2 Men Arrested In Smash-And-Grab Robbery At Mission Viejo Jewelry Store

MISSION VIEJO (CBSLA.com) — Two men have been arrested in connection with an armed robbery at a jewelry store in Mission Viejo.

Devan Howard, 18, and Levon Michael Tippit, 23, both of Inglewood, were arrested Wednesday at their homes in connection with a smash-and-grab robbery at Fredric H. Rubel jewelry store inside The Shops at Mission Viejo on Oct. 21, Orange County sheriff's officials said.

During the robbery, four suspects forcibly stole several watches and jewelry items from inside the glass display cases. Much of the stolen jewelry was later discarded by the suspects on the side of the San Diego (405) Freeway about 30 minutes after the robbery, sheriff's officials said.

Much of the stolen jewelry had been recovered after it was thrown onto the freeway.

Authorities say that as search warrants were executed at Tippit and Howard's homes, investigators recovered two stolen handguns as well as other items believed to have been used during the robbery.

Both men, who have been arrested on suspicion of robbery and are being held without bail, are scheduled to make their first court appearance Friday.

Additional suspects are being sought in the robbery.

Anyone with information about the robbery or other possible suspects can call Orange County Sheriff's Department at (714) 647-7000.