Denver Jewelry Store Heist: Police Launch Manhunt for 8 Suspects Accused of Stealing Over $2 Million in Merchandise

Eight armed guys caused a terrifying scene at a Denver jewelry business, according to the proprietors.

Joyerias El Ruby is a 24-year-old family-owned jewelry store located on West 38th Avenue in Denver.

According to the store’s proprietors, robbers stole millions of dollars worth of products on Monday afternoon. Lidia Tena, one of the proprietors, described it as a horrific event that she would not want on anyone.

They hope that by sharing their story, these men will be captured soon. Surveillance video shows the criminals taking piles of 10- to 14-karat gold necklaces and stuffing them into duffel bags. “I believe they stole more than $2.5 million that did not belong to us,” claimed Myrna, a part owner and business manager who preferred not to use her last name due to privacy concerns.

Her mother, another store owner, Lidia Tena, and her niece were battling for their life as they attempted to pull down the alarm bell. That’s when thieves started hitting them, resulting in several head injuries. Tena stated that she now has six stitches on her scalp as a result of the robbers bashing her head.

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“They pulled my ponytail, threw me to the floor, and hit my head,” Tena recalled in Spanish.

Police are now appealing for the public’s assistance in identifying the eight suspects, all of whom are Hispanic men in their twenties. “They came and were prepared to do anything,” Myrna added. “Feels like an organized crime.”

It all started on Monday afternoon, when a man in a black Nike sweatshirt and sunglasses was buzzed into the business.

The entryway is enclosed by security doors that resemble a jail cell.

Employees assumed he was interested in purchasing jewelry and claimed they had seen someone similar previously visiting their store to acquire gold.

Minutes thereafter, more individuals poured into the establishment, waving firearms at customers and employees. “I think they had been keeping an eye out and I think they knew exactly what they were doing,” she added.

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As the nightmare played out in front of their eyes, Myrna tried to save her 18-month-old infant and 13-year-old daughter, who were in the store at the time of the armed robbery.

“I can’t even imagine what it is like to be 13 years old and to see a gun pointed at you,” I said.

Employees and customers both stood in horror. Myrna says that everything happened in three minutes. “Just looking at the video and how everything happened so quickly, it’s just a very scary thought, it could’ve been our last day,” Myrna exclaimed.

Though there were no significant injuries, the family has suffered an emotional, financial, and mental toll that goes beyond the physical.

“It’s just a very difficult time for our family right now,” Myrna joked.

Denver police said the case is being investigated, and there have been no updates as of Tuesday night. That family claims it will be difficult for them to replace what has been stolen, and insurance can only cover so much CBSNEWS reported.

Anyone with information about this crime can report it to Denver police or Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-STOP (7867).