Jeweler Injured In Columbian Gang Robbery - Oct.2008

Police said they believe that a violent robbery of a jewelry traveling salesman in suburban Chicago was the work of Colombian gangs, reports say.

On Sept. 11, a 51-year-old jewelry dealer was robbed by at least three men of $1.5 million in broad daylight. When the dealer from Florida resisted, the men slashed his wrist and stabbed him in the thigh, Schiller Park police told a reporter, adding that it appeared they were trying to cut major veins and arteries and he may not have survived the attack save for Hampton Inn employees who rushed to his aid.

The dealer is reported to be in serious but stable condition.

Police said they suspect the dealer may have been followed to Chicago from Florida or that the crooks worked in teams, one following the victim in Florida and another team following him in Chicago, the reports say.v