Oceanside CA- A bizarre highway robbery took place last night, Friday, April 25. The victim, who is an employee of “Brilliant Diamonds” in La Palma, California, was at another jewelry company in El Cajon completing a business transaction which included the purchase and trade of jewelry and precious stones. After the transactions were completed, the victim left the business and began driving back to La Palma on Interstate 5.
As he approached Harbor Drive near Oceanside, a vehicle that was traveling behind the employee, began flashing their high beam lights. Believing the driver of this vehicle was trying to alert him to a problem, the victim slowed down. As he slowed, the victim noticed another vehicle traveling alongside his driver’s side. The passenger of this vehicle displayed a handgun and motioned for the victim to pull to the side of the road. The victim immediately pulled to the shoulder of the roadway.
The vehicle that originally flashed its high beams stopped directly behind the victim and the other vehicle, with the suspect who displayed the handgun, pulled in front of the victim’s vehicle. The suspect with the handgun exited his vehicle, approached the victim and demanded jewelry and cash from the victim. The victim complied and handed the suspect an undetermined amount of jewelry and cash. The suspect returned to his vehicle and both suspect vehicles drove north bound on Interstate 5.
The victim was not injured during the robbery. The investigation is being handled by the Encinitas Detective Division.
Anyone with information about this case can call the Sheriff’s Department non-emergency line at (858)565-5200. You can remain anonymous and be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Call Crime Stoppers at (888)580-8477.