A man attempted to rob a jewelry store Wednesday in Santa Monica, then fled in a vehicle before crashing into a parked car and taking off on foot.
The robbery was reported about 5:35 p.m. in the 1600 block of Montana Avenue, Lt. Saul Rodriguez of the Santa Monica Police Department said.
The suspect entered the store, grabbed some merchandise, then dropped it and fled, Rodriguez said.
The man got into a vehicle, which he crashed into a parked car in the 300 block of 15th Street, then fled on foot, according to Rodriguez.
A suspicious device was found in or near the vehicle and a sheriff's arson-explosives unit was summoned to investigate.
A perimeter search involving police dogs and SWAT units was begun between 14th and 15th streets and San Vicente Boulevard and Marguerita Avenue, Rodriguez said.
Area residents were advised to shelter in place and others to avoid the area.
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The suspect was described as a Hispanic man in his 30s who stands 5 feet 9 inches tall, has a thin build and was wearing dark clothing.
Suspicious activity should be reported to 911, police said.
