Police arrest suspect in daring downtown robbery

By By Fredie Carmichael/staff writer
Jan. 11, 2002
Meridian police arrested a suspect Thursday in the daring closing-time robbery one day earlier of LaBiche Jewelers on Eighth Street in downtown.
Detective Deano Harper, Meridian Police Department spokesman, said officers arrested the suspect shortly after the robbery and will "more than likely charge him with grand larceny." Harper would not release the suspect's name.
Harper said police are still investigating the crime in which a black man broke a glass jewelry case at the store and walked away with an undisclosed piece of jewelry.
Teresa LaBiche, owner of the jewelry store, was preparing to close the store shortly before 5 p.m. Wednesday when the suspect suddenly entered the shop.
While the suspect walked around the store, LaBiche said, he began to worry her.
LaBiche said the suspect looked at rings, watches and gold chains. Then, LaBiche said, "he headed for the door."
As the suspect fled the store on foot, LaBiche said, she screamed because "I wanted someone outside to hear me." LaBiche said a co-worker called 911.