Crime & Safety

Police Seeking Two Suspects in Avanti Robbery

Hermosa Beach officers release a description of the gunman after talking with the owner of the PCH jewelry store.

Police officers have learned more about the Tuesday morning robbery at Avanti Jewelers in Hermosa Beach, and they are hopeful that the new information will help them track down the two suspects they are seeking.

Hermosa Beach Police Department officers talked with the store's owner, who told them the gunman was African American, 25 to 35 years old, 5-foot-10 to 6 feet tall and he wore a gray hooded sweatshirt and dark pants. No information was released about the other suspect.

About 10:20 a.m. Tuesday, a man entered the Pacific Coast Highway shop and pretended to be a customer, browsing display cases filled with jewelry, officers said.

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"You guys got wedding bands?" the man asked the store owner while walking around the room.

The man suddenly showed his gun, according to officers, asking the store owner for gold before forcing him to the ground and restraining him.

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The store owner told officers that he could hear another person enter the shop, grabbing cash and expensive jewelry. After the thieves escaped, the owner was able to get free and immediately called police.

 Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Michael Frilot at 310-318-0332.


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