Santa Barbara 19-year-old man booked on 6 charges following attempted robbery on State Street jewelry store

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.— Santa Barbara police say a 19-year-old Santa Barbara man tried to Rob Bella Rosa Galleries and Gillio Coins Wednesday, and it drew a rapid response from police. 
  
Business owner Alfonso Espino was working next door to Bella Rosa Galleries and Gillio Coins Wednesday afternoon when he said he heard loud thumping. 
  
“As I was walking, I noticed people running out of the jewelry store. So that's what kind of alarmed me. And I was under the impression that there was some kind of smash and grab or something going on like that,” said Espino, who is the owner of Hempwise.
 
Espino says police arrived within minutes of his 9-1-1 call. 
 
He caught a quick glimpse of the suspect. 
 
“He had his face covered. So it's hard to really tell. He had a hat and a bandana over his face, but not a big guy,” said Espino.
 
Police say the 19-year-old man went into the State Street storefront with a BB or pellet gun and demanded jewelry.
 
He got into a bloody fight with an employee.
 
“I heard really intense screaming and I heard them calling the police. We brought people inside that were coming for the meeting and a woman who was in the store next to us also came in to drink some water and I calmed down,” said Dune Coffee Roasters Barista Makena Hardin.
 
Officers broke up the fight, and the suspect and employee were hospitalized.
 
The store was closed on Thursday, but many people stopped by to check in on the owner and those involved. 
 
“I was worried about it because knowing Joe, I—I thought it might be a situation where he might have been injured. I hope not,” said Steven Frank, who lives in Santa Barbara. 

The 19-year-old was booked for 6 charges, including attempted robbery, burglary and felony battery.
  
His bail has been set at $1 million. 

In a statement Saturday, Aug. 10th, Directors of the Belrose Estate Jewelers said:

"Our family-owned jewelry store experienced an attempted robbery on Wednesday, the 7th of August. We are relieved to report that all of our employees and customers are safe and healthy. Thanks to the quick actions of our focused staff, all clients were swiftly guided outside to safety and the subject was detained until law enforcement arrived on the scene. We are grateful to the SBPD for their swift response and actions.

This is the first such incident in our 20 years of operation at this location. In light of this event, we are taking immediate steps to further enhance security measures with the addition of full time security personnel. The safety and well-being of our staff and clients remain our top priority.

We welcome shoppers whether buying, selling or appraising fine jewelry and antiques. We are committed to continuing our legacy of serving the community with the highest level of dedication and care that has defined our business for over 50 years. Thank you for your continued trust, confidence and loyalty."

Directors AJ & Sarena