Police interview Churchill Jewelers employees and workers at other State Street businesses
Tyler Hayden

A group of masked men robbed Churchill Jewelers in downtown Santa Barbara this morning, smashing the store’s front display cases and making off with an unknown amount of merchandise. Employees called police at 10:15 a.m. and reportedly told detectives that one of the suspects was holding a hammer and another was armed with a gun.

A Churchill Jewelers employee inspects a smashed display case
Tyler Hayden

KEYT is reporting that a “Be On The Lookout” has been issued for a black Infinity vehicle with four people possibly heading towards the Santa Ynez Valley. That information could not be confirmed as authorities declined to offer additional details on the incident. City police are currently canvassing State Street businesses in the area and conducting interviews, and Churchill Jewelers put a sign on its door that says the store will be closed for the rest of the day.

This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.

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