In a highly calculated heist that left employees and customers in fear, the FBI has now offered a $15,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of suspects in an armed robbery at Merriam Jewelers in Dearborn, Michigan. The robbery, which took place last summer, involved masked suspects who used intimidating tactics, including wielding firearms and using customers as human shields. The brazen robbery has since been connected to a string of similar incidents across the Midwest, prompting a coordinated investigation led by the FBI.

Masked Suspects Target Dearborn Jewelry Store

The shocking crime occurred during business hours at Merriam Jewelers, where the assailants, wearing realistic old-man masks and gray wigs, burst into the store brandishing firearms. Witnesses recall the perpetrators holding a distinctive blue bag filled with tools, including hammers, which they used to shatter display cases. Within minutes, they managed to seize up to $250,000 worth of gold and other valuable jewels. Employees and customers, some used as shields, were forced to stand by helplessly as the robbers took control of the store.

Ali Alizadeh, the son of the store’s owner, recounts the chilling experience of the gun-wielding suspects who threatened everyone present. He expressed how terrifying the situation was, stating that the robbers fired their weapon as part of their intimidation tactics. Alizadeh’s father responded by firing a round into the ceiling in an attempt to scare the suspects away without injuring them. This action gave Ali and others the opportunity to dive for cover, seeking safety in the back of the store.

Connections to Other Robberies Across the Midwest

The FBI investigation reveals that the Dearborn robbery was not an isolated incident. The suspects are believed to be involved in at least three other jewelry store robberies in the Midwest, including two in the Chicago area and one in St. Louis. The pattern observed in these cases—armed suspects in realistic masks, wielding rifles and using quick, aggressive tactics—has led authorities to suspect an organized crime group may be responsible.

The FBI acknowledges that the group likely has additional members beyond those directly committing the robberies. Investigators believe that lookouts and other accomplices may play roles in coordinating the crimes. Their method of entering stores in broad daylight with firearms drawn indicates a high level of comfort and preparation. The suspects’ use of Halloween-style masks allows them to conceal their identities while instilling fear among employees and customers.

One Arrest Made in Connection to Chicago Robberies

In a breakthrough for the case, authorities have arrested Ahmad Allen in connection with two of the Chicago-area robberies. However, the FBI has not yet confirmed Allen’s involvement in the Dearborn heist or the St. Louis robbery. Investigators are now focusing on identifying and apprehending additional suspects tied to the crime ring, which they believe is responsible for the four robberies spanning across Illinois, Missouri, and Michigan. With the group’s repeated use of firearms and threatening tactics, the FBI warns that the suspects are “armed and dangerous.”

Suspects’ Dangerous Use of Firearms Heightens Public Concern

Throughout these incidents, the robbers have brandished firearms, including AR-style rifles, which were prominently visible in security footage captured during the Dearborn robbery. Authorities remain concerned for public safety, as the suspects have not hesitated to use their weapons to intimidate store employees and customers. While no injuries have been reported so far, the FBI stresses the high risk posed by the suspects’ willingness to draw weapons in public settings.

Dearborn’s robbery was particularly alarming due to the presence of multiple customers at the time of the heist. The criminals reportedly pointed their firearms at customers and employees alike, forcing them to stay put as they ransacked the store’s display cases. This violent approach has prompted federal agents to offer the $15,000 reward in the hope of securing information that could prevent future incidents.

FBI Seeks Public Assistance to Apprehend Suspects

The FBI is urging the public to assist in identifying the suspects involved in these robberies. With a reward of $15,000 on the table, the agency encourages anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that the suspects’ continued activity poses a serious threat to public safety. Tips can be submitted by calling the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or through the bureau’s online tip portal.

The FBI’s efforts in this case reflect their commitment to addressing violent crimes that endanger citizens and disrupt local businesses. By releasing details of the suspects’ modus operandi, the agency hopes to engage the public in a widespread effort to bring these criminals to justice.