(KMJ) – Three suspects are now in custody in connection to the February 8th smash-and-grab robbery inside the Merced Mall.
According to investigators, 20-year-old Andrew Maravilla-Lopez, 19-year-old Maurice Sweet, and 18-year-old Michael Earle, who are all from the Bay Area, were arrested April 14th. Merced police say they were part of a group who stole roughly $200,000 worth of merchandise from Prestigio Jewelry at the Merced Mall.
At the time of the arrest, officials say they recovered two assault weapons, ghost guns, and tools for building guns.
The Merced Police Department says 12 other suspects participated in the smash-and-grab that took place on February 8th, but they have yet to be identified.
Investigators say the suspects used sledgehammers and other tools to break display cases filled with jewelry and ran towards a vehicle that was waiting for them.
Multiple agencies have reported that the group is involved in targeting jewelry stores mostly out of the Bay Area and the three suspects were booked into the Santa Clara County Jail for vandalism, conspiracy, and robbery.
Anyone with information regarding the smash-and-grab that took place at the Merced Mall can call Merced Police at (209) 388-7829.
