CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are searching for four men they believe were involved in a smash-and-grab-type larceny at Fink's Jewelers at Northlake Mall just before 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Police said three men walked into the store, which is on the second floor near Macy's, and said nothing to staff as they made a bee-line for a display case and smashed the glass with at least two sledgehammer-type mallets. They ran out with jewelry.
Police said some people in the mall actually ran into other stores and called 911 because the sound of glass sounded like shots being fired.
Officers said there were no guns involved and no one was injured.
Lt. Brian Foley said security guards from other stores tried to chase down the men.
Police are examining evidence they found inside a minivan near the mall and used K-9 units and a helicopter to try to track down the men.
Police believe the fourth man involved was acting as a driver and are looking for another vehicle, possibly a bluish Ford Escape SUV. They're asking anyone with information to call them.
They are also notifying jewelry stores at other malls in the area so they can beef up security.
Police search for 4 after jewelry stolen at mall
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