Three men are under arrest and National City Police are searching for a fourth man suspected of stealing $15,000 worth of jewelry and snatching a woman's purse.
National City. Police said Monday evening a woman’s purse was stolen while she was in a parking lot in the 1400 block of East Plaza Blvd. Officers said the woman ran after the suspects and was able to give police a detailed description of the men and their getaway vehicle.
Police say about 20 minutes later a burglary was reported at Rene's Jewelry shop, at 2720 East Plaza Blvd.
The store buys scrap gold. Storeowner Emard Moraga said two men came in to the shop wanting to sell a ring. Moraga said he turned around and the men grabbed a tray of jewelry and took off.
Moraga saw the men get into a BMW and an SUV and called police. His description of the suspects matched the suspects wanted in connection with the purse snatching.
"This is a great example of witnesses and victims aware of their surroundings helping police solve crimes," said National City Police Sgt. Mike Harlan.
Police arrested Ahmad Robinson, 18, and Patrick de Leon, 19, after they crashed into a fence while trying to get away from the jewelry store. Police said they found a loaded, sawed-off shotgun.
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Officers later arrested a 17 year-old suspect.
Police said the stolen purse was found but the $15,000 worth of jewelry and one suspect are still missing.
The suspects will likely face robbery and weapons charges.
