Gunmen rob thousands in jewelry, cash from Caruthers store

Three bandits absconded with more than $10,000 in jewelry and cash from Joyeria Krystal in Caruthers Friday morning, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office reported.

Spokesman Tony Botti said two of the bandits stormed into the store in the 2200 block of West Tahoe Avenue about 10:30 a.m. and tied up the female clerk. While one robber held the woman at gunpoint, a second began stealing jewelry and a safe.

The pair also made off with a DVR that likely captured video of the robbery. A third bandit remained in the getaway car: a dark-colored, newer model Mercedes Benz sedan with custom rims and paper plates with the words “JS Auto Sales.” The three fled on Mountain View Avenue.

Video of the robbery was captured from nearby cameras, but detectives are asking the public to be on the lookout for the DVR, and are hoping the crooks tossed it in a garbage bin or on the roadside.

Botti said the men who entered the store are described as being in their 20s; both partially covered their faces.

It’s the fourth armed robbery in recent months in Caruthers; two took place at the Dollar General store and Valero gas station. Botti said it isn’t known if the crimes are related.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 559-498-7867 (STOP).

This story was originally published June 9, 2017 at 11:32 AM with the headline "Gunmen rob thousands in jewelry, cash from Caruthers store."