3 Arrested In Connection To Beverly Hills Smash-And-Grab

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — Authorities made three arrests related to a smash-and-grab robbery at a Beverly Hills jewelry store in March, the Beverly Hills Police Department announced Wednesday.

Authorities on Wednesday arrested Deshon Bell, of Long Beach, and a juvenile during simultaneous warrant services at three locations in Long Beach, authorities said. Both were booked on suspicion of commercial burglary and Bell also faces conspiracy charges, authorities said.

Jimmy Lee Vernon, of Gardena, was arrested suspicion of robbery by California Highway Patrol and faces federal charges, according to the Beverly Hills Police Department.

A fourth suspect, Ladell Tharpe, 36, of Los Angeles, was in custody on an unrelated offense. He faces criminal robbery charges.

The three arrests were made after a coordinated effort in Long Beach and Barstow involving the FBI, California Highway Patrol, BHPD and the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Authorities on March 22 responded to the 200 block of South Beverly Drive for a burglary investigation after six people in masks and hooded sweatshirts broke through a storefront window and removed high-end jewelry from a case, according to BHPD.

Onlookers captured the incident in a video posted to social media. The video shows multiple people in hooded sweatshirts grabbing items from a case through a broken window at Luxury Jewelry of Beverly Hills, located at 203 S Beverly Drive.

The store's owner Peter Sedghi told KTLA the thieves likely left with jewelry valued in the millions of dollars.

City News Service contributed to this report.