Tampa police released surveillance video that shows three robbery suspects smashing glass in a jewelry store in International Plaza Tuesday.
According to witnesses, three men wearing hoodies came into Mayors Jewelry Store, smashed display cases with hammers and snatched pricey merchandise before running out of the store.
After the brazen robbery, the men left the scene in a stolen gray Dodge Sport pick up truck with chrome door handles and running boards. According to the sheriff's office, the truck had been stolen from an off-duty deputy at Brandon Mall.
An investigation is ongoing and police said they anticipate released surveillance video from inside the store later on Wednesday.
The robbery, which shocked and surprised afternoon mallgoers, prompted a huge police response and created a chaotic scene inside and outside of the mall.Some shoppers initially took the smashing glass sounds as gunshots, sending people running throughout the facility.
While shoppers fled the mall, they left shoes, glasses and other personal items behind. Those items can be picked up today at the lost & found.
At 4:01 p.m., police received a 911 call that a robbery occurred in the Rolex display section connected to the Mayors jewelry store.
Members of the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Tampa International Airport Police and the Florida Highway Patrol also responded to assist with the investigation.
Officers quickly evacuated the mall and guided the shoppers to safety, while working to secure the robbery scene. The mall was reopened at 5:15 p.m. though some stores opted to remain closed.
There were no injuries reported.
Police said the suspects are at the very least facing robbery charges. Police have not said if the jewelry store clerks were threatened, which could lead to additional charges.