Armed jewelry store owner chases would-be thieves away during attempted robbery

Diane Turbyfill, Gaston Gazette
·2 min read
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Store owner Michael Hennes is seen running off three suspects who attempted a smash and grab at Morris Jewelers Wednesday afternoon.
Store owner Michael Hennes is seen running off three suspects who attempted a smash and grab at Morris Jewelers Wednesday afternoon.

Seconds after three masked men entered Morris Jewelers, store owner Michael Hennes ran them back outside while pursuing them with a gun in hand.

Hennes said he was at his desk when, out of the corner of his eye, he saw the men walk through the front door.

“I just reacted. I knew what was about to happen,” he said in an interview Thursday.

The incident happened just before 4 p.m. Wednesday at Morris Jewelers, 1301 E. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia.

It was business as usual at the family-owned store when three masked men wearing hoodies and carrying hammers and bags walked into the store, one immediately smashing the glass of a jewelry case closes to the door.

A second intruder smashed another before noticing Hennes pointing a gun at them and telling them to leave. The trio darted outside.

In surveillance footage, Hennes is seen following the men out of the store.

He said in an interview, he hoped to get a license plate number as the men fled.

Unfortunately, the vehicle did not have a visible tag, he said.

In the end, Hennes said he was happy he was able to defend his business, customers and staff, and he was glad no one was hurt.

The suspects did not leave with any merchandise.

According to a police report, damage is estimated at about $7,000.

Hennes said Morris Jewelers is a third-generation family business, beginning with his grandfather and uncle, later his father, and now he and his brother run the operation.

“(This business) is everything to me. This business has supported three generations of our family plus our employees,” he said. “I'm going to do everything I can to protect our business, our staff and our property.”

Hennes said he hopes this incident convinces the men involved, and others, to think twice before stealing rather than earning what they have.

He also hopes the police are successful in finding those involved.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Jewelry store owner chases would-be thieves away during smash & grab