News Summary
Two men have been arrested in connection with an armed robbery at Fredric H. Rubel Jewelers in The Shops at Mission Viejo. The suspects, aged 18 and 23, were part of a group that used sledgehammers to break into the store and steal jewelry. Law enforcement recovered stolen items from the 405 Freeway, and the investigation continues for two additional suspects still at large. Residents are urged to remain vigilant about security.
Mission Viejo – Two individuals have been arrested in connection with an armed robbery that took place at Fredric H. Rubel Jewelers in The Shops at Mission Viejo. The suspects, identified as 18-year-old Devan Howard and 23-year-old Levon Tippit, both from Inglewood, were apprehended following the incident on October 21, which occurred around 12:54 p.m.
The robbery was executed by four masked suspects, at least one of whom was armed with a handgun. Surveillance footage reveals that the suspects used sledgehammers to break multiple glass displays in the jewelry store, allowing them to quickly seize valuable items during the heist. Witness accounts later indicated that bags containing stolen jewelry were thrown from a vehicle on the 405 Freeway, approximately 20 miles away from the scene of the crime.
Law enforcement officials recovered these bags of jewelry from the freeway and confirmed that the items inside were in fact stolen from the jewelry store. During the apprehension of Howard and Tippit, authorities also confiscated two stolen handguns along with other items believed to be involved in the robbery. Both suspects have been charged with robbery and are currently being held without bail at the Orange County Jail. They are set to appear in court on Friday.
The investigation into the robbery is ongoing, with authorities actively seeking information regarding the two additional suspects who remain at large. Anyone with relevant information regarding the case is encouraged to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at (714) 647-7000.
This incident is part of a troubling trend involving armed robberies in retail settings, raising concerns among residents and local business owners. The quick response by law enforcement highlights the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with authorities in addressing such criminal activities.
As the investigation continues, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is committed to ensuring that justice is served and the remaining suspects are caught. Community members are reminded to report any suspicious activity and to be cautious when observing crimes in progress.
The prevalence of jewelry store robberies has been an ongoing issue in various regions, prompting jewelers and retailers to enhance their security measures, including increased surveillance and stronger physical barriers. In light of this recent event, local business owners in Mission Viejo are reevaluating their security protocols to safeguard against potential future incidents.
In summary, the swift arrests of Howard and Tippit reflect the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and vigilant citizens, and the authorities continue to urge anyone with information to step forward as the investigation unfolds.
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Additional Resources
- ABC7: Armed Suspects Rob Jewelry Store at Mission Viejo Mall
- Wikipedia: Robbery
- ABC7: Two Arrested in Brazen OC Jewelry Heist
- Google Search: Armed Robbery in California
- OC Register: Bankrupt Jewelry Chain to Close 4 OC Stores
- Google Scholar: Jewelry Store Security Measures
- OC Register: A Sad Story Takes One More Turn at the Cross
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Robbery
- Patch: Get Thrifted Treasures & Steep Deals in Mission Viejo
- Google News: Jewelry Store Robberies in California
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
