Armed Smash and Grab at Tigard Jewelry Store Sparks Multi Agency Chase, Suspects Still at Large
TIGARD, Ore. — The police are still hunting for two suspects in a Tigard jewelry shop smash-and-grab armed robbery on Saturday evening.
No shots were fired, and neither the customers nor staff were injured in the incident.
The robbery took place shortly after 6 p.m. when two masked men carrying a backpack, wearing gloves, and armed with a handgun and a hammer, walked into Kay Jewelers in the shopping mall at 9312 SW Washington Square Road.
Customers and Staff Were Held at Gunpoint
While people in the store were held at gunpoint, the other robber began smashing glass jewelry display cases.
After grabbing an undisclosed amount of jewelry, the robbers fled in a black Honda Accord, heading north on Highway 217.
- 6:08 p.m. : two masked men enter Kay Jewelers.
- Inside : one smashes cases while the other points a handgun.
- Minutes later : suspects flee north on Highway 217.
- During chase : car hits other vehicles near Northwest Portland.
- Later : suspects cross into Vancouver and are not found.
A high-speed car chase involving police from Tigard and Beaverton Police Departments, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Portland Police Bureau ensued as the robbers made their escape.
Shortly after the car chase began, the suspects struck other vehicles near NW 14th Avenue and West Burnside, causing minor property damage.
The robbers then crossed into Vancouver, Washington, and finally into Portland, where the police lost sight of the getaway car.
Investigators believe the suspects may have attracted the attention of other shoppers near Kay Jewelers who could have captured their images on a cell phone or dash-cam video.
Tigard Police Department appeals to anyone who may have seen the suspects or captured their images to contact detectives at [email protected], or call 503-718-COPS.