A 32-year-old man was caught on camera snatching two pairs of diamond earrings worth over R14 million from Tiffany & Co. Photo: Screenshot: Fox35
Image: Screenshot
A 32-year-old man who entered a jewelry store under the pretense of wanting to make a purchase, was arrested after he allegedly swallowed two diamond earrings worth $769,500 (over R14 million).
Jaythan Lawrence Gilder entered Tiffany & Co. at the Mall of Millenia in Florida, United States without an appointment and claimed to be representing an unknown Orlando Magic player.
Fox35 reported that Gilder was ushered into a VIP room, where he examined several exquisite pieces of jewellery.
Under the cover of what appeared to be a legitimate interest, he suddenly grabbed the earrings and attempted to flee the store. In a harrowing struggle, he overpowered the employees who attempted to stop him, making his way out of the store with the jewels in hand.
One of the workers was injured during the struggle.
The broadcaster added that police managed to identify Gilder's car after driving out of the mall, and he was spotted driving towards Texas.
Jaythan Lawrence Gilder allegedly swallowed earrings worth R14 million. Photo: Screenshot/Fox235
Image: Fox35
Traffic officers managed to stop while driving on the highway, and that's when he swallowed the earrings.
At the police station, officers performed a live scan and noticed foreign objects in his stomach.
The TV station reported that police found Tiffany & Co. earring forms, price tags, receipts, and a cell phone in his vehicle.
It was further reported that Gilder has a history of theft dating back to 2012 primarily targeting high-end jewellery stores.
His previous offences include smash-and-grab incidents, and despite a recent two-year sentence, he served only 193 days before re-offending. Alarmingly, the broadcaster reported that he has 43 outstanding arrest warrants in Colorado.
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