Daring jewelry store robbery described

Jen Lawson

Monday, Dec. 9, 2002 | 11:09 a.m.

A brazen robber used a million-dollar necklace as a weapon during a heist at the jewelry store at the Four Seasons Hotel this month.

Metro Police Lt. Larry Spinosa said a man went into the small, upscale Jewelry Salon about 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 2 and asked to see a gold-and-diamond necklace.

An employee handed the man the necklace and the man suddenly swung the heavy necklace at the employee, hitting the employee in the face, Spinosa said. The employee was not seriously injured.

"It's an expensive necklace, and it's just brazen to walk in and do that," Spinosa said.

The robber ran from the store with the necklace, and made his way through the marbled corridors to a rental car. The car, which police say was rented locally, was found that night a few miles away.

Police found evidence linking the robber to Los Angeles, and Spinosa said detectives are working with the Los Angeles Police Department. Investigators have several leads.

The robber is described as a Hispanic male, 20 to 25 years old, six feet three and 200 pounds.

An employee of the jewelry store declined to comment on the robbery.