MATTHEWS, N.C. — The Matthews Police Department is asking for help as they look for a man they say smashed a store display and took off with about $51,000 worth of jewelry.
Officers say the smash-and-grab unfolded on Wednesday, Jan. 26 around 8:30 p.m. Video shared by the department shows the suspect taking out a hammer inside the Kohl's on East Independence Boulevard, shattering the glass. He then runs off as someone approaches him before driving away in a car.
Matthews police say the accused thief was disguised as he did this, donning a blonde wig and wearing different clothes when he entered the store. His actual appearance was described as a man with a slim build and dark hair.
According to photos provided by police, the suspect enters wearing a dark-colored baseball cap with the letters "BRXTN" on them while wearing the blonde wig and a solid navy blue hoodie. However, the suspect is then spotted after changing into a Charlotte Hornets hoodie and a blue-and-white baseball cap. Both times, he appears to be wearing the same red-and-blue patterned face mask.
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Surveillance photos also captured the suspected thief's getaway car. Police are looking for a silver 2011 BMW sedan with Pennsylvania tag LVG-9701. The car took off down Sam Newell Road when it was last spotted by cameras.
Anyone with information is asked to call Matthews officers at 704-847-5555.