IDAHO SPRINGS, Colo. — Authorities in Idaho Springs are searching for a burglary suspect who allegedly locked a store owner in a room and then stole jewelry and a firearm.
Around 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, officers with the Idaho Springs Police Department responded to a report of a robbery in progress at a jewelry store, located at 1447 Miner St.
Around that time, Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Department dispatchers were on the phone with the business owner, who was locked in a room of the store. Chris Malanka with the police department said they believe the suspect had locked the owner in the room.
Based on the information authorities had at the time, they said they believe the owner had interrupted a burglary.
The interagency SWAT team was requested. Officers who were already on scene forced entry into the business and found the owner. They searched adjacent buildings as a precaution, but did not find any suspects.
The police department said the suspect had been wearing a mask and was reportedly a white male, standing about 5 feet, 11 inches and weighing about 180 pounds.
Some jewelry, as well as a firearm, had been stolen from the store. Evidence was collected at the scene.
The sheriff’s office’s crime scene unit and police department processed the scene.
Anybody with information on this crime is encouraged to call Idaho Springs Police Department Det. Rich Sonnenberg at 303-567-4291.