Camas Police investigate theft at Runyan’s Jewelers

A ring valued at approximately $5,000 was stolen from Runyan’s Jewelers Wednesday, and recovered shortly afterward — thanks to a quick thinking employee and helpful individuals in the downtown Camas area.

A suspect, described as a black male in his 30s, with a stocky build and no facial hair, ran out of the jewelry store, located at 327 N.E. Fourth Ave., at about 1:45 p.m., according to Camas Police Department Sgt. David Chaney.

Witnesses told police the suspect was wearing jeans and a blue shirt.

“One of the employees gave chase and pursued him for several blocks,” Chaney said. “With assistance from some other citizens, he was able to recover the ring without any struggle.”

The suspect in the felony theft case fled in a blue minivan, driven by a female.

“We have some very solid leads in which we are pursuing and expect to make an arrest in the near future,” Chaney said Friday.

The suspect driver, described as a white female with a thin build, would face charges as an accomplice to theft.

There were no weapons used nor implied by the theft suspect, Chaney said.

An employee, who requested that his name not be printed, said the suspect told him he was looking for an engagement ring. The employee showed him some rings valued at less than $3,000, before showing a higher-priced women’s three-stone diamond ring.

The mood changed, according to the employee, who said the suspect told him “I gotta’ go,” before pretending to put the ring down on the counter and running out the door.

The employee followed, yelling “robber,” which caught the attention of several bystanders. The suspect stopped in front of the Post Office, at 440 N.E. Fifth Ave., “scowled” back at the employee and threw the ring at him.

Anyone with additional information about the theft is asked to call the CPD at 834-4151.