NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Two Bronx men were arrested and charged by federal authorities for robbing a jewelry store of over $800,000 using bear spray, a gun and hammers, prosecutors said Wednesday.
“As alleged, the defendants and their co-conspirators committed a violent robbery using any weapons they could get their hands on that left employees of a Bronx jewelry store injured and their store destroyed,” U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said. “This Office will continue to aggressively prosecute robberies, especially those that are accompanied with violence.”
On August 10, 32-year-old Pablo Armando Valenzuela entered the jewelry store on East Fordham Road around 7:15 p.m. with a ski mask and spewed pepper spray into the employees’ eyes, temporarily blinding them, according to court documents.
After the pepper spray, 23-year-old Aaron Miller and at least four others came in and smashed the glass display cases. One of the men also took out a gun, officials said.
The crew made away with over $800,000 worth of jewelry before fleeing the scene on mopeds, in cars and by foot, according to authorities.
“This violence will never be tolerated in our city. And actions must have consequences,” NYPD Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said. “Today’s charges reflect our commitment to safeguarding the people and businesses of New York City, and our relentless pursuit of anyone who would seek to do them harm.”
Valenzuela and Miller were tracked down through surveillance footage but the other four suspects have yet to be arrested.
Both of the men were charged with Hobbs Act robbery and conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery. They are facing a maximum of life in prison if convicted.
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