Sheriff Dept press release re: robbery update

UPDATE: Armed Robbery of Copperopolis Jewelry Store

(Copperopolis, CA) On 01/31/13 at approx. 2:30 pm Calaveras County Sheriff’s deputies, detectives, and Angels Camp Police officers responded to a report of an armed robbery at Firefall Jewelry located in the Copper Town Square in Copperopolis. According to the store clerk the suspect walked into the store and displayed a round object, stating that it was a hand grenade. The suspect also told the clerk that he had an accomplice outside on a roof with a “high powered rifle”. Furthermore, the suspect declared that he had a package that he would leave behind the building, indicating that it possibly contained an explosive device. After stealing a significant amount of jewelry he walked out of and away from the store. A witness who was interviewed during the investigation confirmed that they had seen a man matching the suspect’s description place the package on the ground behind the building.

Robbery Update

According to Sgt Hewitt there was no explosive device found in the bag that had been left behind after an armed robbery at Firefall Jewelers in Town Square on 1-31-13. The potential of a bomb had caused the evacuation of Town Square for many hours while SWAT, Highway Patrol, Sheriff and K-9 units swept the grounds.

The robber had showed the clerk what he said was a grenade. The clerk followed his orders, "I did what he wanted and gave him what he wanted." The clerk remains anonymous at this time for her protection.

The Sheriff Dept is still tracking leads and still seeking information on a teal or dark green Ford Ranger with a step-side.

The loss has not been totaled but has been referred to as "significant."
If you have any information that could help with the ininvestigation you can call the Sheriff Dept anonymous tip line at 754-6030. You can also call the main number at 754-6500 and ask for the Investigation Division.

by,
Charity Maness    

Update on possible robbery suspect vehicle

The robbery suspect who robbed Firefall Jewelers with what he said was a grenade earlier today has a vehicle that has been identified as a Teal green step side pick up. If you see any vehicle matching this description do not attempt to make contact, please call the Sheriff Dept at 754-6500 or 911.

"I did what he wanted" said Firefall clerk of Armed Robber

The clerk at Firefall Jewelers was quietly celebrating her 50th birthday when a man came in with what he said was a grenade. Believing what he held in his hand to be a grenade, "I did what he wanted and gave him what he wanted." She said.

In the aftermath of the robbery the Sheriff, Highway Patrol and Angels Camp PD are piecing together the pieces of the puzzle. One Deputy on scene still advised people that were wanting a look that the Town Square was still under evacuation orders as a suspicious package was still in question.

The Sheriff Dept respectfully requests that you avoid the area while they continue their investigation.

By,
Charity Maness