FBI searching for masked suspects wanted in Midwest jewelry store robberies

Federal authorities are searching for four masked suspects wanted in several jewelry store armed robberies across three states, including Illinois.

The suspects, who wore "Uncle Bobby" and "Slenderman" masks, are accused of targeting and robbing four jewelry stores in Illinois, Michigan and Missouri since last year.

The first robbery was carried out July 13, 2023, at Jawahir Jewelry, 8454 S. Harlem Ave., in southwest suburban Bridgeview. One suspect carrying an AR-15-style gun opened the front door and demanded all employees drop to the floor.

The suspect with the assault rifle used a metal rod to keep the door open and demanded all employees hand over their cellphones before smashing them to avoid alerting the police, FBI special agent Evan Hylton told the Sun-Times.

Two other suspects entered the store and began breaking jewelry cases and putting the jewelry into duffel bags. Surveillance video showed one suspect holding a hammer.

Hylton said no one was physically injured, but one employee "passed out from fear."

"Everything was very quick," Hylton said. "They were out of there in less than three minutes. Clearly, it was pre-planned and well thought out."

The masked robbers quickly left the store and drove off in a white Kia Sorento with stolen license plates.

A similar robbery was carried out Jan. 9 at Jerusalem Jewelry, 9070 Harlem Ave. in Bridgeview, officials said. The suspect left the store and drove off in the same white car with a different set of stolen license plates.

There were no customers inside the stores during the robberies, Hylton said.

Though no injuries were reported, he said the suspects are believed to be "severely dangerous."

The suspects are believed to have also robbed Mariam Jewelry, in Dearborn, Michigan, on Aug. 7 and Dahab Jewelry, Winchester, Missouri, on Sep. 14. In both robberies, the suspects left in a black vehicle.

In Missouri, at least four suspects entered the store, officials said.

Hylton said there was "reason to believe" the masked robbers could return to Illinois and asked people to remain vigilant.

In at least one robbery, one of the suspect was wearing “Yeezy”-style shoes and carrying a Coach brand duffel bag that was used to hold the stolen jewelry.

Authorities are offering a $15,000 reward for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of the suspects.