Philadelphia man indicted for Michigan jewelry store robberies
A Philadelphia man has been indicted in connection with two armed robberies at Michigan jewelry stores, including one in which Rolex watches worth $1.4 million were reported taken.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan said DNA evidence linked 42-year-old Nathaniel Pembrook to the heists.
His blood was recovered from one of the crime scenes after he was shot by the jewelry store's owner, authorities said.
Court documents say Pembrook and three others smashed cases and open safes in an attempt to steal jewelry from Medawar Jewelers in Grand Rapids, Mich., on April 22.
One of the owners of the business shot Pembrook in the right arm, court records said, and the men fled without taking any merchandise.
A few hours later, authorities said, the same group forced employees at Tapper's Diamonds and Fine Jewelry in West Bloomfield, Mich., outside Detroit, to open a case of Rolex watches.
They made off with about 130 watches, valued at $1.4 million, according to court documents.
Pembrook brandished a gun in the Grand Rapids robbery, prosecutors said. In the second heist, he didn't enter the store but surveillance footage showed another suspect carrying the same firearm.
DNA from blood found at the Grand Rapids store was used to identify him. He was indicted on robbery and firearms charges.
Pembrook is in custody in Philadelphia and will be transported to Detroit to face the charges.
215-854-2153 or ebabay@philly.com. Follow @emilybabay on Twitter.215-854-2443 or BreakingNewsDesk@philly.com. Follow @phillynews on Twitter.