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Investigators say a woman walked into Warner Jewelry Company in northwest Fresno, asked to see a $20-thousand dollar diamond, and then ran out of the store with it.
A law enforcement officer in an unmarked vehicle saw the commotion and chased the getaway car. The SUV ran a red light at Bullard and Van Ness and rolled over when it hit another car. Two of the three people in the getaway car were arrested.
Now Warner Company is saying thanks by auctioning off the diamond and giving all of the proceeds to the Fresno Police Chief's Foundation.
The diamond is a 2-karat, princess cut gem. It will be auctioned off in a live auction on eBay - starting November 11th.
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PRESS RELEASE:
A week ago a woman went into Warner Company Jewelers in Northwest Fresno and asked to see a loose diamond valued at $20,000. When the clerk gave it to her for a closer look the woman ran out the door and got into a getaway car.
After this, an amazing turn of events led to the apprehension and arrest of the suspect and one of her accomplices. A Tulare County Sherriff's Officer in an unmarked police car was in the Warner Company parking lot. He saw the suspect and gave chase. After a dangerous pursuit, the suspect's car crashed in front of an active duty police officer's home and two of the three individuals in the car were apprehended by the Tulare County Officer and a retired Fresno Police Officer, who happened to be standing across the street from the crash scene.
Warner Company was so thankful to all of the officers involved that they have decided to auction off the diamond and give all of the proceeds to the Fresno Police Chief's Foundation. "We are fortunate to have one of the finest police departments in the state", said Don Wolfe, President of Warner Company. "We hope this $20,000 gift can help keep our community safe."
The Fresno Police Chief's office is awestruck by this donation. "We are extremely grateful to the Warner Company for their generosity and willingness to assist the Fresno Police Department in these difficult economic times. These monies will not only benefit the Fresno Police Department but the citizens of Fresno as well," Chief Dyer said.
The diamond has been named "The Lucky Diamond" and will be auctioned off - starting November 11, 2010. All information about the auction, as well as a photo of the diamond and a video of the getaway is available at www.theluckydiamond.com.
