Two armed suspects stole $300,000 and $400,000 in fine jewelry and gold at about 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday outside a residence on the 500 block of 17th Street from jewelry distributors from Hong Kong.
SMPD Sgt. Richard Lewis said the distributors had just left an undisclosed jewelry store on Montana Avenue and were en route to a private showing.
Lewis said they had parked and exited the vehicle and began to walk towards the residence when the robbery took place.
“They were approached by two suspects armed with hand guns,” Lewis said. “Before they could even run, the suspects gun pointed them and took the backpack which contained the $300,000 to $400,000 of fine jewelry and gold and fled northbound on 17th in a dark colored four dour sedan.”
The suspects were both described as being in their mid-20s with medium-builds, wearing dark hoodies and bandannas over their faces. One man is black and the other is believed to be Latino or black, Lewis said.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information can call the Santa Monica Police Department (24hours) at 310.458.8495.