FBI Searches for Masked Suspects Wanted in Jewelry Store Robberies in Bridgeview and Southwest
Authorities are seeking four masked suspects accused of multiple armed robberies at jewelry stores in three states, including Illinois.
The suspects, who wore masks of characters "Uncle Bobby" and "Slenderman", are accused of attacking and robbing four jewelry stores in Illinois, Michigan, and Missouri since last year.
First Robbery in Bridgeview
The first robbery occurred on July 13, 2023, at Jawahir Jewelry, 8454 S. Harlem Ave., in the southwestern suburb of Bridgeview. A suspect wielding an AR-15 rifle opened the main door and demanded that all employees get on the floor.
The suspect with the rifle used a metal rod to keep the door open and demanded that all employees hand over their cell phones before destroying them to prevent alerting the police, said FBI Agent Evan Hylton to the Sun-Times.
Other Two Suspects Enter the Store
Two other suspects entered the store and began breaking open jewelry boxes and placing the jewelry in backpacks. The security footage showed one suspect holding a hammer.
No One Physically Injured
Hylton said that no one was physically injured, but one employee "fainted from fear".
"All was very quick," Hylton said. "They got out of there in less than three minutes. Clearly, it was planned ahead of time and well thought out."
Robbers Flee the Scene
The robbers quickly left the store and drove away in a white Kia Sorento with stolen plates.
Second Robbery in Bridgeview
On January 9, a similar robbery occurred at Jerusalem Jewelry, 9070 S. Harlem Ave. in Bridgeview, according to authorities. The suspect abandoned the store and drove off in the same white car with different stolen plates.
No Customers Present
There were no customers present in the stores during the robberies, said Hylton.
Considered Very Dangerous
Although no one was physically injured, Hylton said that the suspects are "very dangerous".
Other Robberies
The suspects are also believed to have robbed Mariam Jewelry in Dearborn, Michigan, on August 7, and Dahab Jewelry in Winchester, Missouri, on September 14. In both robberies, the suspects drove off in a black vehicle.
FBI Warning
Hylton said there were "reasons to believe" that the masked robbers may return to Illinois and urged people to be on high alert.
Reward Offered
The authorities are offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects.
Conclusion
The FBI is working diligently to bring these suspects to justice. If you have any information, please come forward and help us make a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the nature of the robberies?
A: The robberies are armed robberies at jewelry stores in Illinois, Michigan, and Missouri.
Q: How many suspects are being sought?
A: Four suspects are being sought.
Q: What is the motive behind the robberies?
A: The motive is to steal jewelry and other valuable items.
Q: Is there a reward being offered?
A: Yes, a $15,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects.
