Two Arrested Over Bear Spray Jewelry Raid
November 10, 22.jpg)
(IDEX Online) - Two men have been arrested and charged over an $800,000 raid on a New York jewelry store, in which staff were attacked with bear spray.
At least six masked gang members sprayed the bear-repelling aerosol - like pepper spray but stronger - at Revel Jewelers, in the Bronx, in August.
Workers were taken to hospital suffering bear spray exposure - stinging eyes, noses and lungs, and coughing fits.
Pablo Armando Valenzuela and Aaron Miller have now been charged with "robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office Southern District of New York.
FBI assistant director in charge Michael J. Driscoll said: "We allege Valenzuela and Miller carried out a robbery at a jewelry store, stole more than $800,000 in merchandise, violently trashed the business, and injured employees by using bear spray.
"Smash and grab robberies have become more brazen, and the criminals responsible must be held responsible."
Video grab courtesy Citizen App