Surveillance video screenshot of armed robbery. Suspects Christopher Salmeron and Timothy Harvey. Photos by San Pablo PD
$45,000 Rolex watch stolen outside
By San Pablo Police Department
On March 3rd, 2023 at 4:19 p.m., officers responded to an armed robbery of a customer in front of the H Bee Jewelry store located in San Pablo Towne Center in San Pablo. The suspects fled the scene prior to officer’s arrival. San Pablo Detectives assumed the investigation and utilized surveillance cameras within San Pablo Towne Center and public safety cameras in the surrounding areas to identify Timothy Harvey, 19-year-old Vallejo resident, and Christopher Salmeron, 26-year-old San Francisco resident, as suspects in the crime. (See video)
Through the investigation it was learned the victim was inside H Bee Jewelry in possession of a Rolex wristwatch valued at $45,000. Salmeron was also inside the store and observed the victim wearing the Rolex. Salmeron subsequently contacted Harvey and planned the armed robbery as the victim left the store. Harvey arrived at the store with an unknown associate to confront the victim outside with an AR-15 style pistol. The suspects took the Rolex from the victim and fled the scene.
Security camera footage shows the victim and suspect Christopher Salmeron inside the store. Screenshot of video by San Pablo PD
SPPD Detectives conducted weeks of surveillance to identify and locate Harvey and Salmeron. On the morning of April 5, 2023, Detectives with the assistance of the Contra Costa Safe Streets Task Force served search warrants at Harvey’s residence located in Rockwood Court, Vallejo, and Salmeron’s residence located in the 600 block of China Basin Street, San Francisco.
SPPD Detectives arrested Harvey at his home and was found in possession of the AR-15 style pistol inside which was believed to have been used in the robbery. Salmeron was arrested at his home wearing the victim’s Rolex and also in possession of a Glock-23 firearm. Both suspects were booked into Contra Costa County Jail on charges of robbery and conspiracy.
Detectives were able to return the Rolex to the victim who expressed appreciation for the exceptional police work conducted in this investigation.
The AR-15 style pistol used in robbery and recovered Rolex wristwatch. Photos by San Pablo PD
After his watch was returned to him by Detective Perino, the owner, Michael Stropes, said, “I was blown away. It brought tears to my eyes. I never thought I’d see it again and I’m just overwhelmed.”
“Can’t thank you enough. Just phenomenal work,” he added.
“These investigations are difficult to investigate,” Perino said. “But with the support of our business community we had a successful outcome.”
“It’s so great to be able to return an item back to the victim,” the detective continued. “As a whole the Investigations Division did an excellent job, and we were able to get the item back to him.”
This is considered an active investigation and anyone with information in this case is encouraged to contact the San Pablo Police Investigations Unit at 510-215-3150.
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
The police officers only investigated because the watch was expensive and was a good customer from an expensive store. If it was in a poor neighborhood that watch would’ve never been recovered.