The violent-but-daring daytime robbery of a Kernersville jewelry store has local police asking for public help. The owner of BC Jewelry and Gifts told police that two armed men entered the store around nine in the morning on Feb. 16 and demanded money and jewelry. The owner tried to fight back and reach one of the weapons he keeps in the store for protection, but he was struck and tied up. He told police and a local news station that he feared for his life and for the life of his wife, also in the store during the robbery.

After the owners were tied up -- and one of them was struck in the back of the head with the butt of a shotgun -- the robbers took only about three minutes to clear the store of at least $30,000 in money, jewelry and loose diamonds.

A detective with the Kernersville Police Department is asking for the public's help in finding the suspects, saying that even though the department is "going to relentlessly pursue these guys," but he hopes that the police will "hear things from people out on the street."

North Carolina police and other law enforcement agencies do not take robbery involving weapons lightly. The suspects in this matter will face serious charges if they are apprehended. In their case, it may be helpful to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. By obtaining a solid understanding of their rights and options under the law, they may be better equipped to protect their freedom.

Source: Fox 8 WGHP, "$30K in gold, diamonds stolen from Kernersville store," Joe Borlik, Deven Swartz and Mitch Carr, Feb. 16, 2012