Four thieves who used sledgehammers to smash cases at a Florida Mall jewelry store Thursday night made off with 17 watches — worth more than $340,000, deputies said.
Four suspects were later arrested on charges of first-degree grand theft and felony criminal mischief: Lorenzo Caldwell, 20; Torren Johnson, 21; Shameia Dorsey, 20; and a 17-year-old boy. The Orlando Sentinel is not naming the juvenile suspect.
An arrest affidavit states that the robbery happened about 6:10 p.m. at Mayors Jewelers.
Store workers told deputies that 17 watches were taken — including some embellished with diamonds — which ranged in price from $6,500 to more than $39,000, the affidavit shows.
The estimated grand total: $342,700.
Employees said they feared for their lives during the heist, which was recorded by security cameras, the affidavit states.
As the suspects fled in a black Chrysler, a mall security officer was able to see three characters on a temporary tag on the back of the car. Deputies later spotted the Chrysler near Landstreet Road and South Orange Blossom Trail, records show.
Patrol cars and the Sheriff’s Office helicopter tracked the car, which was eventually stopped near Old Winter Garden and Hiawassee roads, deputies said. All four people inside were arrested. Caldwell, Johnson and Dorsey were booked into the Oranage County Jail, where the facility’s website showed they remained Friday afternoon.
The teenager was taken to a juvenile facility, the affidavit said.
jeweiner@orlandosentinel.com, 407-420-5171 or @JeffWeinerOS on Twitter
