a handgun and held the firearm to the head of the victim before tying her up with tape.
The suspects allegedly stole 200-300 pieces of jewelry, including diamond rings, necklaces, and bracelets, from the store showcases. The suspects then ran out of the jewelry store and fled the area in a silver Jeep, according to a neighboring business owner.
The entire robbery reportedly took just 15 minutes.
The value of the jewelry allegedly stolen by the suspects is said to be between $3,000 and $10,000.
Chatham NJ police and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office are actively investigating the armed robbery. However, the store’s lack of security cameras could make the investigation more difficult. The store’s co-owner later said that she never felt the need for security cameras because she always felt safe inside the jewelry shop.
If Chatham Township detectives can eventually determine the identities of the robbers, it is likely that the culprits would face severe criminal penalties associated with charges for armed robbery and illegal handgun possession. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1, anyone who commits a theft while using a deadly weapon such as a handgun or a knife can be charged with a first degree felony. A conviction on first degree armed robbery charges could lead to a sentence of 10-20 years in New Jersey State Prison.
For additional information about this case, go to the NJ.com article, “Chatham Jewelry Store Owner Held at Gunpoint during Robbery, Report Says.”
