Crime & Safety
Stolen Rolex Watches Recovered
The Palm Desert jewelry store was among several businesses targeted by two thieves, San Diego detectives allege.
More than $1 million in watches stolen from a Palm Desert jewelry store and several other businesses around the state have been recovered by San Diego detectives.
Investigators received a tip on Friday that a cache of Rolex watches were at an apartment in San Diego, San Diego police Lt. Andra Brown told 10news.com.
The detectives determined the large amount of watches were taken during robberies around the state, including Palm Desert, San Diego, Costa Mesa and San Jose, according to police.
Find out what's happening in Palm Desertwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Ryan McKnight, 34, and Robert Chavira, 40, who were arrested in November near Little Italy in San Diego, police said previously.
They are accused of using sledge hammers to shatter jewelry cases and take the expensive watches, the San Diego news station reported.
Find out what's happening in Palm Desertwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The men were arrested the same day as a heist of $60,000 to $70,000 from the Barona Casino, and they are suspected in that robbery.
In the Palm Desert robbery, the men, who were out on parole, allegedly entered armed with rifles on Oct. 26.
The men could face life in prison if convicted.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
