South Charlotte jewelry store owner fights back against armed robbers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (FOX 46 CHARLOTTE) - A south Charlotte jewelry store owner turned the tables on a would-be armed robber, hitting the person from behind on the back with a hammer.

The brazen armed robbery occurred on Feb. 5, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. at the Jewelry and Repairs Store located at 6121 South Boulevard. 

According to police, multiple suspects entered the business and stole jewelry while displaying firearms.

One of the suspects was able to get away with some pendants, rings, watches, chains, and rings, the police report states. 

The store's owner, Sandro Barreto told FOX 46 the two men entered his story demaning cash and gold.

"All of a sudden I see these two guys come in with shot guns and they tell me to not move or I'mgoing to kill you," he said. "I just stayed quiet and lifted my hands."

Barreto was able to turn the tables, hitting one of the men over the head with a hammer. He said he was traying to stall the robbers until police arrived. The experience still has him shaken.

"It's like a movie going through my head, everything that happened. I can't sleep."

Barreto said one of the men was caught by police, but the other got away with about $40,000 in gold jewelry.

"He shot two times and then he got away."

This case remains open and ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.