Victoria police have arrested a man accused of storming a downtown jewelry store in a brazen daylight robbery that left staff and customers shaken.
On April 15, a man entered Francis Jewellers in the 600-block of Broughton Street armed with a hammer and confronted staff, demanding access to three display cases. Despite staff’s attempts to stop him, the suspect managed to make off with a significant number of stolen items.
Store owner Rafal Zebrowski described the incident as “pretty traumatic,” with staff and customers stunned in the aftermath.
VicPD says the suspected armed robber was identified and tracked down to a multi-unit housing facility in the 2500-block of Dowler Place, where he was taken into custody on Saturday, April 22.
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The suspect attempted to flee from responding officers on a bicycle, but police, including members of the General Investigation Section and patrol officers, still managed to make the arrest.
Investigators also determined the suspect, who they are not publicly identifying, was also wanted on six warrants for other undisclosed offences. He now faces multiple recommended charges including armed robbery, assault with a weapon and breaching numerous court-ordered conditions.
The suspect’s court date has not yet been announced, but police have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to come forward.
Jeff Lawrence
