PETALUMA, Calif. — Two teenagers have been arrested following an armed robbery at Gold Rush Jewelers on North McDowell Boulevard, while four other suspects remain at large, authorities said.
Police said the robbery occurred around 4:45 p.m. on Saturday when six suspects entered the store armed with hammers, pepper spray, and a firearm. The suspects allegedly broke glass display cases and stole jewelry while one held employees at gunpoint.
A bystander attempted to intervene by driving the suspects’ unattended vehicle into the front of the store. Police said one suspect pepper-sprayed the person as they fled. Four of the suspects then fled in the stolen vehicle, while the other two ran on foot. The vehicle, later determined to have been stolen from Brentwood, was abandoned in a nearby neighborhood.
Law enforcement located two of the suspects after spotting them jumping fences and hiding in backyards. They were arrested and identified as 18-year-old William Butler Clarence of Pittsburgh and 18-year-old Moshae Koron Howell. Both were booked on charges including robbery, burglary, battery, assault with a firearm, exhibiting a firearm in a threatening manner, and conspiracy.
The remaining four suspects have not yet been apprehended. Police are continuing the search and have reminded the public to remain vigilant and avoid confronting suspects.
No store employees were injured, and the bystander was treated at the scene and released. Residents expressed concern over the suspects’ ages and the brazen nature of the robbery.
“I think it’s really scary these times that teenaged individuals feel that it’s okay to do that in broad daylight,” said Petaluma resident Lindsey Wert. Customers were relieved that staff were unharmed, while others noted the incident has affected the community’s sense of security.
