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Viewer Tip Leads To Arrest In Jewelry Heist

POSTED: 10:38 am MST November 19, 2008
UPDATED: 10:54 am MST November 19, 2008

A quarter of a million dollars worth of jewels were stolen in just a matter of minutes from Braidy Jewelers in Anthem, and the prime suspect is now behind bars, police said.

A CBS 5 viewer tip led to the arrest of John Ortiz, 30, deputies said.

His New River house was searched and more than 30 stolen cars, ATVs and dirt bikes were found, investigators said.

The heist occurred a few weeks ago; surveillance video shows how quickly the group of three worked as they busted into the store, authorities said.

The video depicts three people riding up on dirt bikes. One of the bandits stands as a lookout while the other two smash through the glass into the store. They shattered multiple display cases, and stole expensive watches and rings while keeping their faces covered with helmets.

This is not the first time an Anthem jewelry store has been robbed. Ultra Diamonds at the Anthem Outlet mall was also hit this summer by thieves on dirt bikes. Investigators said they believe the same group is responsible.

Investigators said they have tracked down some of the stolen jewels, and at least one source has said that this group may be connected to even bigger, more dangerous crimes here in the Valley.

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