News

2 men duct tape employees during jewelry store robbery

PARKLAND, Wash. — Police are looking for two men who robbed a Parkland jewelry store Tuesday afternoon.

The robbery happened at Cascade Custom Jewelers on Pacific Avenue, where customers have to be let in by an employee due to the tight security.

Investigators said two men, dressed as soldiers, walked into the shop. The two men, one with a gun drawn, threatened the employees and demanded all the jewelry.

KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter Kevin McCarty spoke with two women who were working during the time of the robbery.

“When they pointed the gun, they were yelling at us and instructing us to get everything out,” said Falon Boole.

“It was like, ‘Well, if you don’t do it, we’ll drop you.' He said that numerous times,” said Jayme Nitz.

Surveillance cameras at the store captured both of the men on video. One man, brandishing a gun, was wearing a mask, but the other man didn’t have one.

The man without a mask collected the jewelry while the masked man threatened the employees.

“You know, you never expect to have someone pointing a gun at you,” said Nitz.

Police said for more than seven minutes, the men gathered up jewelry and other valuables before forcing the two women into the bathroom, duct taping their hands and leaving them.

The men were last seen running from the store with bags bulging with jewelry.

“They took a lot of valuable items. They spent a lot of time in there, and this was very organized and planned. So, there may even be a getaway driver and a lookout,” said Detective Ed Troyer of the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators are hoping someone will recognize one or both of the men.

Crime Stoppers of Tacoma and Pierce County are offering $1000 reward for any information that leads to the suspects' arrests.