GASTONIA, N.C. — Gastonia police have released surveillance video as they search for the person accused of stealing $80,000 worth of jewelry from a Gastonia Kohl’s last week.
Police said the armed robbery happened on Jan. 17 around 5 p.m. at the Kohl’s store on East Franklin Boulevard.
Investigators said the suspect approached the jewelry counter and used a hammer to break the glass display case, which had several wedding rings and other accessories. According to police, the suspect then pepper-sprayed an employee who approached him.
Irene Coleman shops at the store and saw all the damage and crime scene tape afterward.
“I would not try to stop him,” Coleman said Thursday. “I would let him have what he wanted. That’s just me. You look after yourself, not the other person.”
Officers said the suspect stole about $80,000 in jewelry and left the store.
“I would step back because you don’t know how crazy people are and what they’re going to do,” customer Cynthia Dincher said.
Police released surveillance video and are asking for help finding the suspect.
Anyone with information about who he is, or about the robbery, is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Gaston County at 704-861-8000. You may be eligible for a cash reward, police said, and callers can remain anonymous.
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