2 arrested in brazen OC jewelry heist

MISSION VIEJO, Calif. (KABC) -- Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the armed robbery of a jewelry store at The Shops in Mission Viejo.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department said 18-year-old Devan Howard and 23-year-old Levon Tippit, both of Inglewood, were taken into custody on Wednesday.

Deputies said Howard, Tippit and two other suspects wore masks and at least one had a handgun as they robbed Fredric H. Rubel Jewelers on Oct. 21.

Surveillance video released by the sheriff's department showed four suspects using sledgehammers to smash through multiple glass displays and quickly grab items out of the cases.

When the suspected robbers fled, witnesses reported that bags of jewelry were being thrown from a vehicle on the 405 Freeway near the Beach Boulevard exit about 20 miles from the robbery location.

Investigators located the bags and determined the items were from the robbery.

During the arrest of Howard and Tippit, officials said two stolen handguns as well as other items believed to have been used in the robbery were confiscated.

Howard and Tippit both face charges of robbery and are being held without bail at the Orange County Jail. They are scheduled to appear in court on Friday.

Investigators are still attempting to identify the two other suspects wanted in the robbery.

If you have any information that can help officials, you are urged to call the Orange County Sheriff's Department at (714) 647-7000.