Witness Finds Stolen Diamond With Metal Detector

Published on 31/07/09

NEWINGTON — A $7,100 diamond ring stolen from a mall jewelry store by a man in a Rastafarian disguise was found by a witness using a metal detector, said police.

The theft occurred Monday at Zales jewelry store, where Yves St. Brice asked to see the engagement ring, snatched it out of a clerk's hand and led a patrolman on a chase that included St. Brice dodging cars on foot on the Spaulding Turnpike, police allege. St. Brice, 44, of 107 Intervale St., Dorchester, Mass., alleged to have been wearing a hat with fake dreadlocks attached, is charged with felony theft and is being held on $15,000 cash or surety bail.

Police Chief Jon Tretter said a witness to the police chase followed the suspect to where he was arrested, knew the route he ran and read news accounts reporting the ring wasn't recovered. A friend of Capt. Brian Newcomer, the witness, said he had access to a metal detector and asked if police wanted help finding the ring.

"First thing this morning, he went right out to the scene and within 15 minutes or so, he finds the ring, still with the store tags on it," said Tretter.

Newcomer said police recovered the ring and brought it back to Zales, where it was positively identified as the one stolen two days earlier. Its recovery means the jewelry store won't have to seek restitution from whoever is convicted for the theft, he said.