Seattle authorities are on the hunt for a bold thief who swiped a high-end bracelet valued at $27,000 from a Tiffany & Co. store. The suspect daringly asked to "just try it on" before making his escape. The incident unfolded recently when the man entered the store, requested to see the jewelry, and dashed out as soon as it was fastened on his wrist.
A security guard momentarily stopped him and managed to remove his jacket, but the suspect ultimately got away. According to the police report, this theft took place on January 29 at approximately 4:40 p.m. at the Tiffany’s located in downtown Seattle on the 600 block of Pine Street.
Details of the Seattle Incident
The suspect, described as a thin white male in his 20s, standing about 5'9" and weighing around 160 pounds, appeared visibly anxious when he entered the store. He asked to try on a gold and diamond bracelet worth $27,000. The moment it was secured on his wrist, he bolted out of the store with no intention of paying.
During his escape, he struggled with a security guard who managed to remove his jacket and retrieve the bracelet before the suspect fled. While running away, he encountered another security officer at Pacific Place shopping center but managed to evade capture. Although the bracelet was recovered, the thief remains at large.
Potential Connection to Other Theft
Authorities believe the suspect might be linked to another similar theft in December in Bellevue, where a bracelet worth $16,000 was stolen. The police are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the thief, releasing surveillance footage and photos on May 13.
Another Bizarre Case in Florida
This incident is reminiscent of another audacious theft in March at a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida. In this case, Jaythan Gilder, a 32-year-old Houston resident, posed as a representative for an Orlando Magic player under the alias "Shawn." Sporting a red Polo cap and shirt along with ripped jeans, Gilder gained access to the store's VIP area, where he was shown extremely valuable jewelry.
During the transaction, Gilder grabbed two pairs of earrings and a diamond ring, valued at over $1.3 million, and ran for the exit. He injured an employee who tried to stop him, although he dropped the ring, he managed to escape with the earrings. He was later arrested, and authorities discovered he attempted to hide the jewelry by swallowing it.
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the Seattle case to contact local police. The investigation remains ongoing.
FAQs about Recent Jewelry Heists
What happened during the Seattle jewelry theft?
A thief asked to try on a $27,000 bracelet at a Tiffany & Co. store in Seattle and then fled the scene, although the bracelet was eventually recovered.
Is there a connection between the Seattle and Bellevue thefts?
Authorities suspect the thief in the Seattle case may also be linked to a similar incident in Bellevue involving a $16,000 bracelet.
How did Jaythan Gilder execute the Florida Tiffany's theft?
Gilder posed as a representative for an Orlando Magic player, accessed the VIP section, stole earrings and a ring worth over $1.3 million, and attempted to conceal the jewelry by swallowing it.