LAUDERHILL, Fla. – Police have arrested a man who was caught robbing a jewelry store in Lauderhill.
The robbery happened on Wednesday at Immanuel Jewelry Store, 1315 N. State Road 7.
Lauderhill police said that the male suspect was identified as 18-year-old Everton Francis.
According to the affidavit, Francis walked up to the counter asking to see a chain with a pendant valued at $4,500.00.
Investigators said the jewelry store employee set the piece of jewelry on the counter, and Francis grabbed the chain and fled on foot.
One witness told Local 10 News that Francis was trying to steal some chains from the store.
After the suspect ran out of the jewelry store, a foot chase with armed mall security ensued.
Police said the Francis darted into the Rainbow clothing store where shoppers told Local 10 News that the suspect pulled out a gun and started screaming at other shoppers.
“He was spitting on people, screaming and stuff like that,” said a witness.
Authorities said Francis slammed into a glass door in the Rainbow clothing store, trying to open it and escape but the door was locked.
According to investigators, Francis pulled out a gun, but mall security was able to restrain him until Lauderhill police arrived.
“It was a very dangerous situation that was definitely handled,” said another witness.
Authorities said the gun and the stolen chain with the pendant were recovered.
There were no reported injuries.
Francis was taken to the Lauderhill Police Department for processing and was later transported to BSO Main Jail without incident, authorities said.
According to his arrest report, Francis is facing multiple charges which include one count of grand theft with a firearm, one count of robbery with a firearm and one count of carrying a concealed firearm.