3 sought after robbery at Tapper's jewelry store in West Bloomfield

Police: Robbers order employees, customers to the ground, stole thousands of dollars in merchandise

WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. – Police are on the lookout for three robbers who stole thousands of dollars in merchandise from Tapper's Diamonds and Fine Jewelry.

The incident happened after 5 p.m. Tuesday at the West Bloomfield jewelry store at 6337 Orchard Lake Road.

"It's like they hit when you least expect it," said Andy Arsenault. "Maybe they feel they can get lost in the crowd."

There were 12 employees and seven customers inside the store at the time of the robbery.

"One suspect entered first and shortly after two followed him," said Lt. C. Lawson, of West Bloomfield police.

Police said the robbers pulled out their guns and began pushing people to the ground. The employees and customers were not injured.

The robbers went to one particular case in the store.

"They forced an employee at gunpoint to open up a case and all the merchandise within that case was taken," said Lawson.

Police said the robbers took off within two minutes with the merchandise. The employee then called 911.

"Our officers responded to the scene," Lawson said. "Here within two minutes."

But the robbers were already gone.

"We did a K-9 track. Tracked the suspects' scent to the rear of the store," Lawson said. "We obtained footage."

"It's very bold and seems to be happening more and more," said Arsenault.

Police described the three robbers as black men. Two of the robbers wore bandanas and ski masks. The three may have taken off in a dark-colored Chrysler Town and Country minivan.

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