KENT COUNTY, Mich.--The Kent County Sheriff's Department is investigating an armed robbery attempt at the Juhas and Sullivan Jewelry store, located at 1100 East Paris Avenue.
Juhas and Sullivans Jewelry surveillance photo of three armed suspects as they walked into the store and attempted to rob it Friday morning.
That's located in an upscale shopping plaza with several other stores nearby.
Police tell FOX 17 News that three armed suspects wearing masks entered the store at 11:17 a.m. Friday, with the intent of robbing the store. When the suspects tried to break into a jewelry case inside, one employee, armed with a handgun, fired one shot. The suspects fled in a greyish, blue Dodge Stratus headed southbound on East Paris.
Owner of Fzique, personal training and exercise business next door to Juhas and Sullivan Jewelry, Gwadue Bossuah told FOX 17 News he and the owner of the jewelry store thought a possible robbery was coming.
"Been here a year tomorrow," said Bossuah. "So we're celebrating with gunshots."
On Wednesday, Bossuah and the owner of Juhas and Sullivans Jewelers saw suspicious activity and at least one of the suspects scoping out the area, as well as a Dodge Durango.
Bossuah said when the attempt to rob the store was happening Friday morning, there was a man and a baby inside the jewelry store, which he believes to have been a decoy. Then when he walked outside, he saw the man and baby jump into what he believes the same Dodge Durango and "peel off."
About 15 minutes later, Grand Rapids police officers made a traffic stop near Hall and Eastern, and found what they believe to be the same Dodge Durango. At that time, officers questioned two people in custody. Those people have been released, but investigators believe they may be connected to this incident.
Lt. Marc Burns, with the Kent County Sheriff's Department, said no one was injured.
Police said the suspects may have been after the Rolex watches sold at the jewelry store. Burns said investigators do not believe this incident is related to previous Medawar Jewelry armed robberies.
If anyone spots a grey-blue Dodge Stratus, or has any additional information, call the Kent County Sheriff's Department, or Silent Observer. Police say the suspects are three black men in their early to mid 20's, who were wearing dark colored clothing.
