Gwinnett Daily Post

NORCROSS -- Using DNA left at the scene, Gwinnett County police have identified one suspect believed to be involved in a violent October smash-and-grab robbery at a Norcross pawn shop.

Officials said three black men entered Dynasty Jewelry and Loan at 5059 Jimmy Carter Blvd. on Oct. 25 under the pretense of one attempting to get a loan on a gold coin. When a worker turned his back, witnesses told police the men used weapons to hold up the store, smashing display cases and opening safes to make out with an estimated $100,000 worth of jewelry.

Thanks to DNA left at the scene, police now know that 30-year-old Loquez B. Bell is one of the suspects.

"Bell was identified and tied to this crime through DNA he left behind when he cut himself smashing a display case," Gwinnett County police spokesman Cpl. Brian Kelly said.

Warrants charging Bell with armed robbery, two counts of false imprisonment and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime were issued Wednesday.

He had not been taken into custody as of Friday evening. Police have not identified the other two suspects, also described as black men between 20 and 30 years old.

The trio was seen fleeing the scene together before splitting up in three separate vehicles near Zachary Way: a black BMW X5, a black Jaguar sedan and a silver two-door car.

Anyone with information is asked to call Gwinnett County Police at 770-513-5300.