Gunman Strikes Precious Metals

An armed robber stormed Pacific Precious Metals in Mill Valley this morning and made off with more than $10,000 in cash.

Mill Valley Police, working with other area agencies, are searching for a 6-foot-3 light-skinned black or hispanic male adult, weighing approximately, 230 pounds. The suspect was wearing blue jeans, a black sweatshirt, black mask and white surgical gloves at the time of the robbery at 10:14 a.m.

The business was open when the suspect entered and forced employees to open the safe at gunpoint, according to Sgt. Michael Lane.

He was seen taking off the mask as he hopped over the fence behind the store at 420 Miller Ave. He was carrying a black semi-automatic handgun. He was last seen heading on foot toward Reed and Ethel streets.

Building owner Barbara Chambers, of Chambers and Chambers Architects, was, to say the least, surprised to see the man fleeing as she was meeting with a client. She said she's never heard of such an incident in Mill Valley.

Units from Twin Cities, Sausalito, Tiburon, and the Marin County Sheriff's Office assisted in the search, which was called off at about 12:15 p.m., according to Lane. 

The store buys and sells gold, silver and other valuable pieces. Owners closed the store during the investigation.

No one was injured in the robbery, Lane said.