Three people were arrested Sunday after a smash-and-grab robbery at a jewelry store in the Santa Monica Place shopping mall, authorities said.
Shortly after 4 p.m., the Santa Monica Police Department received several calls reporting possible shots fired at a Ben Bridge location in the 300 block of Santa Monica Boulevard, Sgt. Roberto Lucio said.
Responding officers discovered that two people, armed with hammers and wearing ski masks, had entered the store and broke glass shelves before making off with a “large amount” of jewelry, the police sergeant said. No one was hurt in the incident.
Witnesses reported seeing the two robbers fleeing the scene in a white Chevy Tahoe, according to investigators. Shortly afterward, officers spotted the vehicle heading eastbound on the 10 Freeway and a pursuit ensued, Lucio said. The chase came to an end at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Cotner Avenue, in the Sawtelle neighborhood of L.A.’s Westside.
Assisted by air and ground units from the Los Angeles Police Department, officers apprehended three people — two males and a female — suspected of being the two robbers and the driver of the getaway vehicle, according to Lucio.
Each was arrested on charges of armed robbery and evading a police officer. Their names were not immediately released.
A significant amount of the stolen jewelry was recovered, Santa Monica police said.
No firearms were found.
Correction: An earlier version of this story gave the incorrect day that the crime occurred. The post has been updated.