Irvine police were searching Thursday afternoon for a man suspected of robbing a jewelry store [Updated: a retail store] on Jeffrey Road near the Santa Ana Freeway, authorities said.
The crime occurred about 2 p.m in the 14100 block of Jeffrey Road. The robber entered the business and stole merchandise, the Irvine Police Department said.
The robber was confronted by an employee and claimed to have a gun, but no weapon was observed, Irvine Police Lt. John Hare said.
The robber fled, but may still be in the area. Police units, including a helicopter and search dogs, are looking for the man, and the department is alerting residents to the situation by using the reverse 911 system.
The robber was described as a white male in his late 30s with blond hair who was wearing a gray shirt and jeans, Hare said.
[Updated 8:28 p.m.: Jeffrey Graham, 38, of Rancho Santa Margarita, was taken into custody in connection with the robbery, police said. Costume jewelry valued at $250 was stolen but not recovered.]
— Robert J. Lopez